photo series pays tribute to afro-latinas for black history month

Black women of Latina heritage have made countless contributions to Black art, music, politics, academia and every other area of our society. Photographer Linda Nieves-Powell, a New York-based photographer, writer and director began documenting iconic Latinas last fall and the tribute culminated in a digital unveiling via her website on February 15th. In an interview with Huffington Post, Nieves-Powell said, “I feel that it is very important to continue to highlight our unique beauty, especially today when our President and his administration is working to ostracize people of color. There is something compelling about seeing a powerful representation of yourself. It validates you and offers a sense of identity. Because the dominant culture’s standard of beauty often doesn’t celebrate our authenticity and diversity.” From TLC’s Left Eye to legendary actress Rita Moreno, salsa superstar Celia Cruz to the enigmatic La Lupe, these women have given so much to Black culture and the African Diaspora, that it was only right that this tribute celebrate them. To see more photos, visit latinaicons.com and enjoy a preview of the series below!

By T. McLendon, AFROPUNK Contributor

Irene Cara

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes

La India

La Lupe

Celia Cruz

Esperanza Spalding