The Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1987 by the White House to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Since then, the Hispanic Heritage Awards, has honored Latino leaders who have made a positive impact on America in various fields and served as role models.  The Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered the “highest honor for Latinos by Latinos” and take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  The program is unique in honoring cultural superstars alongside physicians, educators, public officials, community and business leaders, innovators and even young leaders, in celebration of cultural pride, leadership and achievement.  For a one-minute video please visit www.TheHispanicHeritageAwards.com. 

This fall during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Awards will once again honor another notable group of Latino leaders in Washington, DC. During this special evening HHF will produce an entertaining and emotional stage production featuring top Latino entertainers paying tribute to the 2012 Honorees.  An invitation-only audience of 1,200 community and business leaders, international community including Ambassadors, elected officials, White House officials, celebrities and representatives from more than 40 national Hispanic-serving organizations (who co-host the program) will be in attendance.  The Honorees are presented their award by Member of Congress and celebrities. 

The evening will serve as a kick-off to HHF’s year-round leadership mission and during the day a youth-based Actionable Leadership Summit will take place through HHF’s Latinos On Fast Track(LOFT) program and train young leaders from over 20 different states and 40 different colleges.  Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1UUfAjgbmw for a video featuring the young leaders.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards have traditionally been aired on TV and the Armed Forces Network (HHF is currently in negotiations with networks).  Events surrounding the event include the LOFT Actionable Leadership Training, Honorees’ Reception and a festive After Party.