With Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 marking Hispanic Heritage Month, there's no greater time to heighten the visibility of those of Afro-Latinx descent. Afro-Latinx describes folks of African descent from Latin countries or mixed-race individuals with parents of Latinx and African descent.
Historically, there's been erasure of those who identify as Afro-Latinx. Our siblings who fall in that category are oftentimes met with anti-Blackness both within and outside of the Latinx community.
Below are eleven prominent Afro-Latinx public figures we're celebrating within the next month and beyond:
1. Cardi B
Grammy Award-winning artist, Cardi B, is most notable for her one-of-a-kind persona and hit records, such as "Bodak Yellow." The Bronx native was born to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother.
2. Juelz Santana
If you’re a fan of hip-hop, specifically from the East Coast, then you know Juelz Santana. Santana is most known for his time in the hip-hop group Dipset. Santana's father is of Dominican descent.
3. Zoe Saldana
The actress, most notable for her lead role in Colombiana, has actively spoken on the complexities of Blackness and how it pertains to her personal life. Saldana is also known for her roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Saldana, who has Haitian roots, has a Puerto Rican mother and a late father who was of Dominican heritage.
4. Mariah Carey
One of the greatest singers to ever live, Mariah Carey is a woman of Afro-Latinx heritage. Carey’s father is of Afro-Venezuelan descent.
5. Kelis
The “Bossy” rapper is best known for hit songs like “Milkshake” and her avant-garde fashion sense. Kelis' mother is half Chinese and half Puerto Rican.
6. Miguel
The R&B crooner and California native known for incorporating genres such as funk and electronic styles into his music was born to a Black mother and father of Mexican descent.
7. La La Anthony
Fans of the Power franchise are most familiar with this Brooklyn native, who made waves during her tenure on MTV’s Total Request Live. Anthony has also appeared in Two Can Play That Game and You Got Served. She identifies as Afro-Puerto Rican, with two parents of Puerto Rican heritage.
8. Maxwell
Gerald Maxwell Rivera, also known as Maxwell, is known for hit songs like "Pretty Wings," but many may not know that he is of Afro-Latinx heritage. Rivera's mother is of Haitian descent while his father is of Puerto Rican descent.
9. Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson, known for roles in Westworld and Men in Black: International is also of Afro-Latinx descent. Thompson's father is Afro-Panamanian and her mother is of Mexican descent.
10. Mj Rodriguez
Most of us know Mj Rodriguez from the starlet's powerful portrayal of Blanca Evangelista in Pose. Rodriguez was born to an African American mother and a father who is half Puerto Rican and half African American.
11. Amara La Negra
The Love & Hip-Hop: Miami star captured viewers with her vibrant personality and stunning features as one of the series's veteran cast members. The singer is of Dominican descent and is proud of her Afro-Latina heritage.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
