Since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan held a White House Rose Garden ceremony to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Awards have grown into the most prestigious Hispanic honor and event in America; celebrating Hispanic pride, culture and accomplishment. Each year, the Honorees serve as a reminder through their uncommon achievements that no dream is beyond reach with hard work, vision and ganas.

After the latest Census Bureau recognized Hispanics as the largest minority in the country, the Foundation has strived to redefine the image of Hispanic Americans through the role models they promote. Under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Pedro José (Joe) Greer and President and CEO José Antonio Tijerino, the Foundation and the Hispanic Heritage Awards program provides an important service to the community by recognizing and celebrating the work of Hispanic Americans making a positive impact on the United States.

With an eye toward the future, the Honorees share the stage with the national recipients of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. These young leaders have demonstrated high levels of achievement in the classrooms and communities and are positioned as role models for their peers.

More than 35 top national Hispanic organizations host the Hispanic Heritage Awards and serve as the Honoree nominating committee. The ceremony is held annually in Washington, DC and boasts honorees like Dolores Huerta, José Feliciano, Rita Moreno, Sammy Sosa, Julia Alvarez, Carlos Gutierrez, Derek Parra, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Juan Marichal, John Leguizamo, Sandra Benitez, Ricky Martin, Isabel Allende, Sonia Manzano, Antonio Banderas, and Jaime Escalante. Diplomats, top ranking military officials, high level sponsors, politicians and business leaders are also in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding honorees. Click here to watch our Honoree Videos. Click Here to search our Honoree Bios.

For information on sponsoring the Hispanic Heritage Awards, please click here.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards have honored notable Latinos who have distinguished themselves in various fields and made an impact on America and globally. The Awards are considered the highest honor by Hispanics for Hispanics in America and takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.  Young leaders are also honored during the ceremony.  (www.TheHispanicHeritageAwards.com.) In 2011, the Hispanic Heritage Awards mark their 25th Anniversary, which is also the anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. 

The ceremony will once again take place in front of more than 1,000 business and community leaders, Congressional Members, international community, celebrities and past recipients (the program is hosted by over 45 national Latino-serving organizations). The program is unique because scientist, physicians, researchers, educators, elected officials and business leaders stand alongside cultural superstars who have distinguished themselves through service. Young leaders also take the stage during the “youth” segment of the program.  Additional events include a youth leadership summit and festive After-Party and special reception for Honorees. 

Last year, the Awardees included:  Juan Luis Guerra (Arts); Alejandro Sanz (Vision); Cong. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) (Leadership); Don Francisco (Legend); Monika Mantilla (Business); Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Sports); Jaime Escalante (posthumous for Education); and America Ferrera (Inspira).  The 2011 will be announced by mid-year. 

The Awards have traditionally been broadcast on television and the Armed Forces Network (HHF is currently in negotiations to broadcast program on television).  To commemorate the 25th Anniversary, the Awards will be adapted to serve as a multi-media, educational tool distributed by HHF to parents and partners, which include over 5,000 schools, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, libraries, among others, as a way to educate Americans about Latino role models and heroes as well as instill cultural pride while demolishing negative stereotypes. 

For video links of last year’s Honorees visit:

Alejandro Sanz Vision                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LypXHf9ZRzs

Monika Mantilla Business            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ4HIgQQ77o

Juan Luis Guerra Arts                     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwbUj2EgU0

Cong. Gutierrez Leadership         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aow4y0ZW0S4

Don Francisco Legend                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3lNdIS0qk

America Ferrera Youth                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZHTmRvXNY

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Sports         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kKZ_YcYN_M

Jaime Escalante Education          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzb78wraJpw

Performances included:

Belinda                                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9VBk-KPWVA

Jencarlos Canela                              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZM8l2oca-k

Camila                                                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZM8l2oca-k

Luis Enrique                                       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_HQST8C0I