September 25, 1998
Washington, DC — The 12th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards will highlight the most notable achievements by Hispanic Americans during a star-studded ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on September 21, 1998. NBC will televise the special on Saturday, October 17, 1998.
Honorees this year include legendary actor Martin Sheen, WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, El Paso classical conductor/educator Abraham Chavez, renowned singer Celia Cruz, former U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Coello Novello, M.D. and contemporary author Luis Rodriguez. Acclaimed actor Hector Elizondo of "Chicago Hope" and Giselle Fernandez, co-host of "Access Hollywood," will host the event.
Widely recognized as the highlight of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Awards (established in 1987) is the preeminent ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans. Not only have the honorees distinguished themselves in their particular fields —sports, arts, literature, education and leadership— by they have also helped to demonstrate how Hispanic Americans have made lasting contributions to American society.
As one of the most popular WNBA players, Rebecca Lobo has not only increased the visibility and fan-base of the WNBA, but has also demonstrated support for breast cancer research and female participation in sports at an early age.
Recognized around the world for his work in films such as "Apocalypse Now" and "Gandhi," Martin Sheen has participated in numerous projects designed to reduce world poverty and domestic violence, donating his services to the 1983 PBS production of "No Place to Hide" and directing the Emmy Award-winning documentary "Babies Having Babies."
By becoming the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold the title of U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Coello Novello has become an example for younger generations with her invaluable leadership in improving the health of poverty-stricken children around the world.
Author Luis Rodriguez has written many renowned contemporary works of literature, including a chronicle of gang-related violence in his memoir Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA.
Maestro of classical music, Abraham Chavez, who, at only twenty-one years of age became Concertmaster of the El Paso Symphony, founded the El Paso and Yselta youth symphonies and works with children to cultivate their love of music.
In addition to these honorees, Grammy-winner Celia Cruz, a Cuban-born singer who has revolutionized Latin Music in the United States, will receive the Hispanic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award. She is being recognized for producing over 70 records and for humanitarian work in Latin America.
"These six honorees represent achievement to which all of America's youth can aspire, and they exemplify the significant influence of Hispanic Americans on our American culture", remarked Raul R. Tapia, Chairman of the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation.
As part of this year's celebration, the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation commissioned Colombian-born painter and sculptor Orlando Agudelo-Botero to create a compelling painting to represent the 1998 awards. Agudelo-Botero was the 1998 recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award for the Visual Arts and designed the stage set for the 1997 Awards Ceremony.
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