Marta V. Martínez, Executive Director of RI Latino Arts and Latino oral historian interviewed eight Latino Pioneers during the month of August 2015 and created vignettes where each shared personal stories of their early years in Rhode Island.

The videos aired during Hispanic Heritage Month 2015 along with Latino Americans: 500 Years, a series of 6 one-hour documentaries produced by PBS in 2013.

LATINO AMERICANS is the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos, who have helped shape North America over the last 500-plus years and have become, with more than 50 million people, the largest minority group in the U.S. The changing and yet repeating context of American history provides a backdrop for the drama of individual lives. It is a story of immigration and redemption, of anguish and celebration, of the gradual construction of a new American identity that connects and empowers millions of people today.

RHODE LATINO VOICES complements the national documentary by bringing together individuals in Rhode Island who have contributed to and helped shape Latino history over the past 60 years. Rhode Island's Latino story dates back to the 1950s and 60s and is one of immigration, isolation, creative survival and celebration. Today, it mirrors what is happening around the country and includes Pioneers that are still making history as each day goes by. Each person interviewed sends a message to today's emerging leaders and young people who will be taking the torch and making history on their own.

A very special Gracias to Rhode Island PBS, who not only provided studio space and videographers, but also aired the short videos along with the 6-hour series on Thursday October 1, 8 and 15 at 8pm and again at 9pm. To watch all of the excerpts, go here ▶︎