Chancellor Aviles-Ramos Announces Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History to Enrich Hispanic Heritage Month Curriculum

NEW YORK, NY - New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by announcing the citywide launch and distribution of Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History. This newest edition delves into the perspectives, experiences, and impact that people of Latin American descent have had, and continue to have, in United States history. These individuals influenced the social, political, cultural, and economic landscapes of the United States in so many ways, and their contributions continue to shape our collective history and identity.

Stories in this guide include Luisa Moreno, a labor organizer who championed the rights of Latines workers across the US; Jose Sarria, the first openly gay person to run for public office in the US; and Arsenio Rodriguez who revolutionized Afro-Cuban music by deepening its African roots and influencing the development of salsa.

"New York City is a beautiful mosaic of diverse cultures, and every student deserves to see their culture reflected in their education," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "New York City Public Schools' new Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History edition makes that a reality. The stories of Luisa Moreno, José Sarria, Arsenio Rodríguez, and countless others remind us how our Latino community have shaped every corner of our nation's history, and by lifting up these stories we're not just teaching history, we're honoring the people who helped shape it."

"Every student deserves to see themselves in the stories we teach," said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. "This next iteration of the Hidden Voices curricular guide, Latines in U.S. History, once again empowers our teachers to bring into focus voices that too often have been overlooked. As a proud Latina - the first female Puerto Rican Chancellor - and a mom, we're helping all our students build a fuller, truer understanding of our shared history."

"New York City has long-been a tapestry of many different cultures. In a city as richly diverse as this, it is essential that the materials available to our teachers both reflect and adapt to the unique lived experiences of our students across the five boroughs. That's what makes Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History so meaningful," said Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "Studies show that when students are exposed to inclusive curriculum, they have a higher propensity for civic engagement and improved academic performance. This work recognizes and celebrates the heritage of the ~40% of New York City students who identify as Latine, while highlighting the innumerable, profound contributions of the Latine community in a manner that is engaging and accessible for educators. That is why United Way of New York City is honored to have sponsored the publication and dissemination of this volume. We deeply appreciate the partnership of New York City Public Schools and the New York City Council in bringing this important resource to life."

Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History was created in partnership between the NYCPS Department of Social Studies and Civics, scholars, cultural institutions such as The Museum of the City of New York, New York Historical, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and CUNY El Centro, and K-12 educators. Printing and distribution were supported by United Way of New York City.

By integrating these resources during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15, 2025), schools affirm to Latine students that their heritage is central to American history. Teaching students about the diverse and often conflicting concepts and issues that have shaped countless communities deepens their understanding of the forces that led to the birth, growth, and development of the United States, and New York City in particular. It also fosters empathy for the varied perspectives and experiences within those communities.

"The Hidden Voices series is a powerful tool in our mission to create a more inclusive and representative education for all students," said Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration. "This newest edition, Latines in United States History, continues that mission by shining a light on the stories, struggles, and triumphs of people whose contributions have too often been overlooked. By incorporating these narratives into our Passport to Social Studies curriculum, we are not only enriching our students' understanding of history - we are affirming their identities and experiences in the classroom every day."

"As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this volume asks urgent questions about Americans long imagined as foreigners in perpetuity: Who are we? What are the colonial and imperial origins of the Latino presence in the United States? What is our relationship to the nation? And how have Latinos expanded the meaning and practice of American freedom-our nation's still-unfinished aspiration?" said Johanna Fernández, Associate Professor, Department of History at The Graduate Center & Baruch College, CUNY.

"It's important to know your history. If you know your history, no one can lie to you," said Micky Melendez, co-founder of the New York chapter of the Young Lords, content and editorial support for this curriculum guide.

"The New York Historical is always proud to contribute to the important work of the Hidden Voices project." said Leslie Hayes, Vice President for Education, The New York Historical. "We are thrilled that New York City students will now have greater access to Latine history in their classrooms and we look forward to helping support teachers in using these new materials via our own workshops and initiatives."

"It is an honor to be part of this important project. From the first to the last individual featured in this volume, as well as the construction workers who build our homes and the farm workers who bring the harvest to our tables, Latine people have been part of-and continue to be- the strong fabric that makes up the United States," said Lissette Acosta, Associate Professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College.

The Hidden Voices series is designed to help students uncover and engage with the stories of individuals and groups who have often been "hidden" from traditional historical narratives. The Latine edition joins other volumes such as Immigrants to the United States, LGBTQ+ Stories, Asian American & Pacific Islanders, Global African Diaspora, and Americans with Disabilities, and is aligned with the citywide 'Passport to Social Studies' curriculum.

Contact: Chancellor's Press Office [email protected]

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