27 US Hispanic organizations unite to support Latino creativity during the Hollywood actors and writers strike

27 Latino organizations came together to send a message of support to Latino creativity amid the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strike.

“Stories are more than entertainment. They are a powerful tool for social change that fuels our collective movement to build a more equitable and just world for those who have historically been underrepresented or marginalized,” is among the statements that stand out in their communication.

They expressed that actors, scriptwriters, and directors are essential. “As we watch them do what they do best, we are reminded that their art influences how people think and opine about our communities, both at home and abroad.”

The group recognizes that although the changes in recent years have been encouraging, they continue to deal with the repercussions of years of being erased from screens or invisibility. “For decades, our network has advocated for a more authentic and inclusive representation of the Latino community in film and television, both in front of and behind the cameras.”

They also listed actions in support of Latino creativity and their talents, including investing in the development of creative talent and executive pipeline programs to prepare aspiring creators and a new generation of business leaders to succeed in this industry and the creation of their platforms to celebrate “Latino excellence in the media and honor the work that elevates our communities.”

They said they have served as cultural experts for studios, channels, and production companies “to ensure that their projects authentically reflect our complex diversity.”

They further alleged that they have pushed leaders to provide fair and adequate resources to their writers, directors, and talent so they can avoid unnecessary barriers in bringing their stories to life.

They noted that they have insisted on better representation within existing narratives by denouncing harmful and dangerous stereotypes. “And we have held studio leaders accountable when they make irresponsible creative decisions with serious real-world consequences.”

They expressed great expectations about this moment because they were approaching a critical inflection point for Latino representation. “As we watched the return of some of our favorite shows and characters, the launch of exciting new series and we prepared for a groundbreaking moment on the big screen: the first superhero movie directed, written, and starring by Hispanic American people (Blue Beetle). We were hoping that our long-awaited cultural moment would finally arrive.”

And they mention concern about the impact of the current double strike on artists from underrepresented communities. “Actors and screenwriters deserve a settlement protecting their work and livelihood, so we will continue to support them as they fight for better treatment and fair compensation. And as we represent a rapidly growing demographic with tremendous influence on the global cultural landscape, we will continue to recognize and celebrate their artistic excellence and invaluable role in reflecting our community and culture on screen.”

They concluded by inviting others to join their quest to multiply the work of countless Latino artists. “It is important that we support them at a time when they cannot promote their projects. Our stories are universal and must be told. We must continue to advocate for a more equal and inclusive industry that respects and honors our storytellers and stories.”

Among the organizations are, in alphabetical order, Acevedo Foundation, Alliance of Latinx Executives, Avenida Productions, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), Hispanic Coalition of Small Business (HCSB), Hispanic Federation, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, LA Collab, Latin Heat, Latino Community Foundation, Latino Film Institute, Latino Filmmakers Network, Latino Slant, LTX Connect, Luz Media, National Association of Latino Independent Producers (Nalip), National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF), Nosotros, Poderistas, The Latinx House, UnidosUS, Voto Latino and We Are All Human.