Uncovering the Untold: Professor Romeo Guzmán Highlights Los Angeles Latinx Histories on PBS SoCal

The stories of Southern California’s Latinx and Chicanx communities have long been pushed to the margins of history. Claremont Graduate University’s Professor Romeo Guzmán is determined to change that. As someone deeply committed to preserving local histories, Guzmán has made it his mission to unearth and share the untold stories of Southern California’s vibrant Latinx and Chicanx communities. Now, through a groundbreaking collaboration with PBS SoCal, these powerful stories will reach a national audience during National Latino Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15. 

As part of PBS SoCal’s new groundbreaking series VOCES AMERICAN HISTORIA: The Untold History of Latinos, Guzmán, alongside members of the South El Monte Arts Posse, will shine a spotlight on the cities of El Monte and South El Monte –– two historically rich but underrepresented Los Angeles communities that have played pivotal roles in shaping Southern California’s cultural and political identity. 

The five-episode series will offer viewers a closer look at how these communities, alongside many others, have helped shape Southern California’s cultural and political landscape and how their legacy can be preserved for future generations.   

“It’s vital that we highlight the radical and transformative histories of BIPOC communities in Southern California,” Guzmán said. “Through this collaboration, we are able to share these untold stories with a wider audience and emphasize that Latinx history is essential to understanding the full history of the United States.”

VOCES AMERICAN HISTORIA: The Untold History of Latinos premieres on Friday, September 27, at 9:00 pm ET. You can stream the series for free on PBS.org or through the PBS app.