Afro-Latinos are Latin Americans or Americans with mainly African ancestry. The term Afro–Latin American is not widely used in Latin America outside academic circles. Usually, the afro-latino are called Black and they have spoken for the rights of visibility in their working industries for a long time. They do exist and we will discuss the highlights in their careers in this post.
1. Cardi B.
| Cardi B | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cardi B |
| Birthdate | October 11, 1992 (age 30) |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Other Names | Belcalis Almánzar-Cephus |
| Education | Borough of Manhattan Community College |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, actress |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Spouse | Offset (married in 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards |
| Musical Career Genres | Hip hop |
| Notable Achievements | – First woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist |
Cardi B. was born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992 in Manhattan, New York City & raised in The Bronx, New York City, New York. The rapper’s mom is Trinidadian, while her dad is Dominican. Forbes recognized her as one of the most influential female rappers in the history, Cardi’s famous for her aggressive flow of rap and candid lyrics, which have got widespread media coverage. In 2018, she was included in the annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time.
For those curious about Cardi B’s height, check out this informative article on Cardi B’s height.
2. Tessa Thompson
| Tessa Thompson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tessa Lynne Thompson |
| Birthdate | October 3, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Santa Monica College |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Relatives | Zsela (half-sister) |
| Breakthrough Films | Mississippi Damned (2009), For Colored Girls (2010) |
Tessa Lynne Thompson is an American actress who was born on October 3, 1983 to Marc Anthony Thompson, a singer-songwriter and she is also the granddaughter of actor-musician Bobby Ramos. Away from the theater stage, In 2005, Tessa made her first television appearance when she participated in the CBS series Cold Case. “My mom is a woman of color even though she might not be readily identified as such and I feel like because of that, she always gave me space to explore my identity; get in touch with who I am,” she said during an Essence event.
3. Laz Alonso
| Laz Alonso | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lazaro Alonso |
| Birthdate | March 25, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latino |
| Alma Mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Notable Works | – “Avatar” (2009) as Tsu’tey – “Fast & Furious” (2009) as Fenix Calderon – “The Boys” (2019-present) as Mother’s Milk – “Jumping the Broom” (2011) as Jason Taylor – “Detroit” (2017) as John Conyers, Jr. |
| Career Background | Investment banker at Merrill Lynch Hosted shows on BET network Appeared in music videos by Toni Braxton and Aaliyah |
| Television Appearances | – “Breakout Kings” (2011) as Lead Character – “Deception” (2013) as Lead Character – “The Mysteries of Laura” (2014-2016) as Detective Billy Soto |
| Recent Project | “My Dad the Bounty Hunter” (2023) as Terry/Sabo Brok |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Religion | Christian |
American actor Lazaro Alonso was born on March 25, 1974. Theatrically, Laz recently played Carlos Jones in Guy Ritche’s CASH TRUCK, opposite Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett and Holt McCallany. He also starred opposite Paula Patton and Omar Epps in the independent Thriller TRAFFIK. Previously, Alonso starred opposite Patton in the hit romantic comedy JUMPING THE BROOM for Columbia Pictures, for which he received an NAACP IMAGE AWARD for Outstanding Actor In A Motion Picture.
Laz Alonso is a well-known Afro-Latino actor who has played roles in popular films such as “Avatar” and “Fast & Furious.” Check out the full cast of Fast & Furious franchise on Hood MWR to see more Afro-Latino actors in the film series.
4. Mariah Carey
| Mariah Carey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariah Carey |
| Birthdate | March 27, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Huntington, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Harborfields High School |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Works | Albums, singles, songs recorded, videography, performances |
| Spouses | Tommy Mottola (m. 1993; div. 1998), Nick Cannon (m. 2008; div. 2016) |
| Children | 2 |
| Genres | R&B, pop, soul, hip hop, gospel |
| Labels | Columbia, Crave, Virgin, MonarC, Island Def Jam, Epic, Butterfly MC |
| Songbird Supreme | Guinness World Records recognized her for her five-octave vocal range and vocal improvisation skills |
| Queen of Christmas | Known for the enduring popularity of her holiday music, including “All I Want for Christmas Is You” |
| Record Sales | One of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide |
| Billboard Achievements | Holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist (19) and spending a record 91 weeks atop the chart |
| Critical Acclaim | Inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, ranked as the second greatest woman in music by VH1, and the fifth greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone |
| Successful Albums | Music Box (1993) and Daydream (1995) are among the best-selling albums of all time |
| Memoir | Published the memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” in 2020 |
Mariah Carey is an American Actor who was born March 27, 1969 in Huntington, New York to Patrica Hickey, an Irish-American and Alfred Roy Carey, an African-American/ Venezuelan. She attended Greenlawn’s Harborfields High School. Her 1990 self-titled debut, “Mariah Carey” album went multi-platinum and spawned an extraordinary four consecutive #1 singles: “Vision of Love,” “Love Takes Time,” “Someday” and “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” and led to Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist.
5. Francisco Lindor
| Francisco Lindor | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano |
| Nickname | Mr. Smile |
| Birthdate | November 14, 1993 (age 29) |
| Birthplace | Caguas, Puerto Rico |
| Current Team | New York Mets |
| Previous Team | Cleveland Indians |
| Position | Shortstop |
| Batting Hand | Switch |
| Throwing Hand | Right |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | 190 pounds |
| MLB Debut | June 14, 2015, for the Cleveland Indians |
| Career Teams | Cleveland Indians (2015–2020) New York Mets (2021–present) |
| Career Highlights | 4× All-Star 2× Gold Glove Award Platinum Glove Award 2× Silver Slugger Award All-MLB Second Team All-World Baseball Classic Team |
| MLB Statistics | Batting Average: .274 Hits: 1,249 Home Runs: 203 Runs Batted In: 641 Stolen Bases: 138 |
| Personal Interests | Fan of F1 racing, favorite driver is Lewis Hamilton |
| Early Life | Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico Moved to Florida at age 12 Attended Montverde Academy prep school |
| Draft and Minor Leagues | Selected by Cleveland Indians in the 2011 MLB draft Rated as top prospect in minor leagues |
| Major League Career | Made MLB debut with Cleveland Indians in 2015 Impressive rookie season and consistent performances |
| Notable Achievements | All-Star selections Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards Hit first career grand slam in MLB |
| Trade and Contract | Traded to New York Mets in January 2021 Signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension |
Francisco Lindor is a professional baseball shortstop who was born on November 14, 1993 in Caguas, Puerto Rico to Miguel Angel Lindor and Maria Serrano. He has two names which are “Paquito” and “Mr. Smile ”. He is currently playing for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. A right-handed thrower and switch hitter, Lindor stands 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 190 pounds. He is the third son in the family of 4 children. His career with baseball was inspired by his father, who would hit ground balls from the top of a hill while the young Lindor stood partway down the slope.
6. Jharrel Jerome
| Jharrel Jerome | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jharrel Jerome |
| Birthdate | October 9, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latino (Dominican descent) |
| Education | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | Moonlight, When They See Us |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries |
| Career Highlights | Notable roles in Moonlight and When They See Us |
| Notable Projects | Moonlight (2016) |
| Music Career | Released “For Real” ft. Kemba as a hip hop artist |
Jharrel Jerome is an American actor and musician, who was born on October 9, 1997. Jharrel was encouraged to pursue acting when he was in eighth grade, after which he joined the Riverdale Children’s Theatre, a local youth theater organization. He went to and graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and commuted to Manhattan each day by train. After releasing his song, he posted a message “Before my life changed, I had no idea I’d want to turn rap from a hobby to a career.
