WNED Classical Blog
There are about 54 million Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. WNED PBS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting the diversity of voices and experiences within the Hispanic and Latino/a communities.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month has been honored annually in the United States since 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson first launched it as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to last the four weeks from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
WNED PBS pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have enriched American society and culture with programs airing on WNED PBS and streaming online.
WBFO The Bridge's Crespo is featuring Hispanic artists on his show on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16 at 7pm to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Listen throughout September and October as The Bridge continues the celebration.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, WNED Classical will showcase the work and the stories of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have helped make music what it is today. From the great composers to the performers that bring the music to life, we look forward to sharing it all with you in September and October on WNED Classical.
Hispanic Heritage Programming on WNED PBS | Schedule
Sunday, September 10
Saturday, September 16
Los Hermanos/The Brothers | Preview
LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS offers a nuanced, often startling view of estranged nations through the lens of music and family. Watch Sunday, September 10 at 4:30 pm.
La Frontera with Pati Jinich | Miles from Nowhere | From Dos Laredos to Mars | Preview
Chef Pati Jinich explores places and food from El Paso and Juarez to Big Bend National Park. Watch Tuesday, September 16 at 3pm.
Sunday, September 17
VOCES
American Exile | Preview
Two brothers who fought in Vietnam are among thousands of veterans who are being deported. Watch Sunday, September 17 at 11pm.
Monday, September 18
Independent Lens
Dolores | Preview
Who is Dolores Huerta? One of the most important, yet least known activists of our time, Dolores Huerta was an equal partner in founding the first farm workers union with César Chávez. Tirelessly leading the fight for racial and labor justice, Huerta evolved into one of the most defiant feminists of the 20th century — and she continues the fight to this day, in her late 80s. With unprecedented access to this intensely private mother of 11, Peter Bratt’s film Dolores chronicles Huerta’s life from her childhood in Stockton, California to her early years with the United Farm Workers, from her work with the headline-making grape boycott launched in 1965 to her role in the feminist movement of the ’70s, to her continued work as a fearless activist. Watch Monday, September 18 at 2am.
Singing Our Way to Freedom | Preview
SINGING OUR WAY TO FREEDOM chronicles the life and music of Ramon "Chunky" Sanchez, from his humble beginnings as a farmworker in Blythe, California to the dramatic moment when he received one of our nation's highest musical honors at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Chunky’s arc of transformation from marginalized farm kid to charismatic social activist shows how one person can mobilize people to change the world. Watch Monday, September 18 at 4am.
Tuesday, September 19
Becoming Frida Kahlo | Episode 1 - Making and Breaking | Preview
Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. Episode 1, Making and Breaking- When an accident changes Frida's life, she channels pain and heartache into a new passion: painting. She meets Diego Rivera, and her creative and romantic dreams begin to take shape. Watch Tuesday, September 19 at 9pm.
VOCES
Letters to Eloisa | Preview
"Letters to Eloisa" depicts the life of Author José Lezama Lima. Watch Tuesday, September 19 at 10pm.
Thursday, September 21
VOCES
Letters to Eloisa | Preview
"Letters to Eloisa" depicts the life of Author José Lezama Lima. Watch Tuesday, September 21 at 12am.
Becoming Frida Kahlo | Episode 1 - Making and Breaking | Preview
Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. Episode 1, Making and Breaking- When an accident changes Frida's life, she channels pain and heartache into a new passion: painting. She meets Diego Rivera, and her creative and romantic dreams begin to take shape. Watch Tuesday, September 21 at 1am.
Friday, September 22
Weekend in Havana | Preview
Travel to Cuba’s vibrant, alluring and rapidly changing capital in "Weekend in Havana." Watch Friday, September 22 at 8pm.
The Latinx Photography Project | Preview
A bilingual documentary film that explores a town in rural California working to integrate two distinct ethnic and linguistic groups through photography. Watch Friday, September 22 at 10:30pm.
