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The Untold History of Latinos

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History

John Leguizamo made news at Hollywood’s Emmy ceremony in September when he outlined the gains made by Latino representation in television over the last few years, but also called for more diversity, inclusion, and equity in the stories being told.

Leguizamo, an acclaimed Broadway and film actor, comes to PBS to embark on his quest to uncover Latino and Latina heroes and their contributions in a new three-part series, Voces American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos.

In this three-part series, Leguizamo takes viewers on a captivating journey, delving into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history and contributions, spanning thousands of years from the Ancient Empires to the early 1970s. Through this exploration, he aims to shine a light on the rich and often overlooked history of Latinos while showcasing how Latino history is American history. 

Says John Leguizamo, “If our contributions were written back into history textbooks, can you imagine how America would see us? More importantly, can you imagine how we would see ourselves?” 

Filmed on location in Mexico and throughout the U.S., American Historia features Leguizamo in conversation with over a dozen leading historians, anthropologists, authors, and experts. The series also features actors, including Benjamin Bratt, Bryan Cranston, Rosario Dawson, Laurence Fishburne, Ethan Hawke, Edward James Olmos, Rosie Perez, Liev Schreiber, reading original source materials. 

Tuesdays, beginning October 1 at 7 pm on Nine PBS and livestream; Wednesdays, beginning October 2 at 1 pm.

Stream after broadcast on the PBS app.

VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of LatinosExtended Preview
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Join John Leguizamo on a journey into the rich and often overlooked history of Latinos.

Episode Guide

Schedule is subject to change.

Episode 1: Echoes of Empires | Oct 1

Leguizamo examines the accomplishments and rise of the Great Empires and civilizations in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, from the Taino to the Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec, and more. Despite their being decimated by the conquistadors, these societies had an enduring influence on culture, agriculture, and the sciences. Instead of focusing on the “discovery” of a new world, the episode tells the story of the fall of the great civilizations that were already here before Columbus landed, while also challenging the cultural narrative around our understanding of these great empires and what truly led to their destruction.  

Episode 2: Threads in the American Tapestry | Oct 8

Explore how Latino DNA was woven into the identity of the U.S. before its inception and has been pivotal all along the way. Leguizamo reflects on Pre-Colonial North America, the American Revolutionary War, the Mexican American War, the Civil War, and Westward Expansion as we learn how Latino participation has influenced the course of the nation’s history. Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos were present and contributed in pivotal ways to the fabric of this nation. This episode highlights key figures and events in the colonization throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Central America, illustrating how Latinos helped build the U.S. we know today. 

Episode 3: Solidarity in A New Era | Oct 15

Leguizamo reflects on the rise of the new empire, the U.S., and the challenges faced by Latinos in preserving their cultural identity. Throughout the 20th century, Latinos were often relegated to the fringes of mainstream society. Nonetheless, they made profound contributions to the fabric of the U.S. and beyond. Young Latino activists were among the first to fight for civil liberties and equal education, while on the battlefield, Latino patriots overcame discrimination to become heroes. Reflecting on his journey, John learns that Latinos are not just an asterisk in history, but that Latino history is the history of the U.S. 

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