The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino has announced a $2 million gift from The Coca-Cola Company to support the new museum and Molina Family Latino Gallery. The donation establishes The Coca-Cola Company as a Corporate Founder of the Molina Family Latino Gallery and a Founding Donor of the National Museum of the American Latino.
In part, the gift will enable visitors to explore the diverse stories of Latinos in the United States—past, present, and future—through dynamic, multidisciplinary exhibitions and programming. The museum showcases the Latino experience to help Americans understand who they are as a nation. This gift is part of a long-standing commitment from Coca-Cola to recognize, support and partner with the Latino community and champion diversity in all its forms.
“Both the Molina Family Latino Gallery and forthcoming National Museum of the American Latino will strive to complete large gaps that exist in the story of American culture and history, gaps that overlook the struggles, achievements and contributions of American Latinos,” said Eduardo Díaz, interim director of the National Museum of the American Latino. “Generous gifts like this recognize the urgency of that mission, and we thank The Coca-Cola Company for their support. That support will enable us to share centuries of history with generations of visitors from across the country and around the world.”
The Molina Family Latino Gallery is the American Latino Museum’s first gallery and interprets what visitors may see and learn in the future museum building. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States,” introduces visitors to critical concepts, moments and biographies that shine a light on the historical and cultural legacy of U.S. Latinas and Latinos through bilingual exhibitions, public and educational programs, and robust online offerings. The gallery and exhibition will open in the summer at the National Museum of American History.
“The Smithsonian is shining a much-needed spotlight on the tremendous contributions of Latinos in this country, and Coca-Cola is proud to contribute to this landmark effort,” said Alfredo Rivera, president for North America, The Coca-Cola Company, and founding member of the museum’s advisory board. “Through our partnership, we aim to make a difference in communities by celebrating stories, empowering learning and boldly shaping a better shared future where diversity, equity and inclusion play a central role.”
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