Black History Month

February 1, 2024

Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition on Black History Month

As we begin Black History Month, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) wishes to elevate and honor the tremendous achievements of the Black and Afro-Latinx community.

Latinos are not a monolith – we come from countless diverse backgrounds from across the globe and share a rich and varied heritage and history. The contributions of the Afro-Latino diaspora have been monumental not just in the struggle for civil rights, but also for a better understanding of intersectionality and the diversity within the Latine community. They are part of the very definition of what it means to be Latine.

This month, we’d like to highlight just a few Afro-Latino visionaries, both past and present, who truly define Afro-Latino Excellence.

• Ariana DeBose, Academy Award-winning Actress
• Carmelo Anthony, NBA Legend
• Celia Cruz, the “Queen of Salsa”
• Colman Domingo, 2024 Academy Award-nominee and NHMC Impact Award honoree
• Gina Torres, NHMC Our Voice Impact Award honoree and NHMC Visionary Alliance Member
• Jharrell Jerome, NHMC Next Generation Impact Award honoree
• MJ Acosta-Ruiz, Bilingual On-Air Host and Reporter 
• MJ Rodriguez, NHMC Impact Award honoree
• Miguel, Grammy Award-winner and NHMC Powerhouse Impact Award honoree
• Pío de Jesus Pico, former Governor of the Californias and namesake of Pico Boulevard
• Roberto Clemente, Hall of Fame Baseball Legend
• Rosario Dawson, NHMC Impact Awards honoree and Visionary Alliance Member
• Rosie Perez, NHMC Impact Award honoree
• Wilson Cruz, NHMC Visionary Alliance Member
• Zoe Saldaña, NHMC Impact Awards honoree

We celebrate these trailblazing Afro-Latinos and stand in solidarity with the Black community not just this month, but every month. 

Wishing you all a happy Black History Month.

Yours in the Movement,

Brenda Victoria Castillo 

President and CEO

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)