Nuestra America : 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States

As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent exhibit on influential Latinos in 2021.

Charged with the task of telling the long, complicated relationship of Latinos in the U.S.--a relationship so long, it predates the country--the gallery offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and experiences of Latinas and Latinos throughout the U.S. today. Nuestra America highlights the incredible contributions of the following:Sylvia AcevedoLuis AlvarezPura BelpreMartha E.

BernalJulia de BurgosCesar ChavezSandra CisnerosRoberto ClementeCelia CruzOlga E.

CustodioOscar de la RentaJaima EscalanteMarcario GarciaEmma GonzalezLaurie HernandezJuan Felipe HerreraDolores HuertaJennifer LopezXiuhtezcatl MartinezSylvia MendezLin-Manuel MirandaC.

David MolinaRita MorenoEllen OchoaJorge RamosSylvia RiveraMaria Elena SalinasSonia SotomayorDara TorresRoberto Unanue