Premieres Fridays, September 27-October 11, 2024 at 8pm on KPBS 2/PBS App + reruns Tuesdays, October 8-October 22 at 9pm on KPBS TV
Host John Leguizamo examines the accomplishments and rise of the great empires and civilizations of Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, from the Taino to the Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec, and more. Though ultimately destroyed by conquistadors, these societies had a lasting impact on culture, agriculture, and science. Rather than focusing on the “discovery” of the New World, this episode tells the story of the fall of great civilizations that existed before Columbus landed, challenging our understanding of these great empires and cultural narratives about the real reasons they fell.
VOCES: American History: The Hidden History of Latinos: Extended Preview
Episode Guide:
Episode 1: “Echoes of Empires” premieres Friday, September 27, 2024 at 8pm on KPBS 2 and Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 9pm on KPBS TV. Host John Leguizamo examines the accomplishments and rise of great empires and civilizations in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, from the Taino to the Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec, and more. These societies were ultimately destroyed by conquistadors, but left lasting impacts on culture, agriculture, and science. Rather than focusing on the “discovery” of the New World, this episode tells the story of the collapse of great civilizations that existed before Columbus landed, challenging our understanding of these great empires and also cultural narratives about the true causes of their demise.
VOCES American History: The Untold History of Latinos: Episode 1 Preview
Episode 2: “Threads in the American Tapestry” premieres Friday, October 4 at 8pm on KPBS 2 and Tuesday, October 15 at 9pm on KPBS TV. Explore how Latino DNA has been woven into the identity of the United States since before the nation’s founding and has played a key role in its history. John Leguizamo reflects on pre-colonial North America, the American Revolutionary War, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Westward Expansion to learn how Latino participation has influenced the course of the nation’s history. Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos were present in this country and played a pivotal role in building it. This episode highlights key figures and events from colonization throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America to explain how Latinos helped build the United States that it is today.
VOCES American History: The Unknown History of Latin America – Exploration of the Tunnels of Teotihuacan
Episode 3: “Solidarity in a New Era” premieres Friday, October 11th at 8pm on KPBS 2 and Tuesday, October 22nd at 9pm on KPBS TV. John Leguizamo reflects on the rise of a new empire, the United States, and the challenges Latinos face in defending their cultural identity. Throughout the 20th century, Latinos were often marginalized in mainstream society, yet they made significant contributions to the fabric of the United States and beyond. Young Latino activists were among the first to fight for civil rights and equal education, and on the battlefield, Latino patriots overcame discrimination to become heroes. As John reflects on his journey, he learns that Latinos are not just an asterisk in history, but that Latino history is the history of the United States.
John Leguizamo walks with American labor leader Dolores Huerta.
WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE: VOCES: AMERICAN HISTORIA: THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF LATINOS will stream simultaneously with broadcast and available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, and VIZIO.
John Leguizamo and Sergio Gomez Chavez in the tunnels of Teotihuacan.
Credits: A production by NGL Studios, The WNET Group, Latino Public Broadcasting and ITVS. For The WNET Group, Lesley Norman is executive producer and Stephen Segaller is executive in charge. For NGL, John Leguizamo, Ben DeJesus, Nicole Pritchett, Jill Krikorian and David Chitel are executive producers. For Latino Public Broadcasting, Sandie Viquez Pedlow is executive producer. For ITVS, Sally Jo Fifer is executive producer. Donald Thoms also serves as executive producer. Funding is provided by PBS, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Anderson Family Charitable Fund, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The WNET Group’s Chasing the Dream initiative, The Ford Foundation/JustFilms and Seton J. Melvin.
John Leguizamo and Sharyl Teneyuca, niece of union activist and civil rights leader Emma Teneyuca.
