SPOTLIGHTS
Richard Morales
Leading art exhibitions & cultural programs at The Center for NYC's LGBTQ+ population, Morales is a hero in the battle for inclusion & representation of queer artists of color.
Tanicha Lopez
Known to rock a party with many styles & genres, Lopez gets in-depth with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas about artistic collaborations, Cultura Profética, and how her faith was restored in the Puerto Rican indie music scene.
Yanez Perez
Not one to shy away from either side of the camera lens, Yanez Perez pushed her way through obstacles towards success that took her to Maxim Magazine, TV, film, and eventually her own image consulting agency.
Julia Gutierrez
Raised in the musical family of the acclaimed Puerto Rican folkloric ensemble, Los Pleneros de la 21, Julia Gutierrez knows the importance of community, being grounded to spirit, and the pursuit of excellence. In this AFROTAINO culture spotlight, she makes it clear that Bomba & Plena is for life.
Patrick McGrath Muniz
Through his paintings, McGrath Muniz humors & antagonizes viewers to reflect on a satirical paradise born from his unforgiving perspective of how capitalism has branded humanity. He takes the symbols & tales from the weathered pages of Art History, World History, and Mythology, and uses them as a canvas to decolonize the future.
Maritxell Carrero
From song to stage to the screen, Maritxell Carrero brings healing energy through the arts. In this spotlight, she shares her love of her homeland, culture, and the exuberant joy of salsa buena.
Louie Ortiz Fonseca
On any given day, he can be found defending Black-Brown inner-city communities, dispelling homophobia, and humorously deconstructing R&B/pop songs - with ease & joy. Louie Ortiz Fonseca is the hero the world really needs.
Rafael Maya
Educator, Dancer, Percussionist, Director are just a handful of respected titles that apply to Rafael Maya. From his masterful work with Desde Cero, Totin Arará, and many others, he is on the verge of releasing his own solo project.
Aris Mejias
From acting roles supporting Benicio Del Toro, Martin Sheen, and even Juanes, to running her own fashion design label - SKIN ONION - Mejias is a major character in all the lives she comes across, on and off the silver screen. Learn more about her inspirations in this spotlight.
Michelle Angela Ortiz
Ortiz narrates the stories & reclaims the histories of the under-represented through her murals, artwork, and documentary work.
Fofito Morales
Abriendo espacios for over 20 years while nurturing souls with great music y arte con conciencia en ambos lados del charco.
Creative Justice Initiative
Creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration with the intention of building an intergenerational, inclusive platform to confront the systemic inequality and chronic under-funding of community-based arts and culture organizations.
Sandra Lilia Velásquez
Velásquez celebrates & elevates Latinx culture as founder of Nopalera - a high-end artisan bath/body product line inspired by the beauty, richness & resilience of Mexico.
Maria Estrela
Portuguese/Cape Verdean photographer & collage artist Maria Estrela exudes peace & power in her works. Through vibrant colors & deep imagery, she honors the rich legacy of the Black feminine of the diaspora.
Elizabeth Steiner
Whether she's playing Bach or Drake, orchestra pits or video shoots: Steiner is bringing Afro-harping into the spotlight - and our hearts.
Vanessa Maria Graber
From media campaigns to medicinal cannabis policies, this organizer/educator/radio personality is there on the spot pushing for the right change.