If you are a fan of Jharrel Jerome and searching for other young talented black actors to watch out for, check out the top young black actors in 2023. These actors have showcased their incredible acting skills and are constantly rising in the industry. Get to know their names and keep an eye on their upcoming projects.
7. Rosie Perez
| Rosie Perez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rosie Perez |
| Birthdate | September 6, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Los Angeles City College, West Los Angeles College |
| Occupations | Actress, choreographer, dancer, activist |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Spouses | Seth Zvi Rosenfeld (m. 1998; div. 2001), Eric Haze (m. 2013) |
| Notable Films | Do the Right Thing (1989), White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Fearless (1993), It Could Happen to You (1994), The Road to El Dorado (2000), Pineapple Express (2008), Birds of Prey (2020) |
| Television Work | In Living Color (1990–1994), The Flight Attendant (2020–present) |
| Stage Plays | The Ritz, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Fish in the Dark |
| Emmy Nominations | 3 Primetime Emmy nominations for In Living Color, 1 Emmy nomination for The Flight Attendant |
| Background | Puerto Rican descent |
| Activism | Advocate for Puerto Rican rights |
| Personal Challenges | Childhood abuse, anxiety, PTSD, and depression |
| Allergies | Dairy products |
| Relationships | Former spouse: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, Current spouse: Eric Haze |
| Friendship | Close friend of Tupac Shakur |
| Recent Award | (2021) NHMC Impact Awards for Outstanding Performance in a Series |
Rosie Perez is an American actress, choreographer, dancer, activist who was born on September 6, 1964 in New York City. She studied in Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, Queens, New York, and enrolled at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles after that, California. When Spike Lee proposed that she work in his film Do the Right Thing, she agreed. It would be her first major acting role.
8. Maxwell
| Maxwell | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gerald Maxwell Rivera |
| Birthdate | May 23, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Genres | R&B, Neo Soul, Progressive Soul |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Columbia |
| Debut Studio Album | Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (1996) |
| Notable Singles | “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)”, “Sumthin’ Sumthin'”, “Pretty Wings” |
| Certified Platinum Albums | Embrya, Now, BLACKsummers’night |
| Grammy Awards | 3 wins |
| Soul Train Music Awards | 6 wins |
| Achievements | Lifetime Achievement Award by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation |
| Parental Background | Haitian mother and Puerto Rican father |
| MTV Unplugged Performance | Featured covers of Kate Bush and Nine Inch Nails |
| Second Studio Album | Embrya |
| Commercial Success | Embrya certified platinum, Now reached number one on Billboard 200 |
| Popular Single | “Fortunate” from the film Life |
| Album Release | blackSUMMERS’night (2016) |
| Total Grammy Award Nominations | 11 nominations |
Gerald Maxwell Rivera was born on May 23, 1973 in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Along with fellow musicians Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, Maxwell has been credited with helping to shape the “neo soul” movement that went to prominence during the late 1990s. Along with Badu’s Baduizm (1997) and D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar (1995), Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite has been recognized by people for beginning neo soul’s popularity and helping the genre obtain commercial visibility. Nevertheless, in opposition to D’Angelo, Maxwell was more conventional in his approach on his debut album.
9. Zoe Saldana
| Zoe Saldana | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zoe Saldana |
| Born | June 19, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican and Puerto Rican |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Known For | Star Trek film series, Avatar film series, Guardians of the Galaxy film series |
| Highest-Grossing Films | Appeared in the three highest-grossing films of all time: Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame |
| Films | Films she has appeared in have grossed more than $14 billion worldwide |
| Notable Roles | Nyota Uhura in Star Trek film series, Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar film series, Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe |
| Other Projects | The Adam Project (science fiction film), From Scratch (romantic drama miniseries) |
| Influential | Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023 |
Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazari was born on June 19, 1978 in Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. The Dominican and Puerto Rican actress has made it big in Hollywood ever since her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar. She’s also incredibly proud of being an Afro-Latina. As a Latina, I think we should be very proud of our heritage,” she told Latina magazine. She strongly disagrees with anyone who denies their roots as she said, “We tend to look for European roots and reject the indigenous and the African, and that’s disgusting.”
If you want to achieve Zoe Saldana’s flawless natural beauty, check out our article on 50 Natural Beautiful Celebrities Without Makeup. This list showcases celebrities who are confident in their natural beauty and don’t need makeup to shine. Discover tips on how to enhance your natural features and embrace your own unique beauty.
10. Rosario Dawson
| Rosario Dawson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rosario Isabel Dawson |
| Birthdate | May 9, 1979 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latino |
| Occupation | Actress, Film Producer |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Works | Kids, Sin City, Rent, Daredevil, The Mandalorian, Clerks III |
| Significant Other(s) | Cory Booker (2019-2022) |
A stunning and resourceful woman Rosario Dawson, who has been primarily a film actress thus far. It was not until recently time, she started to do television. Rosario’s career actually began as a child when she made a minor appearance on the children’s show, Sesame Street. As the story goes, she was “discovered” as an adolescent on her front door by two photographers. One of them, Harmony Korine, was a screenwriter who thought the inexperienced sixteen-year-old girl was ideal for the controversial cult film Kids (1995), in which she would portray a sexually active adolescent.
11. Colman Domingo
| Colman Domingo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colman Domingo |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1969 (age 53) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American, Afro-Latino (Belizean and Guatemalan heritage) |
| Alma Mater | Temple University |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, director |
| Known For | Notable roles on stage and screen |
| Awards/Nominations | Primetime Emmy Award, Tony Award nomination, Olivier Award nomination |
| Broadway Highlights | “Well,” “Passing Strange,” “The Scottsboro Boys,” “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” |
| Television | “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Euphoria” |
| Film Appearances | “Lincoln,” “Selma,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” |
| Notable Projects | “Zola,” “Rustin,” “The Color Purple” |
| LGBTQ+ Advocacy | Openly gay, married to Raúl Domingo since 2014 |
| Teaching Experience | O’Neill National Theater Institute, University of Texas at Austin, University of Wisconsin at Madison |
In 2022, Colman Jason Domingo got an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor Drama for his play as Ali in the HBO series Euphoria. He started to gain attention for his performance in the role as Mr. Bones in the Broadway The Scottsboro Boys (2011), for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Domingo is openly gay and his husband is Raúl Domingo, they have been married to each other since 2014.
12. Soledad O’Brien
| Name | María de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien |
| Date of birth | September 19, 1966 |
| Place of birth | St. James, New York, U.S |
| Occupation | Broadcast journalist |
An American broadcast journalist and executive producer María de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien was born on September 19, 1966 in St. James, New York. She is the anchor for the morning show of CNN, Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien and special correspondent for CNN/U.S. O’Brien’s newest documentary is Black in America: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley, a profile of an accelerator program established to diversify the technology industry by helping African-American digital entrepreneurs secure funding for their ventures.
13. Gina Torres
| Gina Torres | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gina Torres |
| Birthdate | April 25, 1969 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known for | Firefly, Suits, 9-1-1: Lone Star |
| Education | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latina |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
| Notable Roles | Zoe Washburne in Firefly, Jessica Pearson in Suits |
| Film Appearances | The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions |
| Television Appearances | Cleopatra 2525, Angel, 24, Hannibal, Westworld |
| Awards | ALMA Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Syndicated |
| Relationships | Formerly married to Laurence Fishburne |
| Children | 1 |
Gina Torres Gina Torres was born on April 25, 1969 in New York City and is the youngest of three children in a close-knit American Cuban family. Went to New York City’s High School of Music and Art, she is a gifted mezzo soprano and was trained in jazz and opera and also sang in a gospel choir. She is an American actress who was known for the starring roles as Zoe Washburne in the science fiction series Firefly from 2002 to 2003 and its feature film sequel Serenity in 2005.
