Latinos account for nearly 19% of the population, but they are underrepresented on television and in movies, according to the 2020 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report. Latinos landed just 7% of lead acting roles on scripted TV shows in the 2018-2019 season, the report found. When they are cast, it is often in stereotypical roles.
Castro says he wants to increase and improve the representation of Latinos not just in Hollywood, but also in book publishing and the news media.
“It’s clear that many Americans have a fundamental misunderstanding of who Latinos are," Castro wrote in an essay for Variety. "Prejudice has existed in the United States for generations, but the image of our community created by film and television has done little to counter bigoted views, and too often has amplified them."
The in-person, one-hour Headliners Newsmaker will be held at 11 a.m. in the Holman Lounge. The event is open to credentialed media and Club members. Attendees must have a vaccination card on their phone or recent negative COVID test to enter the Club. For more information about health and safety at the Club, or to upload your vaccination card ahead of time, click here.
The program will also stream live on the Club's website and YouTube Channel. Submit your questions in advance or during the live program via email to [email protected] with CASTRO in the subject line
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Castro is a second-generation Mexican American. After serving five terms as a state legislator in Texas, Castro was elected in 2012 to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 20th Congressional District, which includes large portions of San Antonio. His twin brother, Julián, was mayor of San Antonio and secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.