Cuba: A Lifetime of Passion | Preview
With unprecedented access to Cubans on both sides of the Florida Straits, CUBA: A LIFETIME OF PASSION looks at the present-day reality of the Cuban Revolution and its uncertain post-Castro future, and the conflicts that have engulfed Cuba for the past six decades. Through a series of revealing sequences shot in Cuba and the United States, as well as interviews with individuals who fall on all sides of this issue: pro-Castro Communists and oppositionists in Cuba, U.S. Department of State personnel, academics, and Cubans “stranded in exile” in Miami, this thought-provoking documentary considers Cuba’s past and future, and the legacy of a revolutionary regime that has been in power for 57 years. Watch Friday, September 22 at 2am.
Building the American Dream | Preview
In Texas, construction workers face the deadliest conditions in the country. BUILDING THE AMERICAN DREAM is a feature documentary that follows three immigrant families who are rising up to seek justice and equality in an industry rife with exploitation. Watch Friday, September 22 at 3am.
VOCES | Preview
Produced by Latino Public Broadcasting, the acclaimed PBS documentary series VOCES features the best of Latino arts, culture and history and shines a light on current issues that impact Latino Americans. Devoted to exploring the rich diversity of the Latino experience, VOCES presents new and established filmmakers and brings their powerful and illuminating stories to a national audience. Watch Friday, September 22 at 4am.
Saturday, September 23
La Frontera with Pati Jinich | Miles from Nowhere | From Dos Laredos to Mars | Preview
Chef Pati Jinich explores places and food from El Paso and Juarez to Big Bend National Park. Watch Tuesday, September 23 at 3pm.
Tuesday, September 26
Becoming Frida Kahlo | Episode 2 - Love and Loss | Preview
Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. Episode 2, Love and Loss-Now married and living in Depression-era USA, Frida sees the ugly side of capitalism, while political scandal engulfs Diego. Miscarriage and bereavement propel Frida to her greatest work yet.Watch Tuesday, September 26 at 9pm.
Saturday, September 30
La Frontera with Pati Jinich | Miles from Nowhere | From Dos Laredos to Mars | Preview
Chef Pati Jinich explores places and food from El Paso and Juarez to Big Bend National Park. Watch Saturday, September 30 at 3pm.
Tuesday, October 3
Becoming Frida Kahlo | Episode 3 - A Star is Born | Preview
Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. Episode 3, A Star is Born- Dangerous politics and turbulent love shock Frida's world, while love and trauma shape her final years. Diego and she divorce, then remarry. As her body fails her, her painting thrives. Watch Tuesday, October 3 at 9pm.
Wonders of Mexico
Forests of the Maya | Episode 1 | Preview
The seasons, wildlife and unique geology of the forests of the Yucatan Peninsula are explored. Watch Tuesday, October 3 at 12am.
Wednesday, October 4
Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World | Preview
This program traces the life and career of acclaimed guitarist and singer Eliades Ochoa, who rose to worldwide fame in the late ‘90s as an original member of the legendary international Cuban band, The Buena Vista Social Club. Over the decades, he has played with several folk groups and dedicated his life to celebrating and preserving the traditional folk roots of Cuban music. Watch Wednesday, October 4 at 2am.
Los Hermanos/The Brothers | Preview
LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS offers a nuanced, often startling view of estranged nations through the lens of music and family. Watch Wednesday, October 4 at 3am.
Thursday, October 5
Becoming Frida Kahlo | Episode 3 - A Star is Born | Preview
Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. Episode 3, A Star is Born- Dangerous politics and turbulent love shock Frida's world, while love and trauma shape her final years. Diego and she divorce, then remarry. As her body fails her, her painting thrives. Watch Thursday, October 5 at 1am.
Friday, October 6
Our American Family: The Barreras | Preview
The first half of the 1900’s represents the last era of American life that, for most families, began largely unchanged from the generations that came before. OUR AMERICAN FAMILY: THE BARRERAS From the darkness of a coal mine in New Mexico to vibrant beauty under the California sun, Our American Family: The Barreras Family provides a compelling narrative of unwavering commitment to family. Life in the remote company-owned town of Madrid in the 1920s and '30s was a mixture of hard, dangerous work offset by the joy of baseball and celebrations. With the closing of the mine in the early '40s, the extended family re-established itself in southern California by living frugally and powerfully supporting one another through challenges. Watch Friday, October 6 at 10:30pm.
