Chita Rivera is an actress, singer and dancer, who has broken barriers and inspired a generation of women.

WHITEHOUSE: 2009 Medal of Freedom Recipients

Since 1978, the Kennedy Center has chosen only two Hispanics among more than 170 honorees: Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and U.S.-born performer Chita Rivera, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

CNN: Kennedy Center Honors snub Latinos