AOL Latino Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Exclusive Programming Honoring Latino Entertainment, History, Culture, Community and Political Influence in the United States

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month – a four-week national celebration beginning September 15 and ending October 15 – AOL Latino (http://www.aollatino.com) has launched a comprehensive hub highlighting the success of Latinos in the U.S. As part of the special hub, the award-winning portal has integrated various community and social networking elements - videos, audio, blogs and message boards - to let users express their Hispanic pride and learn more about the meaning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“As a leader in the community, we’re excited to launch our Hispanic Heritage Month package with special campaigns discussing the impact of Hispanics in pop culture, news and politics,” said Miguel Ferrer, director of programming, AOL Latino. “While we celebrate Hispanic heritage year round, this nationally recognized month gives us the opportunity to connect with Latinos across the globe and celebrate the evolution of an increasingly influential culture.”

The site also commemorates the 45th anniversary of legendary Salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico with an in-depth look at the group. As part of the tribute, the site will feature an exclusive eight-part video interview with founder Rafael Ithier, exclusive in-studio “Sesiones” with the band performing their greatest hits, never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes footage, a newly created Salsa blog and more. Expanding on its social networking service, Latino AIM® Pages, the site will also allow users to upload videos and explain why they are the ultimate fans.

Additionally, AOL® Latino expands its role as the home of Latinos in Hollywood by rounding up some of today’s leading Hispanic actors, musicians, athletes and executives to discuss what being Hispanic means to them. Throughout the four weeks, AOL Latino will air exclusive video interviews with Reggeaton superstar Daddy Yankee, NY Mets Infielder Jose Reyes, former LA Dodger pitching star Fernando Valenzuela, Actor/Comedian George Lopez, Reggeaton group Calle 13 and legendary award-wining actress Rita Moreno, among others.

AOL Latino’s complete Hispanic Heritage Month programming package also will include:
• Bilingual blogs where users will be able to share their own colloquialisms and immigration stories through posts and videos.
• A community area where people can upload videos of themselves singing their country’s national anthem.
• A Latin American map that provides users with country facts and a travel guide featuring Latin American hot spots.
• A culinary guide complete with easy-to-do recipes from various Latin American countries including Cuba, Peru, Dominican Republic and more.
• A recap of the best Hispanic films in Hollywood.
• A series of quizzes on Hispanic influence in news, film, television, sports and more.