Civic, corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and community leaders unite to help welcome the historic celebration.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) proudly announced today the Host Committee to welcome the historic 39th Hispanic Heritage Awards as they leave Washington, D.C., for the first time since their creation by the White House to commemorate the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. The Minnesota-based group of civic, corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and community leaders will provide guidance and support to shape the 2026 Awards, taking place September 10 at Orchestra Hall and to be broadcast later on PBS stations across the country.
Meet the Leaders of the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Awards Host Committee → HERE
The Awards will honor The People of Minnesota “for their collective strength, resilience, compassion, and action in crisis while fomenting unity among all communities,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Their story is an American Story of what this country stands for and is capable of in terms of coming together to take care and lift each other. We look forward to honoring the great leadership and the people of Minnesota, along with our other 2026 awardees and the MN Host Committee is a direct reflection of the spirit of the Humanitarian Award.”
In addition to The People of Minnesota receiving the Humanitarian Award, other Honorees include Congressman Joaquin Castro (Public Service), Singer-Songwriter Mon Laferte (Social Justice Award), Singer-Songwriter-Actress Ximena Sariñana (Music Award) and others to be announced over the next two weeks including performances and the host.
In addition to the Awards, HHF will host several program activations in partnership with local organizations to support their missions during the week of September 7–11, including ‘Next Steps in Your Professional & Academic Paths’, ‘Community Charla: Rooted Together’ as well as unifying local and national leadership, corporate partners and other members of the community for interactive convenings surrounding the big ceremony. (See HERE for a video about the Awards.) Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Awards and HHF’s year-round mission.
“We are deeply grateful to each member of our MN Host Committee for embracing and shaping this historic moment with such grace, perspective, purpose and ganas,” added Tijerino who was part of a delegation of national Latino leaders who went to Minnesota in February to witness, support and learn from local leadership. “This effort belongs to Minnesotans, and our MN Host Committee will make sure we capture the true spirit of the communities that came together to protect, serve and lift each other as well as shine a light across the country during a dark moment in American history.”
The Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Latinos by Latinos and are recognized as “America’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration” and supported by more than 40 national, Latino-serving institutions.
Past Awardees have included: Rita Moreno, Gloria Estefan, Bad Bunny, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ricky Martin, Fania All-Stars, Junot Diaz, José Feliciano, Isabel Allende, Carolina Herrera, Jose Andres, Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Antonio Banderas, Juan Luis Guerra, Anthony Quinn, J Balvin, Zoe Saldaña, Los Tigres Del Norte, Oscar de la Hoya, America Ferrera, Pedro Martinez, Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, Linda Ronstadt, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon, and many others. Find all past HHA Honorees HERE.
About the Hispanic Heritage Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Awards serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round mission, focused on economic mobility, stronger communities, positive narratives and cultural pride through education, workforce development, societal impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Visit https://hhflink.org/WeAreHere for a video highlighting HHF’s award winning programs, and visit the website at www.HispanicHeritage.org. Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.
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For more information on the 39th Hispanic Heritage Awards, please contact John Reilly, [email protected] or Nicolás Peña, [email protected]
For Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Jessica Herrera [email protected]
