John Leguizamo's 'VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos' Shines a Light on Overlooked Latino Contributions

Actor and filmmaker John Leguizamo has embarked on a new and ambitious project with the three-part documentary series 'VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos,' which premiered on September 27, 2023, on PBS. This series is a continuation of Leguizamo's passion for uncovering and celebrating the rich and often overlooked history of Latino people, a journey that began with his Tony-nominated play 'Latin History for Morons'.

In 'American Historia,' Leguizamo takes viewers on a captivating journey through thousands of years of Latino history, from the Ancient Empires of the Inca and Aztec to the present day. The series aims to create a new visual 'history book' that accurately represents the incredible contributions of Latino people, not just to the United States but also to global technological and scientific advances.

Creative Vision and Production

The creative vision for the series was to make it visually dynamic and engaging for all kinds of viewers. Leguizamo and director Ben DeJesus, who is also an executive producer, worked closely with a team of historical advisors to ensure the accuracy and depth of the content. The series combines cultural travel segments, visits to historical sites, and interviews with notable historians and Latino cultural figures, all presented in an entertaining and enlightening manner.

Historical accuracy was paramount, with extensive research and fact-finding missions that involved consulting dozens of academic experts. This meticulous approach was praised by historians such as Jos Moya, Davd Carrasco, and Mara Elena Fernndez, who commended the series for its engaging, informative, and insightful portrayal of Latino history.

Episode Breakdown

The series is divided into three episodes, each focusing on a different era of Latino history. The first episode, 'Echoes of Empires,' explores the accomplishments and rise of the Great Empires in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, including the Taino, Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. This episode challenges the traditional narrative around the 'discovery' of the New World and highlights the enduring influence of these societies on culture, agriculture, and science.

The second episode, 'Threads in the American Tapestry,' delves into how Latino DNA has been integral to the identity of the United States since its inception. Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos have made pivotal contributions to the fabric of American society. This episode highlights key figures and events that showcase the significant role Latinos have played in building the United States.

The final episode, 'Solidarity in a New Era,' explores the rise of the United States as a new empire and the profound contributions Latinos made to its development. Leguizamo reflects on his journey, emphasizing that Latino history is not an asterisk in American history but an integral part of it.

Impact and Reception

The series has been praised for its ability to make Latinx people visible in U.S. history, particularly at a time when they are often maligned and criminalized. Mara Elena Fernndez noted that 'American Historia' serves as essential education for those who are unaware of the integral value of Latinx people in the social, political, and economic development of the U.S..

The use of AI technology in generating images and supporting storytelling initiatives has also been highlighted as an innovative aspect of the series. However, it is the human touch and the passion of the storytellers that have made 'American Historia' a compelling and educational watch.

For those interested in learning more about the historical context of the series, the history of Latin America provides a rich backdrop for understanding the contributions and experiences of Latino people.

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