Monday, October 9
Esta Es Mi Casa - This Is My Home | Preview
The Hispanic community has shaped the culture of the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota. Watch Monday, October 9 at 9pm.
The Latinx Photography Project | Preview
A bilingual documentary film that explores a town in rural California working to integrate two distinct ethnic and linguistic groups through photography. Watch Monday, October 9 at 9:30pm.
Austin City Limits
Rodrigo y Gabriela | Preview
Watch Monday, October 9 at 10pm.
Tuesday, October 10
Wonders of Mexico
Forests of the Maya | Episode 1 | Preview
The seasons, wildlife and unique geology of the forests of the Yucatan Peninsula are explored. Watch Tuesday, October 10 at 12am.
Friday, October 13
Wonders of Mexico
Forests of the Maya | Episode 1 | Preview
The seasons, wildlife and unique geology of the forests of the Yucatan Peninsula are explored. Watch Friday, October 13 at 8pm.
Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World | Preview
This program traces the life and career of acclaimed guitarist and singer Eliades Ochoa, who rose to worldwide fame in the late ‘90s as an original member of the legendary international Cuban band, The Buena Vista Social Club. Over the decades, he has played with several folk groups and dedicated his life to celebrating and preserving the traditional folk roots of Cuban music. Watch Friday, October 13 at 10pm.
Saturday, October 14
Austin PBS
Taco Mafia | Preview
For decades, Austin has been a leader in creative innovation and cultural expression through music, art and cuisine. Amid rapid change, a new generation of taqueros is showing how to achieve success in a post-pandemic world, while expanding the impact that a business can have in its own community. The self-proclaimed ‘Taco Mafia’ is forging a new path through friendship, sustainability, tradition, authenticity and a commitment to give back. This docu-series reaches beyond cuisine into topics such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, immigration, cultural appropriation, gentrification and the pandemic. Watch Saturday, October 14 at 11:30pm.
Start Hispanic Heritage Month with a Celebration of Hispanic Artists
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions of Hispanic artists across genres and time. Here are individuals who have drawn from their culture to create artistic visions.
PBS NewsHour
Rita Moreno has the time of her life on stage and screen
Rita Moreno has the time of her life on stage and screen
The PEGOT (Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award) winner is an absolute treasure. Actress and singer Rita Moreno fought typecasting and industry pressure to go on to be the first Latino to win an Oscar, Tony, Emmy and a Grammy. Moreno gives her Brief But Spectacular take on a lifetime in show business in this 2015 PBS NewsHour segment. And sit tight, a documentary about Rita Moreno is in the works.
Johnny Rodriguez: The First Major Mexican American Country Music Star
Country Music
The First Major Mexican-American Country Music Star
Johnny Rodriguez would become the first Mexican-American to be a major country music star.
Johnny Rodriguez loved mariachi and was drawn to the country music songs of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and Jimmie Rodgers. Singing in both Spanish and English, he went on to have 15 consecutive Top 10 hits. Rodriguez is one of the many stories you'll hear in Ken Burns' latest film: Country Music.
Sandra Cisneros
Finding Your Roots
The Pioneers: Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros unravels her family stories in Finding Your Roots.
In her award-winning novel, The House on Mango Street, author Sandra Cisneros wrote about growing up in Chicago in a way that connected with the hearts of multi-cultural children everywhere. Her writing stirs up pride and appreciation for readers's shared Hispanic roots. In this clip from our archives, Cisneros learns more about her own past with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Finding Your Roots.
We Like it Like That
America ReFramed
We Like It Like That
Exploring 1960s music history when Bugaloo defined a new generation of urban Latinos.
Before boogaloo songs were sampled in today's popular music, they were the sound of a new generation, of the previously unheard voices of urban multi-cultural artists in New York. Just try to watch this America ReFramed documentary without breaking into a dance.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage month WNED Classical is showcasing the work and the stories of Hispanic and Latino/a performers and artists who have helped make music what it is today.
