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10 Black Latin Stars Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

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Coleman Domingo and Liza Colón-Zayas (Getty Images)

They come from Ghana, the Dominican Republic, Somalia, Puerto Rico and all over the place in between. There are about 6 million people of Afro-Hispanic descent living in the United States, which is 2% of the adult population. Afro-Latinx actors are as wealthy and diverse because the places they arrive from – and so they are proving that they’ve a spot in the entertainment industry. Despite a long time of underrepresentation and typification, these Afro-Latinx talents are breaking boundaries and barriers.

Prominent Afro-Latin actors

MJ Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez is best known for her role as Blanca Evangelista, an HIV-positive dancer, nail technician and nurse on the critically acclaimed FX series “Pose.” The Afro-Puerto Rican made history as the primary transgender actress to win a Golden Globe and the primary Emmy nomination in a significant category. Off-screen, she sang the role of Audrey in the Pasadena Playhouse productionJust a little shop of horrors.

Mj Rodriguez attends the MAKERS 2020 conference on the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown on February 12, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for MAKERS)

Laza Alonso

Before Cuban-American Laz Alonso hit the silver screen, he may very well be found on Wall Street working as an investment banker. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Alonso got his start in the entertainment industry as a BET and NYLA host before getting his big break in 2009 playing Fenix ​​Calderon in the fourth “Fast & Furious” film. He continued this activity as Tsu’tey in the sci-fi hit “Avatar.” The Howard University graduate has also played various roles on television shows.

Laz Alonso Awards @ Sag thegrio.com
Laz Alonso (Getty Images)

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, of Afro-Panamanian descent, rose to fame as Sam White in “Dear White People” and continued her success that very same yr in Ava DuVernay’s “Selma.” Previously, she appeared in Tyler Perry’s film adaptation of “For Colored Girls” – a touching drama a few group of black women in New York. Thompson was raised in each Los Angeles and Brooklyn, and credits her mother with helping her discover her identity: “My mom is a lady of color, although she will not be easily identified as one, and I feel like due to that she has all the time given me space to find my identity; get in touch with who I’m.”

HBO premiere
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Tessa Thompson attends the third season premiere of TCL Chinese Theater HBO’s “Westworld” on March 5, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson, originally from Cuba and Africa, played her first major role in 1995 in the independent film “Kids” about promiscuous teenagers from New York. In the early 2000s, she was busy with appearances in “Men in Black II”, “Rent” and “Seven Pounds”. She returned to her independent film roots to star alongside Vanessa Hudgens in “Gimme Shelter.”

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Rosario Dawson attends the “Ahsoka” FYC event held on the DGA Theater on June 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Gina Torres

Spanish-speaking and opera singer Gina Torres has used her skills on major television shows, including “Suits” and “9-1-1: Lone Star.” In addition to being the foremost character, she has played supporting roles in series akin to “24”, “Gossip Girl” and “The Vampire Diaries”. Torres can be an executive producer of her own spin-off series, “Pearson,” inspired by Jessica Pearson’s character from “Suits.”

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Gina Torres attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards on the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Amara La Negra

Diana Danelys De Los Santos, often known as Amara La Negra, sang on the age of 4 on the Spanish-language show “Sabado Gigante” because the only black forged member. De Los Santos’ musical profession included the hit “Ayy”, but she experienced persecution on account of her skin color. In “Love & Hip Hop: Miami,” De Los Santos tackled colorism as an Afro-Latinx.

Amara La Negra thegrio.com
Afro-Latin singer Amara La Negra (Getty Images)

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo’s breakthrough role got here as Mr. Bones in the Tony Award-winning musical “The Scottsboro Boys.” His riveting performance caught the eye of director Barry Jenkins, who forged him in the Oscar-winning film “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Domingo’s profession took off much more when he played a charismatic preacher in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” earning widespread acclaim and cementing his status as some of the dynamic and versatile actors of his generation. Domingo is of Belizean and Guatemalan descent.

Colman Domingo (Getty Images)

Jharrell Jerome

Jharrel Jerome quickly rose to fame in 2016 when he was forged as young Kevin in the Oscar-nominated film “Moonlight.” Director Ava DuVernay noticed him during an audition for “When They See Us” and offered him the role of Korey Wise. As a result, Jerome became the primary Afro-Latino and Dominican to win an Emmy in an acting category.

Actor Jharrel Jerome at the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Jharrel Jerome attends the thirty third Annual Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) – Source: Photo by Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

Dasha Polanco

Dascha Polanco, an actress born in the Dominican Republic, dazzled in the years 2013-2019 with the role of Daya Diaz in “Orange is the New Black”. In 2021, she was chosen to play the role of Cuca, considered one of the salon ladies in the screen adaptation of the Latin hip-hop musical “In the Heights”. Her voice will also be heard in the animated series “Świat Karma”.

Dascha Polanco theGrio.com
Dascha Polanco gives us old Hollywood glamor on the red carpet. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Liza Colon-Zayas

Liza Colón-Zayas has earned a popularity as a flexible actress through her work on stage, most notably in the acclaimed one-woman show “Sistah Supreme.” Her talent caught the eye of director Steven Soderbergh, which led to roles on television series akin to “David Makes a Man” and “In Treatment.” In 2023, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Tina on the hit show “Bear”, showcasing her dynamic range and securing her place as a outstanding artist in the industry.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Liza Colón-Zayas, winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Bear”, poses in the press room in the course of the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on the Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles Angeles, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The way forward for Afro-Latinx representation in Hollywood

There is all the time a necessity for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood, and Afro-Latinx actors are poised to proceed to fill that gap. These talented creators are changing the narrative about diversity in TV and film while opening doors for others who appear to be them.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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