If you’re looking for inspiration from a beautiful and talented Afro-Latina actress, check out our list of attractive Black female celebrities for 2022. Enjoy some of the most powerful and influential women in the entertainment industry strutting their stuff.
14. Elizabeth Acevedo
| Elizabeth Acevedo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Acevedo |
| Occupation | Author, Poet, Writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | Dominican Republic |
| Education | Beacon High School, University of Maryland, The George Washington University |
| Alma Mater | George Washington University, University of Maryland |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Notable works | The Poet X, With the Fire on High, Clap When You Land |
| Notable awards | National Book Award, Carnegie Medal |
| Spouse | Shakir Cannon-Moye |
| Young People’s Poet | Elizabeth Acevedo was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. |
| Books | Elizabeth Acevedo is a highly acclaimed author, known for her best-selling young adult novels The Poet X, |
| Poet | Elizabeth Acevedo is a renowned poet who has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, |
| Teacher | Elizabeth Acevedo has made significant contributions as a teacher, specifically in eighth grade English, |
| Afro-Latina Identity | Elizabeth Acevedo proudly identifies as Afro-Latina and infuses her heritage into her work and personal life. |
| Religious Background | Elizabeth Acevedo was raised Catholic but no longer practices the religion. She explores her evolving |
Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet and author who was born on February 15, 1988 in New York City, U.S. Following graduation from George Washington University, she went into the classroom as a Teach for America Corps participant in 2010. She kept on teaching eighth grade English in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Although the school’s population was 78 % Latino and 20 % black, she was the first Latino teacher to teach a core subject.
15. Mj Rodriguez
| Mj Rodriguez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez (formerly known as Mj Rodriguez) |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Berklee College of Music |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Puerto Rican, African |
| Notable Roles | – Blanca Evangelista in the FX series “Pose” |
| Awards | – Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (2022) |
A Dominican-American poet and author Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who was born on February 15, 1988, in New York City. Following graduation from George Washington University, Acevedo went into the classroom as a Teach for America Corps participant in 2010. She kept on teaching eighth-grade English in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Although the school’s population was 78% Latino and 20% black, she was the first Latino teacher to teach a core subject. Although raised as Catholic, she no longer practices the religion.
While following in footsteps of her peer icons, Mj Rodriguez is bringing Afro-Latina representation to the forefront of Hollywood. Like other famous Bow Legged Celebrities listed on hoodmwr.com, Mj Rodriguez is known for gracing the red carpet and awards shows with her undeniable fashion sense and commanding presence.
16. Miguel
| Miguel | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miguel Jontel Pimentel |
| Birthdate | October 23, 1985 |
| Birthplace | San Pedro, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actor |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Jive Records, RCA Records |
| Genres | R&B, alternative R&B |
| Notable Albums | “All I Want Is You,” “Kaleidoscope Dream,” “Wildheart,” “War & Leisure” |
| Notable Songs | “Adorn,” “Sure Thing,” “Sky Walker” |
| Collaborations | J. Cole, Mariah Carey, Travis Scott, Natalia Lafourcade |
| Filmography | “Live by Night,” “Coco” |
Miguel Jontel Pimentel is an American singer, songwriter, and actor who was born on October 23, 1985 in Los Angeles, California. He started pursuing a music career at age thirteen. As an actor, he is famous for Coco, Think Like a Man and Crazy Rich Asians. He and Nazanin Mandi, an actress since November 24, 2018. Transcendental Meditation, a technique promotes a state of relaxed awareness, creativity, stress-relief, and efficiency, as well as physiological benefits such as reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease is the key of Miguel to balance his lifestyle.
17. Tristan Wilds
| Tristan Wilds | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tristan Paul Mack Wilds |
| Birthdate | July 15, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Staten Island, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Dominican, Irish, African-American |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Notable Works | “The Wire” (TV series), “90210” (TV series), “Hello” (music video) |
| Education | Michael J. Petrides School |
| Music Career | Debut album: “New York: A Love Story” (2013), Second album: “AfterHours” (2017) |
| Awards | Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album (2014) |
| Label | Louder Than Life |
| Management | Roc Nation |
Tristan Paul Mack Wilds is a half Dominican, half black actor and singer who was born on July 15, 1989 in Staten Island, New York and has been in the industry for multiple years and is very proud of his roots. He starred in the CW revival 90210, and he opened up about being typecast based on his looks. “I get offered a lot of black roles, because apparently I don’t look Latino enough,” he told the New York Daily News.
18. Swizz Beatz
| Swizz Beatz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Swizz Beatz |
| Birthdate | September 13, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Monster |
| Occupations | Record producer, rapper, DJ, songwriter, record executive, hype man |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Television | Verzuz |
| Title | Founder of Full Surface Records and Monster Music Group |
| Board Member of | Monster Cable, Brooklyn Museum, Reebok |
| Spouses | Mashonda, Alicia Keys |
| Children | 5 |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group |
| Musical Career Genres | Hip hop |
| Instruments | Drum machine, turntables, keyboards, synthesizer, sampler, vocals |
| Labels | Mass Appeal, Epic, Monster Music, Atlantic, DreamWorks, Everest, Full Surface, Universal Motown |
| Notable Collaborations | DMX, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, T.I., Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, Whitney Houston, and more |
| Entrepreneurial Endeavors | Fashion design, art collecting, creative director for Monster Cable and Reebok |
| Philanthropy | Member of trustees at the Brooklyn Museum |
| Family | Married to Alicia Keys, with two children |
Kasseem Daoud Dean was born on September 13, 1978. He spent much of his childhood growing up with his mother in the North East Bronx, in which he first encountered hip hop. After obtaining the necessary equipment from his uncles and stepfather, he began deejaying as a teenager and enjoyed a modicum of success. After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, due to his repeated involvement in violent behavior at Harry S. Truman High School, he started to work for his uncles, Joaquin (Waah) and Darrin (Dee) Dean, who were co-CEOs of the Ruff Ryders record label.
Swizz Beatz is well-known for his productions and collaborations with various artists. He is also heavily involved in the art world, serving as a producer for shows and a collector himself. Check out more about famous Muslim celebrities who are changing the world in our article Muslim Celebrities Who Are Changing the World.
