Celia Cruz is still making history again. This month, the legendary icon’s coin started circulating in the U.S., making her the first Afro-Latina to receive a tribute in U.S. currency.
“Celia Cruz’s influence reached well beyond her music,” Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson said about The Queen of Salsa. “She was proud of and celebrated her Cuban culture, which empowered Afro-Latino Americans in embracing their heritage, making her an important and enduring cultural icon.”
The cultural Cuban icon who sang popular hits like “La Vida Es Un Carnaval,” “Quimbara,” and “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” left a pioneering musical legacy that shifted Caribbean music. Other women who received a coin include the first African American and first Native American woman pilot Bessie Coleman, the indigenous Hawaiian composer Edith Kanaka’ole, the former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the Mexican-American journalist and activist, Jovita Idar, and the prima ballerina and author Maria Tallchief.
To continue celebrating Cruz’s new commemoration, I've gathered up five other Latino icons who deserve a coin too.
Other Latino Icons who Deserve a Coin Too
Héctor Lavoe
Like Cruz, Lavoe also changed salsa music. He is known as one of the most popular salsa singers between the 1970s to 1980s. With songs like “El Cantante,” “El Día De Mi Suerte,” and “La Murga,” the singer is still recognized and praised today.
Beyond music, the Puerto Rican great still inspiring Latin pop icons like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro today.
Cantinflas
A famous Mexican comedian, actor, and filmmaker who achieved great success is Cantinflas – born Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes. Known as the “Charlie Chaplin of Mexico,” his most popular works include Ahí está el detalle, Ni sangre, ni arena, and Around the World in 80 Days.
Why not celebrate his trajectory with his own coin?
Selena Quintanilla
Another icon in music history is Quintanilla. As many know, her popular hits like “Como La Flor,” “Dreaming of You,” and “Amor Prohibido,” led her to be one of Tejano music’s greatest singers who left this earth far too soon.
In a nutshell, Quintanilla is a powerhouse that continues to inspire the music industry today. Moreover, a coin may actually be in the works – a request for a Quintanilla icon has been introduced recently.
Roberto Clemente
Puerto Rican baseball star Clemente was the first Afro-Latino inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It would be epic to see a Latino athlete be celebrated in currency – and guess what? It could happen.
It’s reported that Congress is considering the historic baseball right-fielder for his coin.
Juan Gabriel
“El Divo” is a Mexican staple. His flamboyant persona, heartfelt songs, and entrancing stage presence led him to be one of Latine’s most recognized singers. His popular hits like “Querida,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” and “Hasta Que Te Conocí,” are still being played on the radio.
And as a fan, how cool would it be for someone who sang lyrics like “No tengo dinero ni nada que dar / Lo único que tengo es amor para amar” (from “No Tengo Dinero”) to be featured in currency? That’d be iconic.
