Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Creators
The beauty of creativity is it allows you to bring your values and culture into your craft. This month, we’re celebrating Latinx and Hispanic creators who never shy away from incorporating their culturally-rich stories into the work that they do. Here is a roundup of Latinx and Hispanic photographers, influencers, artists and musicians you should know!
Photo from Yendry
Yendry
Yendry is a captivating singer-songwriter whose music transcends boundaries and touches the soul. Born in the vibrant streets of Santo Domingo, her music reflects a rich blend of influences from her Dominican roots. With a voice that resonates with passion and authenticity, Yendry weaves heartfelt stories through her lyrics, painting vivid emotions with each note. Her songs are a fusion of genres, combining elements of pop, R&B and Latin rhythms to create a unique and intoxicating sound, so you’re really missing out if you’re not listening to hits like “Nena” and “Herrera.” Yendry's artistry is a testament to her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, making her a rising star in the world of music.
Photo from Refinery29
J Noa
Championing her title as the “Daughter of Rap,” J Noa has claimed a coveted position in the Dominican music scene. At only 17 years old, J Noa became one of the youngest solo performers to ever be featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk. If you don’t listen to her now, you’re missing out on J Noa’s classic hits like “Betty” and “No Me Pueden Parar,” so upload her music onto your playlist and get ready to have your life changed for the better.
Photo from Dany Misa
Alani Noelle
A cultural mainstay on Tumblr and Instagram, Alani Noelle is known for her New York pride and consistent engagement with her Boricua heritage. From serving as an ambassador for luxury fashion houses to spearheading marketing campaigns that champions inclusivity, Noelle has always ensured her responsibility to Brooklyn remains at the forefront of her social impact work. In the often male-dominated influencer space, Noelle utilizes her role as a community worker at Kith to uplift Brooklyn-based Black and Brown-owned brands that prioritize reinvesting their profits back into the community.
Photo from Raelis Vasquez
Raelis Vasquez
Trained at the prestigious School of the Art Institute Chicago, Raelis Vasquez utilizes their skill set as a painter to capture culturally-relevant moments representing their Dominican background as a form of resistance against oppressive colonial history. Their work has impressed millions, and they have been featured across multiple publications, including The New York Times, Artsy and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Photo from Floralis Espinal
Flordalis Espinal
Hailing from the Bronx, Flordalis Espinal is a professional photographer known for capturing the raw authentic culture of her hometown. In addition to launching campaigns with major clients, including Nike, Foot Locker, Peloton and Refinery29, Espinal is also the founder of Girls Who Shoot, a platform designed to empower women of color in the arts by providing them with opportunities to participate in workshops, panels and other events sponsored by cultural institutions such as the Bronx Documentary Center and the International Center of Photography.
Photo from Christine Cruz
Christine Cruz
Known by the moniker “Call Me Chrissy,” Christine Cruz is celebrated for carving out space for the Black and Dominican beauty community online. With a platform totaling over 300k followers, Cruz champions the work of small and Black-owned businesses in the beauty industry, from braid and nail technicians to up-and-coming fashion brands. A mainstay at New York Fashion Week, Cruz is known for her colorful style and engaging warmth, and is eagerly celebrated by her followers for always remaining authentic and being unapologetically proud of her Black Latina heritage.
Photo from John Geovanni
Tiffany Galicia
Representing everybody in Queens, Tiffany Galicia is a renowned photographer who channels herself into her work in order to produce the richest photos you’ll ever see in your life. Trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Galicia got into photography in order to cope with a difficult experience in life, and has not looked back since. And why would she? After securing clients like Warner Records and landing her first spread in Vogue Magazine, Galicia’s on her way straight to the top.
Photo from Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa
Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa
This multi-hyphenate writer specializes in Black Atlantic and Latinx histories, and currently serves as a professor and postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, where students can take her classes on Black women’s rebellions across the Caribbean and United States. In addition, Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa is a curator and collaborates with other Black and Latinx artists to showcase their work across the country. Currently, her exhibition “Monstra” is on view at Good Mother Gallery in LA until Oct. 24th and we HIGHLY recommend attending if you are in the area.