19. Dascha Polanco
| Dascha Polanco | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dascha Yolaine Polanco |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Known For | Dayanara “Daya” Diaz in Orange Is the New Black |
| Other Notable Roles | Cuca in the movie In the Heights |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College |
| Career | Actress |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Children | 2 (a daughter and a son) |
| Accusations | Previously faced assault accusations, later dismissed |
Dascha Yolaine Polanco is a Dominican-American actress who was born on December 3, 1982 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During an interview with The Breakfast Club radio show, Dascha was forced to protect her roots. “I consider myself to be a black woman, and I think a lot of Dominicans should, because from what I see that’s what we are,” the actress said, to which host Charlamagne tha God asked her why she doesn’t just identify as Dominican instead “
20. Joan Smalls
| Joan Smalls | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joan Smalls |
| Born | July 11, 1988 |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Occupation | Model, television personality |
| Alma Mater | Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (BA) |
| Modeling Achievements | – First Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10+1⁄2 in) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Measurements | 83-61-87 |
| Agency | IMG Models |
| Notable Fashion Campaigns | Gucci, Chanel, Versace, Balmain, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Dior, and more |
| Magazine Covers | Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Glamour, W, and more |
| Awards and Recognition | – Named “Model of the Year” at the 9th Annual “Style Awards” |
| Philanthropy | – Involved with Project Sunshine, supporting children with medical needs |
| Relationship Status | Previously dated entrepreneur Bernard Smith |
A Puerto Rican model, television personality Joan Smalls Rodriguez,was born on July 11, 1988 to Eric Smalls, an accountant, and is West Indian, of African and Irish heritage, from Saint Thomas and Betzaida Rodríguez, a social worker. The gorgeous Boricua model isn’t just one of the hottest and most successful Latina models in the industry right now, Elle magazine claimed she has “the planet’s most perfect face.” I don’t think anyone would argue with that!
Explore the world of modeling with the top 50 black female models. Get inspiration from their charismatic and confident personalities that made them famous in the fashion industry. Follow their footsteps, just like Joan Smalls, and pave your own way to success.
21. Dascha Polanco
| Dascha Polanco | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dascha Yolaine Polanco |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1982 |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Known For | Portraying Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” |
| Notable Roles | Cuca in the film “In the Heights” |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hunter College |
| Career | Actress |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Children | 2 |
| Filmography | – The Irishman (2019) – Joy (2015) – The Perfect Match – In the Heights (2021) |
| Television | – Orange Is the New Black – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018) – Russian Doll (2019) – When They See Us (2019) – Karma’s World (2021-2022) |
Dascha Yolaine Polanco is a Dominican-American actress who was born on December 3, 1982 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During an interview with The Breakfast Club radio show, Dascha was forced to protect her roots. “I consider myself to be a black woman, and I think a lot of Dominicans should, because from what I see that’s what we are,” the actress said, to which host Charlamagne tha God asked her why she doesn’t just identify as Dominican instead. “
22. Don Omar
| Don Omar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Don Omar |
| Birthdate | February 10, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S. |
| Other Names | El Rey |
| Genres | Reggaeton, hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor |
| Years Active | 1996–2017; 2019–present |
| Labels | Orfanato, VI, Universal Latino, Machete |
| Achievements | Over 40 awards from 60 nominations |
| Successful Career | One of the most successful artists in reggaeton |
| Film Appearances | Portrayed Rico Santos in Fast & Furious franchise |
| Album Sales | Sold over 70 million albums worldwide |
| Early Influences | Showed interest in Vico C and Brewley MC |
| Breakthrough Album | “The Last Don” certified platinum by RIAA |
| Chart-Topping Success | “King of Kings” debuted at No. 1 on US charts |
| Billboard Recognitions | Latin Pop Album of the Year, New Artist & Latin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year |
| Notable Albums | “iDon,” “Don Omar Presents: Meet the Orphans,” “MTO²: New Generation” |
| Collaborations | Worked with notable artists like Lucenzo, Natti Natasha, Zion & Lennox, and more |
| Retirement and Return | Announced retirement and returned to music in 2019 |
| Recent Partnership | Signed multi-year partnership with Saban Music Group |
| Personal Life | Married Jackie Guerrido, has a son named Nicolás Valle Gómez |
| Legal Dispute | Briefly detained in Bolivia due to a concert dispute |
William Omar Landrón Rivera is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, actor who was born on February 10, 1978. He is the oldest child of William Landrón and Luz Antonia Rivera. He grew up in Cristo Rey, a barrio of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, specifically in the Villa Altagracia area. When he was a child, he showed his interest in the music of Vico C and Brewley MC, but never actually followed it. During his childhood, he was an active member of a Protestant church.
Check out our list of famous Puerto Rican celebrities and see where Don Omar lands! Known for his reggaeton music and hit songs like “Dale Don Dale” and “Pobre Diabla,” this Afro-Latino artist has made a major impact in the music industry.
23. Tego Calderon
| Tego Calderon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tego Calderón |
| Birth Name | Tegui Calderón Rosario |
| Date of Birth | February 1, 1972 (age 51) |
| Birthplace | Santurce, Puerto Rico |
| Origin | Río Grande, Puerto Rico |
| Genres | Hip hop, reggaeton |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer, actor |
| Instruments | Vocals, bongos, timbales, drums |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Labels | White Lion, BMG U.S. Latin, Jiggiri, Atlantic, Warner Latina, Siente, Universal Latino, Paz y Esperanza |
| Notable Albums | El Abayarde, El Enemy de los Guasíbiri, The Underdog/El Subestimado, El Abayarde Contraataca |
| Awards | Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Music Album (El Que Sabe, Sabe) |
| Film Career | Illegal Tender, Los Bandoleros, Fast Five |
| Social and Political | Known for addressing social and political themes in his lyrics |
| Musical Influences | Fuses elements of salsa, plena, dancehall, and hip-hop |
| Unique Style | Lyrics that blend poetry and politics, representing an Afro-Caribbean working-class aesthetic |
Tegui Calderón Rosario is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper and actor. “I started to do music from a black beat, so that blacks can feel proud being black,” the Puerto Rican reggaetonero once said in an interview with NPR. “Thank God my parents are people that are pro-black and are also for the independence of Puerto Rico. I grew up in a house that is very different from others, and I don’t blame people that feel the way they do because they have been sold this. This has been passed down from generation to generation.”
24. La La Anthony
| La La Anthony | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alani Nicole “La La” Anthony |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Puerto Rican and Afro-Puerto Rican |
| Alma Mater | Howard University (Studied communications) |
| Occupation | Television Personality, Actress |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Notable Work | MTV VJ on Total Request Live |
| Achievements | Executive produced and appeared in off-Broadway production of Love Loss and What I Wore |
| Family | Married NBA player Carmelo Anthony |
| Divorce | Filed for divorce in June 2021 |
Alani Nicole Vázquez was born on June 25, 1979. This Puerto Rican chic rose from hosting on MTV’s TRL, to getting her own reality TV show, VH1’s La La’s Full Court Life, to payling in Power and even launched her own makeup line. “In my experience, people tend to have an uninformed and rather narrow view of what it means to be Puerto Rican. For me, not looking like some people’s idea of a typical Latina has been challenging and often painful. I constantly find myself trying to justify who I am and why should I?” she wrote in a personal essay for Latina.com.
La La Anthony, born in New York City to a Puerto Rican mother and African American father, is a famous Afro-Latina actress, TV personality, and author. She has gained recognition for her role in the Starz series Power and has also appeared in several movies like Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too. You can check out the list of famous Hispanic actors on Hood MWR.
25. Victor Cruz
| Victor Cruz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victor Michael Cruz |
| Birthdate | November 11, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Parents | Blanca Cruz (Puerto Rican) and Michael Walker (African American, firefighter) |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latino |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Afro-American Studies from UMass |
| College | University of Massachusetts (UMass) |
| College Achievements | First-team All-Colonial Athletic Association wide receiver (2008, 2009) |
| NFL Team | New York Giants |
| Career Highlights | Super Bowl XLVI champion |
| NFL Records | Longest receiving touchdown: 99 yards (tied) |
| Salsa Dance Celebration | Known for celebrating touchdowns with a salsa dance |
| Retired | August 21, 2018 |
| Post-Retirement Career | ESPN Analyst |
| Relationship | Formerly with actress Karrueche Tran |
| Philanthropy | Honored victim of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting |
| Clothing Line | Co-founded “Young Whales” clothing line |
Victor Cruz is an American former football wide receiver who was born on November 11, 1986. His mom is Puerto Rican and his dad was African American. The football star made a name for himself in the football world when he played for the New York Giants. He repped his Puerto Rican side during his games by dancing some salsa every time he scored a touchdown.
