In Colombiana, Zoë Saldaña shines as Cataleya, a fierce assassin on a mission of revenge, making it one of the most gripping action thrillers of the 2010s. Her powerful performance, alongside standout roles by Amandla Stenberg and a dynamic supporting cast, proves that Afro-Latina leads belong at the center of high-stakes cinema.
The Black Music History Library, created by journalist Jenzia Burgos, is a powerful digital archive spotlighting the global influence of Black music. This review explores how the project reclaims history, amplifies overlooked voices, and redefines how we engage with music across the diaspora.
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One Day at a Time is a thoughtful and refreshing take on Latinx family life, blending humor, heart, and real-world issues. While the show offers meaningful representation and important conversations, it reflects a common trend in Hollywood where Latinidad is portrayed through a limited lens—missing an opportunity to fully reflect the diversity of the community.
Ozuna’s debut album Odisea transformed reggaetón by blending romantic lyrics, trap beats, and emotional depth. With hits like “Se Preparó” and “El Farsante,” it set a new standard for urbano music and marked the rise of a global Latin superstar.
When Telemundo spoke to Afro-Latina actress Gina Torres in English at the 2019 Emmys—despite addressing all other Latino celebrities in Spanish—it exposed the lingering anti-Blackness within Latino media. This incident is a reminder that Afro-Latino identity deserves full visibility, recognition, and respect.
Sech’s debut album Sueños marked a turning point in reggaetón, blending heartfelt lyrics with smooth vocals and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. With hits like “Otro Trago,” the Panamanian artist redefined Latin romanticism and established himself as a powerful new voice in urbano music.
Walter Mercado, the legendary Puerto Rican astrologer and television icon, passed away on November 2, 2019. Known for his flamboyant style and message of “¡Mucho, mucho amor!,” he left behind a lasting legacy of love, empowerment, and spiritual guidance that touched millions across the Latino world.
Black women have been central to reggaetón’s history, shaping its sound and culture from the early Reggae en Español era with Rude Girl La Atrevida, through Glory and La Sista, to modern stars like Tokischa, Lesley, and Anmily Brown. Despite systemic barriers, their artistry continues to define and inspire Latin urban music.
The casting of Zoë Saldaña as Nina Simone in the 2016 biopic sparked widespread backlash for perpetuating colorism and erasing Simone’s unapologetically dark-skinned identity. From the use of blackface to a prosthetic nose, the film failed to honor the legacy of a woman whose artistry was rooted in her experience as a proud, dark-skinned Black woman.
