AT&T Sparks Conversation About the Latinx Lived Experience
With the HBO documentary Habla Now and its continued support for the FACIUNI Film Exhibition and scholarship program which offers scholarships for Latinx student filmmakers, the company reinforces its commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of the Hispanic and Latin American communities.
AT&T stands for equality and as the company explores the new dimensions that value is taking on in the world today, it is important to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month as more than a single moment in which to celebrate this community. Instead, it is an entry point to a deeper and more authentic understanding of the complexity and nuances within the Hispanic and Latin American identity.
“At AT&T, we’ve committed to listening, understanding and taking action,” said Corey Anthony, Chief Diversity Officer. “That starts with opening our minds and truly hearing what people say when they share experiences. I’m proud that we are supporting stories and storytellers that help bring the depth and dimension of the Hispanic experience in America to life.”
Habla Now, the one-hour documentary special produced by HBO, premiered on September 18 and features testimonials from U.S. Latinos sharing their personal experiences directly to the camera for a national audience, in both English and Spanish. Participants include chef and humanitarian José Andrés, Olympian Laurie Hernandez, actress Diane Guerrero, and many more.
AT&T is also proud to continue supporting the FACIUNI Film scholarship program, which has gone virtual this year. With short films submitted and directed by talent from the U.S. as well as across Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, the scholarship is an opportunity to discover new voices and talent.
And while AT&T is creating space to externally recognize and respect Hispanics and Latinos in our society, it is important to give that same space to Hispanic and Latino employees. That’s why the company is hosting a series of webinars facilitated by its HACEMOS employee resource group, which counts more than 9,600 members in the U.S., that will cover a range of topics including civic engagement, representation in entertainment and what it takes to create a truly inclusive working environment.
In addition to its commitment to more inclusive content, AT&T is also deeply invested in the Hispanic community. Since 2018, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $80.5M1 to philanthropic organizations in support of the Hispanic community, with a notable focus on STEM education and skills development. Additionally, AT&T is contributing $1 million to Girl Scouts of the USA, which will support Family STEM Events for councils serving young women in Hispanic communities, among other initiatives. These events build upon the success of the AT&T-sponsored Coding for Good badges by engaging the family and encouraging girls to show, share, and teach what they’ve learned.
“We live in turbulent times and we must do more to help advance social justice. Championing inclusion of Latinos in the workforce and Latino communities and businesses across the country is an important part of that,” said Susan Santana, Vice President, Legislative Strategy, AT&T CA. “I am honored to work for a company that shares my values of inclusion and social justice, and where Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated, not for 30 days, but throughout the year.”
1 2020 YTD totals through 9/14/2020 with $71.3 million from AT&T and the $9.19M from the AT&T Foundation.
*Total reflects domestic contributions only.
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