First Latina Cast Member is a Welcome Step Toward Diversity on Saturday Night Live

September 13, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Saturday Night Live (SNL) announced that for the first time in its 42 year history, a Latina will be joining the cast. In response to the hiring of Melissa Villaseñor, LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes issued the following statement:

“We congratulate Melissa Villaseñor for being the first Latina selected as a cast member for the iconic comedy show, Saturday Night Live. For over 40 years, SNL has contributed a great deal to American pop culture. Casting the first Latina comedian is significant because it helps ensure that the Latino perspective is understood and will be properly reflected in future SNL programs. In addition, we expect that Melissa’s exposure on SNL will help open doors for other aspiring Latino talent. We wish Melissa well and expect her talent to bring laughter to homes throughout the country.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.