26. Christina Milian
| Christina Milian | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christina Milian |
| Birthdate | September 26, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Other Names | Christine Flores-Nash |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Songwriter |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Spouse | The-Dream (m. 2009; div. 2011), M. Pokora (m. 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
| Origin | Waldorf, Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, Dance |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Milianheiress Music, Cash Money, Def Soul, Murder Inc., Interscope, Island, MySpace, Radio Killa, Young Money |
| Movies | Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Be Cool, Pulse, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, Christmas Cupid, Grandfathered |
| Charity Work | Children Uniting Nations, Penny Lane Foundation |
| Ethnicity | Black-Cuban |
| Humanitarian | Awarded humanitarian award at The Reign fundraiser from the Elton John AIDS Foundation |
| Notable Songs | “AM to PM”, “When You Look at Me”, “Dip It Low”, “Say I”, “Us Against the World” |
Christine Marie Flores was born on September 26, 1981. Everyone has heard of Christina Milian, but most people don’t know that the singer and TV personality is actually 100% Cubana. The mom of an adorable daughter named Violet claims she had a hard time growing up because kids couldn’t figure out what she was. “I was like, ‘Well, Mom what am I? Everyone is asking me what I am’ … she was like ‘Well Christina, you’re Cuban and you’re brown,'” she said in a Mun 2 interview.
27. Tatyana Ali
| Tatyana Ali | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tatyana Marisol Ali |
| Birthdate | January 24, 1979 |
| Birthplace | North Bellmore, New York, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Mixed African and Indian descent |
| Known For | Role as Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” |
| Education | Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Career Highlights | – Starred as Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” |
| Music Career | – Released debut album “Kiss The Sky” |
| Notable Awards | Living Legacy Award from the Caribbean Heritage Organization |
| Personal Life | – Married to Dr. Vaughn Rasberry since 2016 |
| Activism | – Spokesperson for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign |
An American actress, singer Tatyana Marisol Ali, was born on January 24, 1979. We all know her as little Ashley Banks from the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But did you know she’s also half-Panamanian? “I remember my mom really trying to have us be bilingual … you know my mom trying to only speak to us in Spanish,” Tatyana told Mun 2. Ali attended Harvard University, where she got a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Government and Studies in 2002. Ali told that her major was political science on the game show The Chase, which aired February 3, 2015.
If you’re looking for a celebrity who is a great example of Afro-Latino heritage, Tatyana Ali is a perfect choice. This talented actress, best known for her role in the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, has African-American and Panamanian roots. Her stunning looks and acting skills make her a beloved star in both the Latino and Black communities. Check out these celebrities who look alike!
28. Naya Rivera
| Naya Rivera | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Naya Marie Rivera |
| Birthdate | January 12, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Valencia, California, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | African-American, German, and Puerto Rican |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Model |
| Known for | Starring as Santana Lopez on the TV series Glee |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award, ALMA Award, Young Artist Award |
| Musical Career | Signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist, released the single “Sorry” |
| Charitable Causes | Advocate for LGBT rights, immigrants’ rights, and women’s rights |
| Memoir | Published “Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up” |
| Representation | Pioneer of Afro-Latino and LGBT representation on television |
| Tragic Demise | Drowned at Lake Piru, California while swimming with her son |
| Notable TV Series | The Royal Family, Glee, Step Up |
| Notable Films | At the Devil’s Door, Mad Families |
| Siblings | Mychal Rivera (brother), Nickayla Rivera (sister) |
| Education | Attended Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, California |
| Languages | Fluent in English, proficient in Spanish |
Naya Marie Rivera is an actress, singer, model who was born on January 12, 1987 in Valencia, California, U.S. Naya is recognized for her efforts on the famous musical comedy-drama series Glee. She soon realized she was, “Too white for the black kids, too black for the Latinos and just generally too all-around other for the white kids.” Rivera dated actor Tahj Mowry from 2000 to 2004, after having a chance to meet shooting a commercial when she was four and later working together on Smart Guy.
29. Yaya DaCosta
| Yaya DaCosta | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yaya DaCosta |
| Birthdate | November 15, 1982 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Brazilian and Black-American descent |
| Education | Brown University (Africana Studies and International Relations) |
| Career Highlights | Runner-up on America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 3) |
| Modeling Career | Featured in advertisements for Garnier Fructis, Lincoln Townhouse, etc. |
| Acting Career | Appeared in films such as Take the Lead, Honeydripper, The Butler, etc. |
| Language Skills | Fluent in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and conversational Japanese |
| Relationship | Previously in a relationship with Joshua Bee Alafia |
| Children | Has one son named Sankara |
| Departure from Chicago Med | Left the NBC medical drama after six seasons and joined Fox’s drama series Our Kind of People |
Camara DaCosta Johnson was born on November 15, 1982. The half Brazilian model got her big break on America’s Next Top Model and has posed in fashion magazines like Vogue and W. She also has strong views about the way race is perceived within the Latino community. “The world isn’t simply black or white,” she told NBC Latino. “And racism is still prevalent, both in subtle and more insidious ways. My child’s reality will be different from mine, but I think that makes knowing our history that much more important.
It’s not just Yaya DaCosta’s stunning looks that draw us in, it’s her natural hair. DaCosta has been known to rock an array of styles, from sleek straight to voluminous curls. Check out these celebrities with curly hair, if you’re looking for inspiration and create your own curly hair routine like Yaya’s signature style.
30. Sarunas J. Jackson
| Sarunas J Jackson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarunas J. Jackson |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1990 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2015-present |
| Notable Role | Isaac Hall (Good Trouble) |
Sarunas J. Jackson is an American actor, writer who was born on March 12, 1990. The Insecure star is half Panamanian and half black and although he’s damn proud of it, he says it hasn’t been easy. Growing up he was only accepted by the black community in his neighborhood and now it even affects his career. “Auditioning for roles isn’t always easy for me.” he told People en Español.
31. Esperanza Spalding
| Esperanza Spalding | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Esperanza Emily Spalding |
| Birthdate | October 18, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, bossa nova, Latin Jazz, neo soul, R&B, Third Stream |
| Occupation(s) | Bassist, singer, songwriter, composer |
| Accolades | Five Grammy Awards, Boston Music Award, Soul Train Music Award |
| Education | Portland State University, Berklee College of Music |
| Labels | Ayva Musica, Heads Up, Concord |
| Notable Albums | “Chamber Music Society” (2010), “Radio Music Society” (2012), “Emily’s D+Evolution” (2016), “Exposure” (2017), “12 Little Spells” (2019) |
| Teaching Career | Former professor at Berklee College of Music, Harvard University |
| Musical Prodigy | Started playing violin at a young age and performed with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon |
| Instrumental Mastery | Proficient in double bass, bass guitar, acoustic bass guitar, guitar, and vocals |
| Multicultural Heritage | African American father, mother of Welsh, Native American, and Hispanic descent |
| Early Career | Joined bands and performed live in clubs in Portland, including the group Noise for Pretend |
| Critics’ Opinions | Praised for her unique sound, melodic bass playing, and personal energy. Noted for optimism and infectious drive. |
Esperanza Emily Spalding is an American musician, composer, educator and bandleader who was born on October 18, 1984 in Portland, Oregon. She started playing music professionally at a very young age, performing as a violinist in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at five years old. She later both learned and trained on other instruments, including bass and guitar by herself.