WNED Classical Blog
Hispanic Stars of this Season at the Met
WNED Classical Blog
Arturo Márquez
WNED Classical Blog
Alonso Lobo
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we will continue to spotlight the diversity of voices and experiences within the Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x communities. Which Hispanic artists have impacted you the most? What parts of the heritage and culture make you proud?
Watch Videos On Demand
Latino Americans
Premiering in 2013, The Latino Americans was the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos, who have helped shape North America over the last 500-plus years and have become, with more than 50 million people, the largest minority group in the U.S.
Latinos Are Essential
Latinos Are Essential is a collection of unique and insightful short portraits and stories about Latinos who are serving as essential workers in a wide variety of jobs and/or services across the United States, even as the COVID 19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact Latino and other communities of color.
Flavors From Home | Colombian Carne Guisada
Meet Diana & Edgar, who share their love of traditional Colombian cuisine in Buffalo, NY.
Profiles
American Masters
Jovita Idar: Mexican American Activist and Journalist
Jovita Idar was a Latina journalist who worked for an end to segregation and racism.
American Experience
Latino Ballplayers Join the Major Leagues
Roberto Clemente was a role model for Latinos in the United States.
Latino Americanos
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan habla de su herencia cubana
American Masters
Ynés Mexía: Mexican-American Botanist and Adventurer
Ynés Mexía became one of the most accomplished plant collectors of her time.
From the PBS Short Film Festival
Chilly, William’s father, is a diabetic with kidney failure, whose illness detrimentally affects his and his family’s lives. Milly sees her sole purpose in life as to taking care of her loved ones. While watching the documentary, Chilly and Milly discuss their life together, and their successes and setbacks in life. When Chilly passes away during the pandemic, Milly comes to terms with her loss.
Congratulations to filmmaker William Caballero, whose film Chilly & Milly was the winner of the 2022 Film Fest Juried Prize.
PBS Short Film Festival
Chilly and Milly
The story of a diabetic father with kidney failure and his child.
From American Masters
Discover the candid perspectives of Latine actors, writers, producers, directors, and showrunners across generations as they dissect the ever-evolving issue of Latine representation in Hollywood. Featuring Edward James Olmos, John Leguizamo, Xolo Maridueña ("Cobra Kai"), and Julissa Calderon ("Gentefied"), Peter Murrieta ("Mr. Iglesias"), Marvin Lemus ("Gentefied") and more.
This film was just awarded a 2022 Imagen Award for Best Short Film!
American Masters
Lights, Camera, Acción
Celebrate the incredible impact Latinos have made in Hollywood — past, present and future.
Explore Food and Recipes of Hispanic and Latino Cultures
Let's be honest, food is one of the most delightful ways to learn about one's culture. Food is love! Each ingredient is a note in the song that tells the history and movement of a people. The different flavors of the many Hispanic and Latino communities tell us about the environment, the pace of life, and the celebrations. And of course, there are dishes that will transport us home with just one bite. We could talk about food and how meaningful it is all day long so let us stop here and serve up some programs and documentaries that highlight the food and recipes of Hispanic and Latino cultures.
Making Buffalo Home
Flavors From Home | Colombian Carne Guisada
Meet Diana & Edgar, who share their love of traditional Colombian cuisine in Buffalo, NY.
Moveable Feast with Relish
Taos, New Mexico
Experience the history of Taos, New Mexico and sample the region’s native ingredients.
Pati's Mexican Table
Hermosillo Food Crawl
Pati spends a day in Hermosillo, visiting some of the city’s best culinary destinations.
La Frontera with Pati Jinich
What Makes the 'Ultimo Taco'
Chef Pati Jinich learns why Brownsville is known for tacos.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino? Why do we use both?
Let’s talk about Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month! Yes, we’ve been celebrating since 1988 when President Ronald Regan expanded President Lyndon Johnson’s Hispanic Heritage Week. But what does Hispanic even mean? What about Latino? Glad you asked.
When we say “Hispanic” we refer to people whose families come from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Latin America is what we understand to be South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands where Romance languages (like Spanish, Portuguese, and French) are spoken. Your linguist and polyglot friends will explain to you that Romance languages are Latin-based, that they are evolutions of Latin, hence Latin America
When we say “Latino” we refer to people whose ancestors are from one or more of the 22 countries and territories in Latin America. We use both Hispanic and Latino to be inclusive, because people from French and Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Haiti are not Hispanic but share many cultural traditions and commonalities with Spanish-speaking Latin Americans.
