Puerto Rican historian, writer, and activist of Afro-Caribbean descent who played a crucial role in documenting and preserving Black history. Schomburg’s vast personal collection of rare manuscripts, books, and historical documents became the foundation for what is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library.

Professor, editor, archivist, curator, social theorist, author, and activist was born on June 11, 1951 in the coastal city of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to Arcelia Román Ruiz (1931-2009) of Vega Baja and Afro-Puerto Rican Baldomero Jiménez Font (1928-1999) of Piedras Blancas. The family briefly lived in San Sebastián, near the historic town of Lares, before migrating in 1952 to East Harlem where her sisters Carmen, Evelyn and Awilda were born.

Dominican scholar; diaspora, race, and Black Latinidad (Tufts).Professor of Latinx Studies at the Effron Center for the Study of America and the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, the co-founder of Freedom University Georgia, and the author of three books: Translating Blackness (2022), Community as Rebellion (2022) and The Borders of Dominicanidad (Duke 2016).

Professor of sociology at the University of New Mexico. Dr. López co-founded and directed the Institute for the Study of "Race" & Social Justice (race.unm.edu) from 2009 to 2024. Dr. López's scholarship, teaching and service is guided by the insights of intersectionality --the importance of examining race, gender, class, ethnicity together--for interrogating inequalities across a variety of social outcomes, including education, health, employment, housing, and developing contextualized solutions that advance social justice.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Celia Cruz became the “Queen of Salsa,” rising to fame in the 1950s with La Sonora Matancera. After leaving Cuba following the Revolution, she became an international ambassador of Latin music. Her powerful voice, energetic performances, and enduring influence made her a beloved figure across generations worldwide.

Born María Antonia del Carmen Peregrino Álvarez in Veracruz, Mexico, Tona La Negra was a celebrated Afro-Mexican singer renowned for her mastery of bolero and son. Her deep, emotive voice reflected the African and Caribbean influences of her hometown. She remains a vital figure in Mexican music history, inspiring generations of performers with her artistry.

Born to Afro-Panamanian parents, Eric Dolphy (1928–1964) was a groundbreaking jazz musician on alto saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute. Known for daring improvisations and harmonic innovation, he collaborated with Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman. Dolphy’s fearless creativity left a profound impact on modern jazz despite his brief career.

Afro-Venezuelan musician Oscar D’León is celebrated for his powerful voice and dynamic performances that helped shape modern salsa. Known for hits like “Que Manera de Quererte” and “Llorarás,” he blended Afro-Caribbean rhythms with contemporary Latin sounds. D’León’s energy and innovation made him one of the most influential figures in Latin music worldwide.

Born Edgar Ríos, El General is an Afro-Panamanian musician and a pioneer of reggaeton. In the 1990s, his fusion of reggae, dancehall, and Latin rhythms shaped the genre, with hits like “Te Ves Buena” and “Muevelo.” His catchy rhythms and socially conscious lyrics brought Latin urban music to global audiences, leaving a lasting mark on reggaeton and Latin music culture.

Afro-Puerto Rican musician Tego Calderón is a pioneering figure in reggaeton and Latin hip-hop. Known for blending Latin rhythms with urban music, his songs often address social and racial issues while celebrating Afro-Latino identity. Calderón’s distinctive style and powerful lyrics earned him international recognition and a lasting influence on the Latin music scene.

Born Ulpio R. Gómez in Havana, Cuba, Mellow Man Ace is an Afro-Cuban-American rapper recognized as a pioneer of Latin hip-hop. Moving to Los Angeles as a child, he gained fame in the 1980s with Cypress Hill before launching a solo career. His bilingual rap and Latin-infused style opened doors for future generations of Latin artists in hip-hop.