32. Fabolous
| Fabolous | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fabolous |
| Birth Name | John David Jackson |
| Also Known As | Fabolous, SportLoso |
| Born | November 18, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Education | Boys and Girls High School, High School of Art & Design, City-As-School High School |
| Genres | Hip hop, East Coast hip hop |
| Occupation | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Roc Nation, Street Family, Def Jam, Desert Storm, Elektra, Atlantic |
| Notable Albums | Ghetto Fabolous, Street Dreams, From Nothin’ to Somethin’, Loso’s Way, The Young OG Project |
| Notable Singles | “Can’t Deny It,” “Young’n (Holla Back),” “Into You,” “Breathe,” “Make Me Better,” “Throw It in the Bag,” “You Be Killin’ Em” |
| Collaborations | Lil’ Mo, The-Dream, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, Jamie Foxx, Trey Songz, and more |
| Record Labels | Desert Storm, Elektra, Atlantic, Def Jam Recordings |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder of Street Family Records |
| Awards and Recognition | Grammy Award nomination, MTV’s Hottest MC in the Game list |
| Ethnicity | Dominican and African-American |
Johnathan David Jackson or better called Fabolous is a rapper and songwriter who was born on November 18, 1977, in New York City, U.S. Growing up in Brooklyn, he first got recognition while being a senior in high school after live performed on American music executive DJ Clue’s radio show, then on Hot 97. Jackson subsequently agreed with DJ Clue’s Desert Storm imprint, and later secured a distribution deal with major-label, Elektra.
If you’re a fan of skinny male celebrities like Fabolous, you should definitely check out our article on 50 Skinny Male Celebrities You May Know. This article not only features Fabolous but also many other well-known personalities who have maintained their slim physique over the years. From actors to musicians to athletes, our list is full of inspiration for those looking to embrace their skinny build.
33. Amara La Negra
| Amara La Negra | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amara La Negra |
| Birth Name | Diana Danelys De Los Santos |
| Birthdate | October 4, 1990 (age 32) |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latina of Dominican descent |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress, dancer, author, television host |
| Genres | Reggaeton, Latin, Latin Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Labels | BMG, Fast Life Entertainment |
| Notable Achievements | – Breakout star of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Miami |
| Relationships | – Previously in a relationship with Bachata singer EmJay |
Diana Danelys De Los Santos is a Spanish bilingual and New York native who began her career at the young age of three years old. After performing in SHINE’s dancing, acting, singing showcases, and modeling Alycia immediately became a successful quadruple threat. She started modeling for brands such as Belks, Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, and became the face of Hearts for Hearts Dolls. After gaining much success in the modeling industry, Alycia began commercial work for Telemundo, Univision, and later had her television debut in NBC’s “Chase” and Gregory Allen Howard’s “The Plug”.
34. Carmelo Anthony
| Carmelo Anthony | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carmelo Kyam Anthony |
| Birthdate | May 29, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Small Forward / Power Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 238 lb (108 kg) |
| College | Syracuse University |
| NBA Teams | Denver Nuggets (2003–2011) |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 10 times (2007, 2008, 2010–2017) |
| All-NBA Team Selections | 6 times (2x All-NBA Second Team, 4x All-NBA Third Team) |
| NBA Scoring Champion | 2013 |
| Olympic Medals | Gold: 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio de Janeiro |
| NBA Career Points | 28,289 (22.5 ppg) |
| NBA Career Rebounds | 7,808 (6.2 rpg) |
| NBA Career Assists | 3,422 (2.7 apg) |
| Honors and Awards | NBA 75th Anniversary Team, NCAA Champion (2003) |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latino (African, Spanish, Indigenous, Venezuelan descent) |
| Family | Father: Carmelo Iriarte |
Carmelo Anthony is a professional basketball player who was one of the most successful players when he was in his prime time. Carmelo’s dad, Carmelo Iriarte, was a member of the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican social justice group. “It’s something I didn’t know until later when I started doing research on him and what he was into. Talking to my sisters on that side, reading books, and just hearing stories from other people talking about him,” the famous NBA star said.
35. Judy Reyes
| Judy Reyes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Judy Reyes |
| Birthdate | November 5, 1967 |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Producer |
| Known For | Scrubs, Devious Maids, Claws |
| Education | Hunter College |
| Notable TV Shows | Scrubs, Devious Maids, Claws |
| Notable Films | Gun Hill Road, Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | George Valencia |
| Children | 1 |
An American actress, model and producer, Judy Reyes was born on November 5, 1967. When she was asked if she was bothered by her appearance and then she answered “It bothered me, of course it bothered me, because what I look like and what I am, it doesn’t change that I’m a Latina,”. Judy and her ex-husband, writer/director Edwin M. Figueroa had been married for 11 years before they divorced. She and her partner George Valencia have a daughter, Leila Rey Valencia, born on November 27, 2009.
36. Arlenis Sosa
| Arlenis Sosa | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arlenis Sosa Peña |
| Nationality | Dominican Republic |
| Birthdate | May 7, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Copey, Pepillo Salcedo, Monte Cristi Province, Dominican Republic |
| Education | Evangelical College Simon Bolivar (primary and secondary education) |
| Career Breakthrough | Discovered by designer Luis Menieur and encouraged to pursue modeling in New York |
| Language | Initially did not speak English when she moved to New York |
| Modeling Agency | Marilyn Models (New York) |
| Runway Highlights | Banana Republic, Dior Resort, Oscar de la Renta |
| Notable Designers | Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Jean Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, and more |
| Advertising Campaigns | Lancôme, David Yurman, Topshop, Polo Ralph Lauren, and more |
| Lancôme Spokesmodel | Became the face of Lancôme in September 2008 |
Arlenis Sosa Peña is a Dominican model who was born May 7, 1989, in Pepillo Salcedo, Monte Cristi.. In 2008 she walked into a modeling agency and was signed on the spot! She appeared in the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and is the current spokesmodel for Lancôme. Her wedding with professional basketball player Donnie McGrath was on a beachside in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in June 2015.
37. Lázaro Ramos
| L zaro Ramos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lázaro Ramos |
| Birthdate | November 1, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Salvador, Bahia, Brazil |
| Occupations | Actor, Television Presenter, Director, Writer, Voice Actor |
| Years Active | 1993–present |
| Notable Film | Madame Satã |
| International Recognition | Nominated for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for Cobras & Lagartos |
Luís Lázaro Sacramento Ramos is a Brazilian actor, presenter, director, writer and voice actor who was born on November 1, 1978, in Salvador, Bahia to Mercedes Araújo and Ademir Araújo. She starred in “Executive Order” and has also dominated Brazilian television since the early 2000s, which is still an extremely rare feat. In Brazil, white-passing actors still dominate the big and small screens.
Lázaro Ramos is a talented actor, director, and writer with a captivating presence on screen. If you’re interested in Brazilian culture and entertainment, make sure to check out Hood MWR’s article featuring the 50 most beautiful Brazilian women in 2023. From models to actresses and everything in between, this list celebrates the beauty and diversity of Brazilian women.
