Gateways/Portales: Interview with Johnny Yataco

Johnny Yataco, Founder and President of Washington Hispanic, talked about his family and growing up in Lima, Peru; why he moved to Washington, D.C. and his first impression of Washington, D.C.; creating a network of people in Washington, D.C.; and his start in media selling newspapers for local newspaper 'El Latino.' Yataco explained the need in the Latino community for education and for another voice for the Hispanic community which led to the creation of 'Washington Hispanic,' an independent Spanish-language weekly newspaper in the D.C. metro area, in 1994. He talked about the challenges he faced and what he learned when he first started 'Washington Hispanic,' and how the newspaper evolved with advancements in technology and digital media. Yataco spoke about the growth and evolution of the Latino community in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas; the importance of local media; how and why media has changed throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area; and how he would like to see the Hispanic community more politically involved. He stated being a voice for the Hispanic community makes him happy; he enjoys photography, travel, and tennis; and he would love to start a shoe internet business for women. Clips of this interview were included in the 'Local Media' section of the exhibition.

Interview. Related to exhibition 'Gateways/Portales.' Dated 20161104.