The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs recently recognized Dr. Muñoz as the recipient of the 2024 Legacy Leader Award for his groundbreaking work in preserving and celebrating Latino history and culture in the Intermountain West. This esteemed award acknowledges his tireless efforts in creating spaces of connection and empowerment for Latino communities, particularly through his Construyendo Latinidad in the Intermountain West project and his innovative approaches to education.
As an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska in the 1980s, Dr. Muñoz delved into the history of Spanish explorers on the Great Plains. This academic spark evolved into a professional mission during his tenure as the Director of the Chicano Studies Program at the University of Wyoming, where he collaborated with the State of Wyoming Museum and Archives to update its Hispanics in Wyoming exhibit. The project eventually expanded into Construyendo Latinidad in the Intermountain West, uncovering stories of resilience and community through a rich exploration of history.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Dr. Muñoz said, “This work allows us to understand how Latinx communities have navigated systemic barriers while celebrating their rich traditions and cultural heritage. These stories not only document past struggles but also illuminate human agency and the strength of bicultural identity.”
Dr. Muñoz has brought these narratives to life in his classroom through a hands-on approach to learning that incorporates oral history interviews. Students receive semester-long training in oral history methodology, enabling them to engage deeply with the lived experiences of Latino community members. “Oral histories create a profound connection to historical events and foster empathy for marginalized communities,” he explained. “It’s an invaluable tool for reimagining societal structures that work for all.”
The stories collected through these interviews reveal enduring themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and community building. Narrators, ranging in age from their late 20s to early 90s, have shared accounts of overcoming anti-Latinx sentiments, sustaining traditions, and building institutions that reflect their values. These narratives not only provide a window into the past but also inspire hope for the future.
Monique Davila, community engagement coordinator for the Utah Historical Society, who nominated Dr. Muñoz for the award, emphasized the importance of his work: “Dr. Munoz’s commitment to ensuring Utah’s Latino history is preserved and shared is outstanding. He not only makes this effort a part of his own career but also embeds it into his teachings, creating spaces of hope and connection for Utah’s Latino community.” She added, “Dr. Munoz is a true Legacy Builder, connecting older and newer generations through his work with GSHA, the Construyendo Latinidad project, and his students.”
As an educator and mentor, Dr. Muñoz is deeply committed to fostering hope and connection for Utah’s Latino youth and young professionals. He attributes this mission to his own journey of uncovering his Chicano roots and identity, often overlooked in Eurocentric educational settings. “You can’t change history if you don’t know history,” he emphasized. “And if you know history, you’ll see how marginalized communities have always been at the forefront of societal change.”