38. Emayatzy Corinealdi
| Emayatzy Corinealdi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emayatzy Corinealdi |
| Birthdate | January 14, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Fort Knox, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Panamanian (father) and African-American (mother) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Notable Works | Middle of Nowhere (2012), Miles Ahead (2016), The Invitation (2015), Roots (2016), Ballers (2017-2019), The Red Line (2019), Reasonable Doubt (2022) |
| Awards | Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performer, Independent Spirit Award nomination |
| Education | Studied at the Actor’s Training Studio (New Jersey), William Esper Studio (New York City), Playhouse West |
Emayatzy Evett Corinealdi is an American actress who was born on January 17, 1995 in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Rosemarie Hilton, a African-American and Edward Corinealdi, a Panamanian. As a member of a military family, she grew up between Germany and the U.S. states in Kansas, Ohio, and New Jersey. In 2013, Corinealdi appeared in the short film The Door, part of Miu Miu’s fashion series Women’s Tales, which reunited her with her Middle of Nowhere director Ava DuVernay.
39. Taís Araújo
| Ta s Ara jo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taís Araújo |
| Birthdate | November 25, 1978 (age 44) |
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Alma Mater | Estácio de Sá University |
| Occupations | Actress, TV host, model |
| Years Active | 1995—present |
| Spouse | Lázaro Ramos (married in 2007) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Roles | Protagonist in the telenovelas “Xica da Silva” and “Viver a Vida” |
| Television Series | “Da Cor do Pecado,” “Cobras & Lagartos,” “Cheias de Charme,” “Geração Brasil,” and “Mister Brau” |
| Groundbreaking Role | First black woman to star in a prime time telenovela |
| Influence and Recognition | Most admired woman, influential artist in television and internet |
| Advocacy Work | Appointed as the Defender of Rights of Black Women by UN Women Brazil |
| Awards | Kikito’s Best Supporting Actress, Trip Transformadores Prize, Award Claudia |
Taís Bianca Gama de Araújo is a Brazilian actress, model and television host who was born on 25 November 1978, in Rio de Janeiro to Mercedes Araújo and Ademir Araújo. She starred in “Executive Order” and has also dominated Brazilian television since the early 2000s, which is still an extremely rare feat. In Brazil, white-passing actors still dominate the big and small screens.
40. Indya Moore
| Indya Moore | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indya Adrianna Moore |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1995 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican |
| Occupations | Actor, Model |
| Known For | Role of Angel Evangelista in the TV series “Pose” |
| Gender Identity | Transgender, Non-binary |
| Pronouns | They/Them, She/Her |
| Education | General Equivalency Diploma (GED) |
| Notable Achievements | Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2019) |
| Filmography | Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (2021) |
| Philanthropy | Founder of Beetlefruit Media |
| Personal Life | Polyamorous |
An American actor and model, Indya Adrianna Moore is of Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican ancestry, also deserve top billing not simply for Afro-Latinx representation but also transgender/LGBTQ representation. She was born on January 17, 1995 in New York City. She is famous for featuring the role of Angle Evangelista in the FX tv series Pose. In 2019, Moore was chosen as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time.
If you’re looking for inspiring transgender models who defy the mainstream beauty standards, check out some of the most attractive transgender models of all time. These models have managed to break barriers and are paving the way for inclusivity and acceptance in the fashion industry.
41. Y’lan Noel
| Y lan Noel | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Y’lan Noel |
| Birthdate | May 21, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York |
| Nationality | Panamanian-American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Panamanian |
| Education | Morehouse College |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | Portraying Daniel King in Insecure |
| Notable Works | The First Purge (Lead role as Dmitri) |
| Additional Project | Television pilot based on |
| Fraternity | Member of Kappa Alpha Psi |
Y’lan Noel is an American actor who was born on August 19, 1988. In 2015, Noel landed the role as Daniel King on Insecure. Daniel was described by Noel as being the opposite of him, “I was nervous about playing Daniel. I love being around women…but I’ve always felt a bit awkward, well, insecure, around women I’ve had crushes on. Daniel doesn’t seem to have any of that awkwardness… Daniel’s extremely confident and goes after what he wants.”
42. Celia Cruz
| Celia Cruz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Celia Cruz |
| Nickname | “La Guarachera de Cuba” |
| Birthdate | October 21, 1925 |
| Birthplace | Havana, Cuba |
| Death | July 16, 2003 |
| Resting Place | Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York) |
| Occupations | Singer, actress |
| Years Active | 1948-2003 |
| Spouse | Pedro Knight (married in 1962) |
| Musical Genres | Salsa, guaracha, son, bolero, rumba |
| Awards | 2 Grammy Awards, 3 Latin Grammy Awards |
| Contributions | Popularized Latin music globally |
| Acting Career | Appeared in movies and telenovelas |
| Catchphrase | “¡Azúcar!” (“Sugar!”) |
| Social and Political | Associated with the Cuban community in exile |
Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso was a Cuban singer and actress who was born on 21 October 1925 and died on 16 July 2003. It’s no surprise that fans refer to her as the “Queen of Salsa Music.” The three-time Grammy Award winner shocked the audiences with her electrifying style and soulful songs. Cruz painted herself with colorful wigs, high heels, and bright sequined dresses. Her flamboyant style is so famous that the Smithsonian Institution acquired a pair of her shoes!
43. Jhené Aiko
| Jhen Aiko | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jhené Aiko |
| Birth Name | Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo |
| Born | March 16, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Education | West Los Angeles College |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Labels | ARTium, Def Jam, TUG, Epic |
| Notable Collaborations | B2K, Miguel, Drake, Kanye West |
| Associated Groups | Cocaine 80s, Twenty88 |
| Partner | Big Sean |
| Children | 2 |
| Debut Album | “Souled Out” (2014) |
| Latest Album | “Chilombo” (2020) |
| Grammy Nominations | 3 |
| Ethnicity | Spanish, Dominican, Japanese, Native American, African-American, German-Jewish |
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo was born on March 16, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. Her family used to live in South Los Angeles, but their house burned down when she was seven so they came to near Slauson Avenue around View Park–Windsor Hills, and Ladera Heights where she was homeschooled until high school. Aiko calls her home neighborhood “Slauson Hills”. She is the daughter of Christina Yamamoto and pediatrician Karamo Chilombo (born Gregory Wycliff Barnes). Her parents are divorced. Aiko has seven siblings, three half siblings from her father’s side and four from both her mother and father’s side. Her sister is R&B singer Mila J.
If you want to add some edge to your look like Jhené Aiko, consider getting a nose piercing. You can find inspiration from celebrities who have nose piercings and choose the right type of piercing that suits your style. Nose piercings are versatile enough to be paired with any hairstyle and add a touch of personality.
44. Aloe Blacc
| Aloe Blacc | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aloe Blacc |
| Stage Name | Aloe Blacc |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Laguna Hills, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Rapper |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | Maya Jupiter (married in 2010) |
| Children | 2 (Daughter: Mandela, Son: Not specified) |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Reggae, Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, Trumpet (in childhood) |
| Labels | Stones Throw, Goontrax, XIX Recordings, Interscope, Dirty Science, Shaman Work |
| Associated Acts | Avicii, Emanon (with Exile) |
| Education | University of Southern California (Renaissance and Trustee Scholar, Majored in Linguistics and Psychology) |
| Notable Works | “I Need a Dollar,” “The Man,” “Wake Me Up” |
| Charitable Involvement | Malaria No More |
Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, or better known as Aloe Blacc, is a musician, songwriter, and philanthropist who was born on January 7, 1979 in Laguna Hills, California, U.S. This African-Panamanian performer does more than sing! He received his degree in linguistics and psychology from the University of Southern California. Undoubtedly, these cultural and behaviorism studies are what inspired him to use his dynamic platform to push for positive social and legislative change.
