Kennedy Center Gets Congressional “Dressing Down” by Hispanic Caucus

Nov 16, 2012
11:33 PM

Earlier today, the Facebook page of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts shared a public update about the Kennedy Canter and its dismal history of overlooking Latino for the Kennedy Center Honors awards (only 2 in just 35 years). Apparently the issue is now on the radar screen of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus:

KenCen Update: Today, KenCen President Michael Kaiser met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard and Rep. Xavier Becerra. I was told it was a constructive, but candid meeting. CHC stated their support for NHFA's efforts on this issue. The Members reiterated their displeasure with the KenCen Honors, insisting that the KenCen act swiftly and show results. The Caucus made it clear that they would request follow up meetings with KenCen in the near future. The 9 a.m. meeting lasted for an hour and 15 minutes. The fact that the KenCen controversy has resulted in a Congressional dressing down, should send shock waves through that instituion. Any further delay, by KenCen to implement NHFA's recommended changes will certainly not be viewed favorably.