Notable Quotables: Hispanic and Latinx NEA National Heritage Fellows
2017 NEA National Heritage Fellow Modesto Cepeda (right) performs with musicians and dancers from El Centro Cultural de Bomba y Plena during the 2017 NEA Heritage concert. Photo by Tom Pich
Each year, since 1988, America celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month—spotlighting the vibrant heritage and accomplishments of Hispanic/Latinx communities. These contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation, leaving an everlasting impact on the arts, culture, and economy.
One of the ways in which the NEA honors heritage is through our National Heritage Fellowships. Among these fellows are Hispanic/Latinx artists and culture bearers who connect cultures and pass traditions, history, and artistry to the next generation. Let’s take a look some of the fellows who have given notable quotes through the years.
2013 NEA National Heritage Fellow Ramón “Chunky” Sánchez: Chicano Musician and Culture Bearer
2022 NEA National Heritage Fellow Eva Enciñias: Flamenco Artist
2016 NEA National Heritage Fellow Artemio Posadas: Master Huastecan Son Musician and Advocate
Lorenzo Martínez, of the 2003 NEA Heritage Fellow Father-Son Music Duo Roberto and Lorenzo Martínez: Musician
2019 NEA National Heritage Fellow Josephine Lobato: Spanish Colcha Embroiderer
2020 NEA National Heritage Fellow Hugo Morales: Radio Producer and Radio Network Builder
2013 NEA National Heritage Fellow Verónica Castillo: Ceramicist and Clay Sculptor
Louie Pérez of the 2021 National Heritage Fellow Band Los Lobos: Songwriter and Instrumentalist
2020 NEA National Heritage Fellow Suni Paz: Nueva Canción Singer and Songwriter
2018 NEA National Heritage Fellow Ofelia Esparza: Chicana Altarista (Day of the Dead Altar Maker)
On Friday, September 29, the in-person National Heritage Fellowships Ceremony—inducting the 2023 class and recognizing previous classes—will take place at the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building, and it is open to the public. Meet the 2023 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows here!
