Rita Moreno's America

Just coming back from the Kimmel Center's first of many ¡VOZ! Congreso series, I feel a lot of inspiration. ¡VOZ! Congreso at the Kimmel Center is an intimate conversation with some of the brightest Latino celebrity intellectuals of our time.The  first of many to come brought legendary actress and vocalist Rita Moreno. We learned about Rita's up-bringing as well as the start of her career.  She's a clearly astounding storyteller who knows how to capture audiences and throw finishing lines. Rita is also not afraid of speaking her mind without a condescending tone. She clearly knew the audience was a mix of white, black and Hispanics; and with racism clearly engulfed in her life, she let it be known her life career was not easy.

Rita is the only Hispanic and one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, and was the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award. When asked about what Latino actors/actresses she admired, it was difficult to answer. She had admiration for several actors, but could only name a few Latinas. "Jennifer Lopez is more of a performer," Rita said. And it's true. Latinos are not cast in any roles that are not stereotypical. Imagine that.

Who would you love to see in the ¡VOZ! Congreso series?