Across the country, historic places tied to Latino communities, culture, labor, and activism are being erased—by demolition, development, gentrification, and climate damage.

From a Los Angeles bar that’s been a refuge for Latino LGBTQ+ communities, to a historic cemetery for Mexican Americans in Texas, to murals honoring Vietnam veterans and calls for racial unity—these sites hold stories that shaped this nation.

But they may not survive much longer.

Less than 1% of sites on the National Register of Historic Places reflect Latino history, despite the deep and diverse contributions of Latino communities across centuries of American life—especially in the Southwest. That’s a national failure.

We, the undersigned, call on:

• The National Park Service and Department of the Interior to fast-track protections for Latino heritage sites, including the 13 identified by Latinos in Heritage Conservation
• Congress and state preservation offices to increase funding for Latino-led historic preservation efforts
• Local governments to pass ordinances that protect cultural landmarks at risk of demolition or redevelopment
• The White House to issue a formal recognition of Latino Heritage Sites as vital to American history.
   

Without urgent action, we risk losing irreplaceable spaces that honor civil rights, military service, migration, faith, and artistic expression within Latino communities.

History shouldn’t be erased because it doesn’t fit neatly into textbooks or tourism brochures.

Sign this petition to protect the legacy of Latino communities—and ensure their stories are preserved for generations to come.