Where Hollywood and Influencers Converge to Discuss Finding Your Power By Being Authentic To Declarations Of Latino Content Being In Demand
The Take-Away? Latinos Are Trending In A Real Way
By Bel Hernandez
It was a hot weekend in Los Angeles in more ways than one. The recent gathering of some of Hollywood’s Latino A-Listers, influencers and rising stars of hit shows like Starz’ Vida and Netflix’s On My Block at Hispanicize 2019 proved to be a source of pride and empowerment. Hispanicize 2019 held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles celebrated its 10th anniversary under “new management” of the New Generation Latino (NGL) organization founded by David Chitel and actor John Leguizamo.
The one-on-one Keynote Chats with Hollywood’s finest were the highlight of the conference which was held over three days, from October 17-19.
On Friday John Leguizamo spoke with Yael Ramos of Univision’s Digital Edition California at the Keynote Fireplace Chat. “Latin Content is huge and people want Latin content,” Leguizamo enthused. The Latin History for Morons writer/producer and star talked about the history-making run of his touring production and its current run at the Los Angeles Ahmanson Theater where it ran for a month. An impressive feat which is now in the records as the #1 one-man show at the Ahmanson ever and its most successful play to date with 37% of the audience attendance being Latinx up from only 7% prior. “Latin contributions to the economy are unparalleled,” he proudly announced.
On Saturday Rosie Perez was honored at the luncheon where she received the Latinovator Award. The award presented to her by actress Paula Garces (On My Block) who spoke of growing up watching Perez and finally feeling represented on screen. Perez’s message was simple, “It is time to stand up and be proud of who you are!” She talked about taking control of your career and advised budding talent in the audience, that if you are not being represented with dignity, stand up and say so, insisting it is time Latinos take a position of strength.
Another success story highlighted at Hispanicize was that of Richard Montanez, creator of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos snack who received the LatinXCLNCE Award for being a trailblazer and an inspiration in the Latinx community. A true success story of going from janitor to an inventor, to attaining one of the highest positions by a Latino as VP of Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American territory. His story is currently being developed into a film which will be directed by Eva Longoria.
Looking towards the future in Hollywood, Hispanicize 2019 welcomed the young stars of some of the hottest TV shows currently. Jason Genao, Diego Tinoco, and Jessica Marie Garcia who play Monse, Ruby and Jasmine respectively in Netflix’s most binged show of 2018 On My Block spoke on a panel. They chatted with actress/influencer Lizza Monet Morales, about the impact their show has made with audiences. The show boasts 97% and 96% ratings among critics and viewers, respectively, on RottenTomatoes.com. Their star power recently made news when all four starring actors got a hefty raise after they demanded an increase before returning to film the 3rd season.
Cast members from the Starz hit show Vida, Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada and Chelsea Rendon, were also in attendance. They spoke about currently filming their 3rd season of 10 new episodes. Prada spoke about the power of the LGBTQ Latinx community in entertainment, while Barrera spoke on the Latinas in Hollywood panel which also included Danay Garcia (Fear of the Walking Dead) and Paula Garces (On My Block). All three Vida actresses three have springboarded into other projects based on their work on the hit TV show.
For 10 years Hispanicize has made its cornerstone celebrating brands and influencers. It is known as the largest annual event for Latinx trendsetters, and digital newsmakers which include top national thought leaders and influencers from a variety of sectors including brand marketers, Latinx and multicultural digital influencers and content creators, journalists, public relations, social media, and advertising agencies.
This year Hispanicze 2019 was presented by the NGL Collective, an independent Latino media, and entertainment company co-founded by actor John Leguizamo and David Chitel which acquired HMG and all its assets.
In July of this year, NGL made the announcement that they would move forward with a “re-envisioned” Hispanicize in commemoration of its 10th anniversary and that it would be held in Los Angeles. Already in flux, NGL inherited the former influencer/brands conference and added their touch of more entertainment industry-centric panels.
With over 125 speakers and a line-up of carefully curated keynotes, workshops, award shows, and performances, Hispanicize executed a program spanning a multitude of topics including content creation, social media, film, music, television, fashion, food, activism and more.
There was even room for a little politics. Beto O’Rourke (via Skype) and Manny Oliver (father of Parkland student, Joaquin Oliver) spoke about empowering the Latinx community and all Americans to make changes to critical gun safety issues affecting our nation.
It was an ambitious endeavor and if there is one sure thing, it’s that when you have the power of influencers and the celebrity of Hollywood stars, the combination could prove to be explosive. With that in mind, we look forward to Hispanicize 2020.