Mi gente, we are continuing to celebrate Black History Month!

While many people in the United States view Latinos as a race, Latin America is multicultural and multiracial. As a result, Latinos from Latin America who come from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, etc are Afro-Latinos, which stands for Latinos of African descent.

To commemorate Black History Month, I want to highlight Afro-Latinas and Afro-Latinos, who are creating a space for themselves in the world of entertainment. Some of our favorite actors and musicians are using their voices to highlight the importance of representing people who look like them in Hollywood.

Take a look at these 10 Afro-Latinos making an impact in entertainment, music, and television.

Miguel

Miguel is half Mexican and half African American. Born Miguel Jontel Pimentel, the R&B singer’s father is Mexican and his mom is African American. With his jazz, funk, and R&B sound, Miguel has garnered fans worldwide. Miguel’s music video for his smash hit “Adorn,” which won a Grammy for ‘Best R&B Song.”

Cardi B

Born to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother, Cardi B identifies herself as Afro-Latina. The Bronx native made the leap from reality television to the top of the Billboard charts in 2017 in seemingly effortless fashion. Cardi B music video for “I Like It” featuring Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and Colombian singer J Balvin, which appeared on her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy in 2018.




Amara La Negra

Amara La Negra is an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent and is most known for her role on the VH1 reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: Miami. The singer, actress, dancer, author, and television host continues to break barriers. Amara La Negra teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Khao for this bilingual song “Andale.”

Ozuna

Ozuna is considered one of the biggest stars of reggaetón at the moment and hails from Puerto Rico. As an Afro-Latino artist, Ozuna gives us hit after hit with his music. “Caramelo” is Ozuna’s latest pop-reggaeton single.

Dasha Polanco

As Dominican American actress, Dascha Polanco is known for playing the character Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the hit series Orange Is the New Black. In 2018, she had a recurring role on The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2016) as Detective Lori Weider. Make sure to watch out for her in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights film premiering in theaters this summer. In this interview, Dascha Polanco talks about her groundbreaking role in “Orange Is The New Black.”

Jharrel Jerome

Raised in the Bronx, NY, and of Dominican descent, Jharrel Jerome identifies as Afro-Latino. The actor and upcoming rapper is best known for appearing in the 2016 drama film Moonlight, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He also made history for winning being the first Afro-Latino to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for portraying Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay ‘s Netflix When They See Us. During the 71st Emmy Awards, where Jharrel Jerome won his first Emmy “For Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie.”

Zoë Saldana

Zoë Saldana has a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother. The Dominican and Puerto Rican actress has made it big in Hollywood ever since her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar. Zoe Saldana “25 Things You Don’t Know About Me” video segment for US Weekly.

Bruno Mars

While Bruno Mars was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, his father is from Puerto Rico. The singer, songwriter, producer continues to give us hits with songs like “24K Magic,” “That’s What I Like,” and “Finesse.” The music video for Bruna Mars’ “24K Magic,” which is also the name of his third studio album.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has been killing the acting game in films like Rent, Men in Black II, Sorry To Bother You, Zombieland: Double Tap, and more. Most recently, the Cuban and Puerto Rican actress has voiced her opinion in politics. During New York Comic Con in 2019, Rosario Dawson spoke with Entertainment Tonight about playing Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars.

Don Omar

Don Omar hails from Puerto Rico and has done his part to stay true to his roots. Don Omar is without a doubt a pioneer in the genre of reggaeton. Released in 2010, “Danza Kuduro” might just be one of Don Omar’s biggest hits throughout his music career.




Now these are just 10 Afro-Latinos making a buzz in Hollywood and we couldn’t be any prouder So let us know, who are some of your favorite Afro-Latinos in music, entertainment, and television in the comments below.