Ricky, Alex, Gloria & Chayanne @ AOL Latino’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

AOL Latino celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through extensive programming including commentary by Ricky Martin, Alex Rodriguez and Chayanne. The exclusive show, presented by Gloria Estefan, will highlight diversity, historical traditions and Latino community achievements on music, politics, arts, movies and sports. The programming will be available in Spanish through AOL Keyword: Mes de la Herencia Hispana and in English through KW: Hispanic Heritage Month.

“This month we proudly celebrate our legacy, which is inherited from our parents and grandparents who created a better future while writing the history of our community,” says Estefan in the video. “Latinos brought salsa, merengue, tango, tacos and arepas to the United States, but more than anything, we brought mucho, mucho corazón, lots of heart.”

“Hispanic celebrities who have made it in the U.S. are admired by many,” said Lavonne Luquis, Director of Programming, AOL Latino. “Having these beloved celebrities speak about their Hispanic heritage offers our members a unique perspective they can’t find anywhere else.”

“We are proud to present a wide rand of features through all of our channels from sports, music, entertainment and lifestyles acknowledging the great contributions Latinos have made to this country,” Luquis concluded.

A snapshot of the comprehensive Hispanic Heritage Month programming includes:

Singer Gloria Estefan narrates an exclusive video discussing the long-lived legacy of Hispanics in the U.S. – starting with Mexican-American labor activist Cesar Chavez. Estefan’s narration honors such greats as Desi Arnaz, Jennifer Lopez, and the first Hispanic astronaut to travel space, Dr. Franklin R. Change-Diaz, among many others. In addition, the Música (Music) channel will honor pivotal figures in Latin music history such as Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana and Tito Puente with a special video and audio gallery.

Deportes (Sports) includes an exclusive interview with NY Yankees’ Third Baseman Alex Rodriguez. The channel also takes a look at the history of Latinos in baseball, paying special tribute to those in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Tu Vida (Lifestyle) offers culinary and travel guides from each Latin American country for those wishing to celebrate with authentic Latin culture. AOL CityGuide will also include a special ‘Latin Scene’ guide to the best Latin events and restaurants in top Hispanic cities.

Noticias (News) focuses on the history of Hispanic Heritage. Also as part of the political coverage, the channel will report on those Hispanic politicians who are likely to win national offices in 2006.

Dinero y Éxito gives a special look at the hot spots for Latinos to live in the U.S including the best housing and job markets. Plus, it offers a look at the booming trend of Hispanic homeownership in the U.S.