The bicentennial of Latino newspapers in the U.S. was honored by USC Annenberg with a new exhibit, film preview and panel discussing the newspapers’ Voices for Justice on Sept. 30.
The evening featured a preview of the documentary Voices for Justice: The Enduring Legacy of the Latino Press in the U.S., the opening of a month-long Annenberg exhibit of Latino newspapers and the stories they reported, and a panel of experts discussing the growing influence of U.S. Latinos and their media.
On the program hosted by Dean Ernest J. Wilson III was Mónica Lozano, publisher and CEO of La Opinión and a USC Trustee; Nicolás Kanellos, University of Houston professor, author of Hispanic Periodicals in the United States and founder of Arte Publico Press; and Raymond Telles, Berkeley documentary filmmaker and winner of three Emmys.
“The bicentennial of Latino newspapers gives us an opportunity to dig into journalism’s ‘forgotten pages’ to share their headlines, news and commentaries since 1808,” said Félix F. Gutiérrez (pictured, right), professor of journalism, communication and American studies and ethnicity, who moderated the program. Gutiérrez teaches a class on Latino news media in the United States at USC.
The bilingual 24-panel exhibit of photographs, pictures, headlines and articles will be on display through Oct. 30 on the second floor of Annenberg’s East Lobby. The Annenberg building is open weekdays and evenings.
The exhibit shows how 19th-century U.S. Latino newspapers advocated Latin American independence, adapted to the U.S. conquest of the Southwest after 1848, acquainted newcomers with U.S. ways through the 20th century, served as voices for new leaders and advocates in the mid-20th century and now use new technologies to reach larger audiences.
“This exhibit and film dispel any illusion that Latinos in the United States have been a sleeping giant,” Gutiérrez said. “It shows how literate and active people have envisioned a life for themselves in the U.S. and used First Amendment freedoms to make it happen for more than 200 years.”
Bicentennial of U.S. Latino newspapers honored by exhibit, film and panel at USC Annenberg
September 28, 2009
Updated November 18, 2016 5:38 p.m.