5 Influential Afro-Latinas That You Should Know About

Dr. Gina Delgado, Senior Program Manager, Latino Narrative 

In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to highlight influential Afro-Latinas who contribute to this vibrant community through their authenticity and culture. In a world where visibility and authentic portrayal are important, Afro-Latinas have emerged as architects of their own narrative, wielding the power of social media platforms to create their own representation. These Afro-Latinas stand as keepers of their own narratives, refusing society to dictate their own experiences. Through their creativity, activism and social media presence, they paint a vivid portrait of Afro-Latina life that challenges stereotypes and broadens horizons. They not only showcase the richness of their cultural heritage but also pave the way for future Afro-Latinas to celebrate themselves.  

Janel Martinez – Founder of Ain’t I Latina? 

Janel Martinez is a proud Garifuna and  Honduran American multimedia journalist, working to educate the general population about Afro-Latina womanhood and experiences. Due to the lack of representation in mainstream media, she concentrates on posting about current Afro-Latinos in the media and their contributions to art, literature, comedy and academia. Martinez’s website, Ain’t I Latina?, has garnered widespread recognition and has been featured in Latina magazine, The New York Times, Remezcla, NBC, BET and many other mainstream outlets. With more than 18.5k followers on Instagram, Janel creates a space where Afro-Latinos can come together and celebrate their identity as well as their valuable contributions to American society. Through her dedicated efforts and influential platform, Janel Martinez continues to bridge cultural gaps, foster understanding and amplify the voices of the Afro-Latino community at large.  

Nicoletta De La Brown 

Nicoletta De La Brown is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist and curandera chamána (shamanic practitioner). With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, she unapologetically explores her Afro-Latina roots through performance, fibers, video and mixed media sculptural installations, her multifaceted identity as a Black, Latina, Panamanian American woman. De La Brown’s sculptures and installations are nostalgically haunting. Her 2024 piece, “I only want love that feels like rest” poignantly addresses the emotional labor Black women endure and society’s expectation for women to prioritize others’ well-being over their own. Drawing from her personal experiences, she crafts metaphors that resonate deeply with themes of self-preservation and empowerment. Her art brings to life childhood moments, cultural symbols and references to her Panamanian heritage. Ultimately, De La Brown’s work serves as a powerful reminder that female empowerment begins from within, challenging societal norms and celebrating the complex nature of being Afro-Latina.  

De La Brown’s work has been featured in The Phillips Collection, The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Tribeca Film Festival. De La Brown has also been featured in the Washington Post, HipLatina, AfroNews and more.  

Elizabeth Acevedo 

With over 95,000 followers on Instagram and an even more impressive resume, Elizabeth Acevedo is an award-winning poet and author who has carved an undeniable niche in contemporary literature and poetry. Her work is a masterful exploration of the Dominican identity, female empowerment and self-expression by centering the Afro-Latina experiences. Her most recent novel, Family Lore, traces the lives of women tied together through family, weaving the past and present with influences of Santo Domingo and New York City. Acevedo’s critically acclaimed, The Poet X, confronts cultural tension through a young girl’s defiant voice in Harlem, creating a narrative that resonates with authenticity and power. Lastly, Inheritance, her most celebrated piece, is a spoken-word poem that delves into the complexities of Black hair and Afro-Latinidad, encapsulating the history, pain and pride in her cultural legacy. Through her diverse body of work, Acevedo not only gives voice to underrepresented narratives, but also elevates the Afro-Latina experience to the forefront, crafting deeply personal and universally compelling stories.  

Calma Carmona 

Calma Carmona’s music is an ethereal cross of pop, reggaeton, rock and more. Described by Talento magazine as being influenced by iconic artists such as Sade, PJ Harvey, La Lupe and Tina Turner, Calma’s ability to mix genres brings us colorful yet moody vibes and has attracted over 47,000 Instagram followers from all different backgrounds, with thousands more on YouTube. 

As an Afro-Latina, Carmona brings an unapologetic confidence as she proudly represents her home country of Puerto Rico. Her 2017 debut, Calma Carmona, features tracks like “100 Vidas” and “No Puedo Evitarlo”, showcasing soulful pop, guitar riffs and hints of Erykah Badu in her voice. Her latest 2024 single “Where Did You Go?” features a catchy bass line with hints of a ghostly blues vibe, perfect for a drive or a pensive moment with un cafecito. With her unique blend of influences and her ability to fuse diverse musical styles, Calma Carmona continues to captivate audiences and solidify her position as a rising Afro-Latina star.  

Irischel Beilin 

Irischel Beilin, a captivating Panamanian influencer in the realms of beauty and self-care, has amassed a devoted following of over 708,000 followers on Instagram, and more than 983,000 subscribers on YoutTube. With her career spanning more than 12 years, she has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of beauty trends, providing a powerful example of authenticity, self-expression and confidence to women around the world.  

Beilin’s influence extends far beyond mere numbers, as she has become a beacon of empowerment for Afro-Latinas, championing representation and self-love as an act of resistance towards societal norms. Through her engaging content and authentic approach, she has carved out a unique space where cultural identity and cosmetic artistry intersect, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their heritage and express themselves through the transformative power of beauty.   

As we commemorate Black History Month, it’s crucial to recognize that the Black experience in America is diverse and complex, encompassing the heritage of Afro-Latinos. These five influential Afro-Latinas represent a powerful force in reshaping cultural narratives and challenging stereotypes. Their work celebrates Afro-Latina heritage while paving the way for greater representation. By inspiring others and fostering community pride, they contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape and encourage future generations to embrace their unique identities with confidence.