Hailing from Havana, Celia Cruz soared to global fame with her powerful voice, becoming known as the “Queen of Salsa.” Being of Afro-Latina heritage, she blended Taino, Spanish, and African cultures from her home country of Cuba, infusing her music with those unique rhythms. Cruz’s achievements include multiple Grammy awards, a National Medal of Arts, and being the first Afro-Latina to be on United States currency. She has performed on Sesame Street four times, including her certified classic ‘Quimbara’ in 1994. Today, Celia Cruz’s legacy lives on through her enduring influence on Latin music, her role as a trailblazer for diversity in the industry, and her representation of the rich heritage of Afro-Latino culture. #LatinAmericanHeritageMonth