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Afro-Latinas are a vibrant and diverse group whose heritage is a blend of African and Latin American cultures. Afro-Latinas have a unique identity that incorporates traditions, languages, and customs from both their African and Hispanic backgrounds. They have made significant contributions to society and culture, often navigating complex identities in their quest for recognition and equality.
1. Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana is an actress known for her roles in blockbuster films such as Avatar (2009) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). She often speaks about her identity and heritage and is a proud advocate for the Latino community. Saldana grew up in the Dominican Republic with her father’s family after he passed away, and that is where she discovered her passion for dancing. Then, she got into theater and acting as a young adult in New York. She has worked on different initiatives, such as BESE, her digital platform, to bring more positive representation to the Latino community.
Read her Hispanic Executive feature here.
2. Janel Martinez
Janel Martinez is the founder of Ain’t I Latina, an award-winning website that highlights Afro-Latinas, who are less represented in mainstream media. Martinez is a New York native and a journalist who is proud of her heritage and wanted to create a space that highlights other Latinas in an authentic way.
3. Juliana Pache
The founder of #BlackLatinxHistory, Juliana Pache is an activist and social media influencer who focuses on highlighting the histories and contributions of Black Latinos. An entrepreneur, she has created two different businesses: 1) Pache Studio for handmade and curated jewelry, and 2) Black Crossword, mini crosswords created for the Black audience.
4. Massy Arias
Massy Arias is a celebrity fitness trainer, motivational speaker, and trainer from the Dominican Republic. She was a part of makeup brand Covergirl’s “I Am What I Make Up” campaign, where she shared her confidence in showing up as her true self always.
5. Elizabeth Acevedo
A Dominican American poet and author, Elizabeth Acevedo shares the stories of the Afro-Latino community through her works. She speaks out against prominent issues in the community and women, covering the themes of race, gender, and equality in her works. Plus, her book The Poet X is a New York Times best seller. The Poetry Foundation has also named her the Young People’s Poet Laureate from 2022 to 2024.
These individuals represent just a slice of the vibrant Afro-Latina community and offer diverse perspectives and experiences. Following them could provide a mix of entertainment, cultural insights, and activism.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