This is how we understand these identifying words today. But language is a living and ever-changing concept. And we create new words and definitions to match how we choose to describe ourselves and find solidarity with one other. For example, we hear more and more people use the word "Latine" as a way to describe people of Latin American descent without designating any one gender to a group of people. It is another way to be more inclusive with our language.
We also know that all of this is complicated and that some people interpret these broad terms negatively and exclusionary because they leave out the many Indigenous communities throughout Latin America who have sustained their languages, cultures, and traditions despite colonization’s efforts to eliminate them. We understand that no one term could ever accurately capture the diversity within all of Latin America and the many traditions each community has carried with them throughout the diaspora.
It's not perfect, but we do hope to find the words that celebrate and uplift the incredible history and bright future of the Latin American diaspora in the United States.
Origin of Everything
Why Do We Say "Latino"?
Danielle traces the origin of the term Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx.
Digital Classroom Resources from PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia makes it easy for teachers to integrate Hispanic Heritage Month into their lessons with a trove of curriculum-aligned videos, activities and lesson plans. These resources are designed to help students deepen their awareness of Hispanic American and Latino artists, educators, icons, and everyday people while also building a foundational understanding of the Spanish language.
Hispanic Heritage Month | All About the Holidays
Grades: K-4
There are about 54 million Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. That's a lot of people to celebrate! Use this video to show how Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated across the country with festivals and community events recognizing the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States.
Flamenco Dance Studio Filed Trip
Grades: Pre-K-3
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage and learn about Flamenco! Join Penny and the KidVision VPK kids at a Flamenco lesson. Learn about Spanish dance movements and music. Come with us and clap, snap, stomp, and express emotions with your bodies. Olé.
Grades: K-3
Salsa is an award-winning Spanish language series for young learners in kindergarten through the third grade. Puppets in familiar stories, digital graphics and animation teach the language.
Grades: K-2
Oh Noah! is designed to teach Spanish to children ages six to eight through animated videos with embedded games that help build vocabulary. Additionally, this collection includes family activity guides and a teacher webinar.
Grades: 6-12
This collection of lesson plans, videos and classroom resources invites teachers and students to explore the history, people and issues chronicled in the PBS series, Latino Americans. Along the way, it engages students in dramatic real-life stories and offers primary texts that are aligned to the New York standards.
Latino Public Broadcasting Education Collection
Grades: 4-12
Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) is the leader in the development, production, acquisition and distribution of non-commercial educational and cultural media that is representative of Latino people, or addresses issues of particular interest to Latino Americans. This collection includes educator guides, media resources, a focus on the arts, and an exploration into various historical events.
Inside Latinworks | America by the Numbers
Grades: 6-12
Dive into the Austin-based advertising firm LatinWorks, in this clip from America by the Numbers. Observe as the team puts together their award-winning multicultural ad campaigns.
Supplemental Spanish | Mini-Curriculum
Grades: 3-5
This collection includes 1000 digital resources for educators working with Spanish curriculum for grades 3-5. Each grouping includes a teacher's guide, language worksheets, audio pronunciation guides, videos, and other resources. These resources can be used throughout the school year and easily integrate into basal curriculum.
Beginning Spanish iBook (available on iTunes)
Grades: 3-5
This book brings together twenty five lesson plans with an abundance of brief, in-class activities about topics related to the Spanish language, its vocabulary and grammar, and the richness of the Spanish-speaking world’s culture.
Grades: 9-12
This collection can be used to support viewing of the documentary, The Graduates/Los Graduados, by Bernardo Ruiz, while engaging students in discussions about the struggles and triumphs of Latino and Latina students from across the U.S. and the challenges faced in the American public education system.
Alma's Way | Weekdays at 6:30am on WNED PBS
Alma's Way
Alma's Way Theme Song
Sing along with Alma and her family to the theme song for Alma's Way! Watch on WNED PBS and WNED PBS KIDS!