LibGuides: Afro-Latino Americans: Notable Afro-Latin People (2024)

FAQs

LibGuides: Afro-Latino Americans: Notable Afro-Latin People? ›

The Afro–Latin Americans of Central America come from the Caribbean coast. The countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, are of Garífuna, Afro-Caribbean and/or Mestizo heritage, as well as of Miskito heritage. Those of Costa Rica and Panama are mostly of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

The Afro–Latin Americans of Central America come from the Caribbean coast. The countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, are of Garífuna, Afro-Caribbean and/or Mestizo heritage, as well as of Miskito heritage. Those of Costa Rica and Panama are mostly of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Afro-Latinos tend to reside in coastal areas, although in many countries they have migrated to large cities in search of employment. Afro-Latinos constitute a majority of the population in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, they form a significant minority.

Overall, Celia Cruz was an early pioneer and role-model for Afro-Latino musicians and people. Afro-Latino artists are not confined to solely making Spanish music. Grammy nominated, R&B singer Jhene Aiko is part Dominican and African-american.

Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Muhammad Ali are often mentioned—and rightfully so. But what do you know about other Black history heroes, like Claudette Colvin, Alice Coachman, or Shirley Chisholm? If their names don't immediately ring a bell, you're not alone.

Elijah McCoy patents the automatic lubricator for steam engines. A prolific inventor, McCoy secured 57 patents in his lifetime.

Early life. Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar was born on October 11, 1992, in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Her father Carlos is Dominican and her mother Clara is a Trinidadian of African and Spanish descent; Almánzar identifies as an Afro-Latina.

A DNA study in 2014 estimated the genetic admixture of the population of Cuba to be 72% European, 20% African and 8% Native American. Although Afro-Cubans can be found throughout Cuba, they comprise a higher proportion of the population in Oriente Province in Eastern Cuba than in other parts of the island.

What percent of Latin America is black? ›

One in four Latin Americans identify themselves as people of African descent. They are one of the largest, yet least visible minorities in the region, comprising over 133 million people, the majority living in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela.

Cuisine. The African influence in Afro-Latin dishes is seen in products such as yam, pigeon peas, Candia, sweet pepper, maize, coconut milk, black beans, and banana, Typical dishes typically include rice, corn, and beans. From arepas, pupusas, tacos, tamales and tortillas.

OMB defines "Hispanic or Latino" as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

Due to the transatlantic slave trade, some Hispanic surnames have African origins. These names pay homage to the resilience and cultural contributions of Afro-Latinos, enriching the Hispanic cultural tapestry. Some examples are Moreno, Crespo, Pardo, and Prieto.

Cumbia, bachata, mambo and son jarocho are all quite distinct from each other and are still very vibrant expressions of tradition. But, more importantly, they also inform and influence a tidal wave of new expression, mixing with hip-hop, electronic, rock and jazz to form the musical bedrock of Alt. Latino.

'Celia was energy' Black and Cuban, Celia felt very proud to be Afro Latina, her executor said. Pardillo Cid said Cruz was the first Black Latina to sing in Spanish on American television and perform at Carnegie Hall, where artists such as Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and The Beatles performed.

Mariah Carey – Musician, Actor, Afro-Venezuelan. Jose Celso Barbosa – Physician, Sociologist, Politician, Puerto Rican. Roberto Clemente – Professional Baseball Player, Puerto Rican. Jesus Colon – Activist, Puerto Rican.

Specifically, survey respondents were asked, “Do you consider yourself to be Afro-Latino, Afro-Latina or Afro-Caribbean, or not?” Based on the responses to this question, Pew Research estimates the Afro-Latinx population to be roughly 6 million.