UConn Voices

September 20, 2017 | Peter Morenus

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month with John Quiñones

John Quiñones, anchor of "What Would You Do?" discussed his upbringing, anti-immigrant sentiment, and his popular TV show at an event on Tuesday celebrating Latino Heritage Month.

John Quiñones, left, host of the ABC show "What Would You Do?" speaks with Fany Hannon '08 MA, PRLACC director, during the "Illuminating the Path" lecture at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 19, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

John Quiñones, anchor of "What Would You Do?" discussed his upbringing, anti-immigrant sentiment, and his popular TV show at an event on Tuesday celebrating Latino Heritage Month. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

 

Journalist John Quiñones, anchor of ABC’s popular show “What Would You Do?” was the keynote speaker at the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center’s zenith event for Latino Heritage Month on Tuesday, “Illuminating the Path.”

“What Would You Do?” is an American situational television program that establishes everyday scenarios and then captures people’s reactions using hidden cameras. It is one of the highest-rated newsmagazine franchises of recent years.

The child of migrant workers from San Antonio, Texas, he discussed his upbringing and his popular TV show. He told the UConn audience that he grew up engrossed with storytelling and always wanted to become a journalist. He also noted that despite being a fifth-generation American, he has been on the receiving end of considerable anti-immigrant discrimination.

During his 35 year tenure at ABC News, he has also reported extensively for all programs and platforms and served as anchor of “Primetime.”

Latino Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.