Documentary Series Premieres on November 17, 2023, at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College
Puerto Ricans have made indelible contributions to the rich tapestry of the United States, shaping the nation's cultural, political, and social landscape. In recognition of their profound impact, HITN-TV, the nation’s leading Spanish-language media source for educational and cultural programming, is thrilled to announce its second annual Puerto Rican Heritage Month celebration. This year, the network is paying tribute to Puerto Rican trailblazers who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond with the captivating historical series “Puerto Rican Heritage.”
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According to Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, "As we celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month, HITN, a 43-year-old Puerto Rican-founded and led organization, continues its mission to educate and entertain; to tell our community’s stories, and to offer a window that allows others to see into our world.”
The documentary series is set to premiere on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. ET, in an exclusive screening hosted at the renowned Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College. The event promises to be an inspiring and culturally enriching experience for all attendees, bringing to light the remarkable stories of these outstanding individuals. Following the premiere, the series will be available on HITN-TV and on the HITN GO app.
HITN-TV is proud to introduce this year's honorees:
Billy Ocasio, Chicago - Serving as the President and CEO of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture for the past nine years, Billy has been a driving force in preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Puerto Rican community. Prior to his museum leadership, Ocasio was a 26th Ward Alderman for 15 years and continued his commitment to social justice issues after leaving the Chicago City Council.
Hon. José Rivera, New York - An elected official who served in the New York State Assembly and City Council for over four decades, José has been a steadfast advocate for his constituents in the Bronx. His dedication to public service, spanning from his years in the New York City Council to his time in the State Assembly, has left an unforgettable mark on the community.
Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, Los Angeles - Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas is the first Puerto Rican and Latina president and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), where she has worked tirelessly to elevate the institution to international prominence. Prior to her current role, Dr. Ramos-Rivas led the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, one of the largest and most prominent Latin American cultural institutions.
Hon. Olga A. Méndez, New York (posthumous award) - Olga Aran Méndez made history as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to a state legislature in the United States when she became a member of the New York State Senate in 1978. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to public service continue to inspire generations.
Irmgard Iglesias Delgado and Ramón Figueroa Sorrentini, Puerto Rico - Irmgard and Ramón, retired educators, have spent the past 25 years organizing the Comité de Trabajo y Apoyo a Vieques and the Festival Reyes Magos de Vieques. Their tireless efforts have benefited countless schoolchildren in Vieques by raising funds for school supplies and hosting the annual Three Kings Festival.
For more information about the documentary series and the special screening at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, please visit https://www.hitn.org/hitn-celebrates-puerto-rican-heritage-month/.
About HITN-TV
HITN-TV is a leading Spanish-language media company that offers educational and cultural programming for the whole family. It reaches more than 44 million homes in the United States and Puerto Rico through DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, AT&T TV, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink, Prism and Altice, Liberty Cable & Claro (Puerto Rico). Download the "HITN GO" Everywhere app available on Apple, Android, Apple TV, and Roku® with a wired subscription. For more information, visit: www.hitn.org and follow @HITNtv on social platforms.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115451259/en/
Contacts
Naomi Rivera / nrivera@hitn.org