45. Rafael Bou Lemus
| Rafael Bou Lemus | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rafael Bou Lemus |
| Occupation | Data Scientist |
| Education | Ph.D. in Computer Science |
| Experience | 8 years |
| Skills | Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Python, R |
| Achievements | Developed a cutting-edge recommendation system for an e-commerce platform. |
Rapper Rafael Bou Lemus usually goes by his stage name: El Individuo. This Afro-Cuban artist uses his mixed heritage for artistic inspiration. His Cuban side encourages him to explore styles like reggae and dancehall while his African ancestry sparks topics of race and self-love.
The lyrics of “Mi Raza” explore El Individual’s personal ethnic history. Listen to this potent song along with his other AfroRazones hip-hop and R&B tracks to discover the flow of underground Latin American rhythm mixed with the beats of Havana.
46. Skai Jackson
| Skai Jackson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Skai Jackson |
| Birthdate | April 8, 2002 |
| Birthplace | Staten Island borough of New York City, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Honduran and African-American |
| Occupation | Actress, YouTuber, author |
| Career Highlights | Portrayed Zuri Ross in Disney Channel’s “Jessie” and its sequel “Bunk’d” |
| Notable Achievements | Included in Time’s list of Most Influential Teens |
| Personal Life | Filed restraining order against rapper Bhad Bhabie for harassment |
| Early Career | Started as a child model, appearing in national commercials |
| Other Projects | Guest appearances in K.C. Undercover, Marvel Rising: Initiation, and more |
Disney actress Skai Jackson started her acting career at just five years old! She was born on April 8, 2002 in New York City, U.S. She is most famous for her role as Zuri Ross on Disney Channel’s TV series “Jessie.” Nevertheless, you can also find this multi talented teen on YouTube, Liberty Kid, Bunk’d, and Dancing with the Stars! This Afro-Honduran’s debut novel, Reach for the Skai, inspires its readers to follow their dreams. Besides acting, Skai is also a youtuber and author.
Skai Jackson is an actress who has been in the industry since she was a child. She is known for her role in Disney’s “Jessie” and “Bunk’d.” Born on April 8, she is also a well-known Aries celebrity who possesses traits such as confidence, determination, and leadership.
47. Jean-Michel Basquiat
| Jean Michel Basquiat | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean-Michel Basquiat |
| Birthdate | December 22, 1960 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Died | August 12, 1988 |
| Cause of Death | Heroin overdose |
| Resting Place | Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Years Active | 1978–1988 |
| Known for | Neo-expressionist paintings and graffiti art |
| Notable Work | Irony of Negro Policeman, Untitled (Skull), Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump, Defacement, Hollywood Africans |
| Style | Neo-expressionism, graffiti, street art |
| Movement | Neo-expressionism |
| Rise to Success | Part of the Neo-expressionism movement in the 1980s |
| Exhibitions | Featured in galleries and museums internationally |
| Achievements | Youngest artist to participate in Documenta |
| Record-Breaking Sale | Painting “Untitled” sold for $110.5 million in 2017 |
| Personal Background | Raised in Brooklyn, New York City |
| Artistic Themes | Explored dichotomies such as wealth vs. poverty |
| Influence on Music | Friendships with musicians such as Glenn O’Brien and Warhol |
| Relationship | Dated Suzanne Mallouk and lived together in New York City |
Jean-Michel Basquiat grew up playing music and painting art while living in Brooklyn with his Puerto Rican and Haitian parents. Throughout his short life, Basquiat managed to make approximately more than 2,000 drawings and 1,000 paintings. He was also a linguist who spoke French, Spanish, and English! This artistic advocate portrayed Black experiences and history through his art. While many of his paintings carry heavy topics and sad stories, they also celebrate Black art, poetry, tradition, and music.
48. Josefina Báez
| Josefina B ez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josefina Báez |
| Born | La Romana, Dominican Republic |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Founder and Director | Ay Ombe Theatre Troupe |
| Notable Performance Texts | Dominicanish, Comrade, Bliss Ain’t Playing, Levente no. Yolayorkdominicanyork |
| Description | Performer-writer-educator-director exploring the present and its encounters with the past and future |
| Published Works | Forward Motion Magazine (NYC), Brujula/Compass (Latin American Writers Institute (NYC)), Ventana Abierta (University of California), Tertuliando/Hanging Out (Anthology of Dominican women writers in New York), Vetas (Dominican Republic), Caribbean Connections: Moving North (NECA/Washington, Dominicanish (NYC), and the Beacon Press 2001 Anthology |
| Performance Life | Dominicanish – 10 fruitful years |
| Art System | Performance Autology – an approach to the creative process based on autobiography |
| International Involvement | Ay Ombe workshops and theatre retreats worldwide |
| Notable Performance | Dominicanish – 10th anniversary performance at Harlem Stage, New York |
| Themes Explored | Race, identity, migration, absorption of new cultures, double-consciousness |
| Resistance and Marginalization | Embracing and expressing multiple identities, resisting marginalization by sharing experiences |
| Performance Accessibility | Performances in various settings: large stages, homes, streets, parks, schools |
| Intimate Performances | Apartarte/Casarte – performed in small settings, interactive with the audience, explores immigrant experience and gender roles |
Dominican artist Josefina Báez is an writer, actress, educator, and director. Báez left the Dominican Republic at age 12 to move to New York with her parents. Her bicultural and multilingual experiences greatly influence her artistic work and festival performances.
For example, she describes home to SX Salon 29 as, “that is that is always present. I prefer to dwell in not what I have lost but what I have gained what it has given me. Migration is not a burden, I am a builder.”
49. Amirah Vann
| Amirah Vann | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amirah Charline Vann |
| Birthdate | 1980 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | African-American (father) and Puerto Rican (mother) |
| Education | Fordham University (Bachelor’s Degree) New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (MFA) |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Notable Role | Tegan Price in “How to Get Away with Murder” |
| Career Highlights | Breakthrough performance as Ernestine in “Underground” series Recurring role as Special Agent Jazzma Fey in “Major Crimes” Series regular as attorney Tegan Price in “How to Get Away with Murder” Role in the ABC drama pilot “The Holmes Sisters” Recurring role in “Unsolved: The Murder of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.” Corporate lobbyist Parker Campbell in “Queen Sugar” Role as Shondae Smith in the film “Miss Virginia” Zani in “Star Trek: Picard” |
“How To Get Away with Murder” album Amirah Charline Vann, who identifies as Afro-Puerto Rican, has dominated the small-screen since her breakout role on the highly-praised antebellum set thriller “Underground.” Next, she will be seen in Tyler Perry’s passion project “A Jazz Man’s Blues,” which is set to debut on Netflix in 2022. Hopefully, this catalyzes seeing Vann more regularly on screen.
50. Leslie Grace
| Leslie Grace | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leslie Grace |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1995 (age 28) |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Musical Genres | Latin Pop, Bachata, R&B, Soul |
| Education | Indian Ridge Middle School, Western High School |
| Notable Achievements | Three Latin Grammy Award nominations |
| Film Role | Nina Rosario in “In the Heights” (2021) |
| Other Endeavors | Face of Colgate toothpaste |
Leslie Grace Martínez is an American singer, actress and songwriter who was born on January 7, 1995. She was born to Dominican parents in The Bronx, a borough of New York City. Her mother has a hair salon in South Florida. She was raised in Davie, Florida and attended Indian Ridge Middle School and Western High School, where she participated in musicals, talent shows, and choral performances.