Hispanic Heritage Month
In our ongoing commitment to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, KCET and Union Bank honor local heroes of the Hispanic American community for their dedication and commitment to enrich the lives of others.
Nominate a 2012 Hero
For more than 40 years, Jesús Salvador Treviño's influential work as an activist, director, producer and writer continues to demystify Latino culture, history and issues to audiences worldwide. Mr. Treviño serves as a symbol of courage and a noteworthy reminder of the significance of heritage.
Regarded as the "Angel de Los Angeles" by many community members, restaurant owner Teresa Campos Hernández's spirit of giving is immeasurable and her determination is unsurpassed.
Ozomatli is a community-based Latin fusion group that formed twelve years ago as part of a local labor protest. As a group, they have won several major music awards, including three Grammy's, a Latin Grammy, a Latin Billboard award, and an Alma Award. Their unique, global sound has garnered them acclaim and fans from all over the world.
Alex Nogales, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), was born and raised in the border town of Calexico, California to a family of migrant farm workers. Mr. Nogales spent the majority of his youth traveling the length of California, picking whatever crop was in season, and often experiencing frustration with the mistreatment of the Latino immigrant community.
Lalo Alcaraz is one of the most prolific Chicano artists in the nation. He has been busy for over two decades, chronicling the political ascendancy of Latinos in America and vigorously pushing the boundaries of Chicano art in the Post-Chicano Art Era.
Sal Castro, a life-long educator, is well known for his role in the 1968 "Blowouts," the student protests against unequal conditions at schools throughout the Southern California area. His passionate activism and commitment to improving educational opportunities for Mexican-American students has defined his entire career.
Ruebén Martinez's contribution to the Latino community is defined by his dedication to his businesses, Librería Martinez Books & Art Gallery and Libros Para Niños, a children's bookstore.
Advocating on issues facing women has been a defining role for Maria S. Salinas throughout her work in the community. Along with her husband Raul F. Salinas, the couple shares her and his passion for working in underserved communities that need a voice.
From his early days as a as a staff attorney of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice representing the Latino community on matters related to voting rights and districts in the mid-1970s, to his current role presiding in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, Judge Rudolph A. Diaz has paved the way for other Latinos to strike the gavel.
Nationally recognized for her commitment to the betterment of underserved
communities in Los Angeles and beyond, Antonia Hernández joined the California
Community Foundation as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2004.
