San Antonio rep Joaquin Castro calls for more Latino representation

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who previously submitted 25 Latino movies for National Film Registry, is continuing his push for more Latino representation.

Andrew Harnik, STF / Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who previously submitted Selena and other Latino movies for National Film Registry, is continuing his push for more Latino representation.

Castro, a San Antonio democrat, posted a video on his social media accounts explaining why seeing people in media that are Latinos is important for young minorities. He says the Latino community is one of the fastest growing in the U.S. He credited talents like Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Celia Cruz, Selena, and Gloria Estefan for being “timeless trailblazers.”

But he says there needs to be more of an effort to give space to the Latino community in news and movies.

The video was part of a Thursday forum hosted by the White House covering how Latinos are portrayed in newsrooms and Hollywood. The discussion comes roughly a month after findings of the U.S. Government Accountability Office report were published. It showed Latinos remain sorely underrepresented in these industries. Castro requested the report.

One of the key findings from the report show media had a lower percentage of Latino employees was lower than the percentage for all other industries combined in 2019, according to Castro’s office.

Castro says the “the nation and the world are missing out on the creativity, artistry, and brilliance of so many Latinos and Latinas whose talent needs a chance to shine on the radio, at the movies, and on the screen.”

The politician ends the video by saying he appreciates the White House addressing the challenge and celebrating the Latino impact during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Watch the entire video below: