Smithsonian Latino Center Receives $1 Million Gift From Microsoft Corp.
The Smithsonian Latino Center has received a $1 million gift from Microsoft Corp. to support the forthcoming Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first Smithsonian gallery devoted to exploring the diversity of Latino history, culture and identity in the United States. The gallery opens to the public in May. Microsoft’s gift will also aid in the development of the future National Museum of the American Latino.
“We are honored to have Microsoft’s strong support as we work to open the Molina Family Latino Gallery,” said Eduardo Díaz, director of the Smithsonian Latino Center and interim director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. “This contribution will enable us to tell the story of the American Latino with world-class exhibitions and learning tools that meet visitors wherever they are.”
The Molina Family Latino Gallery will open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History as a precursor to the forthcoming National Museum of the American Latino. The gallery’s first exhibition, “!Presente! A Latino History of the United States,” will introduce visitors to critical concepts, moments and biographies that shine a light on the historical and cultural legacy of U.S. Latinos. Microsoft’s gift makes possible the production of bilingual exhibitions, public and educational programs, and robust online offerings visitors can expect to find when the gallery opens later this year.
“The multicultural profile of the U.S. is at the heart of innovation and the country would not be the same without the presence of the Hispanic and Latinx community,” said Rodrigo Kede Lima, corporate vice president and president of Microsoft Latin America. “This donation celebrates and supports the history and culture of the community, and is part of a longstanding commitment to foster diversity and inclusion within Microsoft and across the communities where we live and work.”
Microsoft is a corporate benefactor in support of the Molina Family Latino Gallery and an early founding donor of the National Museum of the American Latino.
“We’re proud to support the Smithsonian Latino Center,” said Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, chief diversity officer at Microsoft. “The Molina Family Latino Gallery and the National Museum of the American Latino give us each the opportunity to close the gaps in our understanding and move to drive systemic change in society. At Microsoft, we work every day to create inclusive workplaces where any employee can bring their authentic self. With shared knowledge and understanding of the history and impact of the Hispanic and Latinx community, we can generate momentum together.”
About the Smithsonian Latino Center
The Smithsonian Latino Center preserves Latino history and culture, engaging Latino communities and advancing Latino representation in the United States. The center provides financial resources and collaborates with Smithsonian museums, archives and research centers to expand Latino scholarly research, exhibitions, collections, public programs, digital content, educational resources and publications. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020. For more information, visit latino.si.edu.
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