[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 158 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORT FOR SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL LEADING ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTS 
                        THROUGH DIVERSITY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. NANETTE DIAZ BARRAGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2023

  Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus, I rise in support of designating the Month of September as 
``National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month'' or 
``National LEAD Month.''
  Despite growing diversity in the United States, minorities and 
communities of color remain underrepresented in the television and film 
industries.
  Although Hispanics make up 18 percent of the population, we hold 
about 12 percent of the jobs in the media industry. Greater diversity 
on and off-screen is critical to promote the lived experiences of 
marginalized groups.
  Through authentic storytelling, diverse representation provides 
audiences with narratives they can better empathize with. That's why 
I'm a cosponsor of House Resolution 191, which recognizes the need for 
diversity in the entertainment industry and establishes September as 
National LEAD month.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution on this critical 
issue.

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