Search results
Sep 29, 2023 · Learn about the achievements and legacy of these politicians, entertainers, scientists, and activists who have shaped American culture and society. From Rita Moreno to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, discover the stories of 20 notable Hispanic Americans for Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Algonquin Books
- These famous Hispanic people deserve all the credit. The beauty and strength of America lie in its diversity. But while this melting pot results from the blending of many cultures, some of those cultures tend to get left out of the national discussion.
- Jennifer Lopez. She may have started out as Jenny from the Block, but J.Lo has become a multi-hyphenate entertainment phenom, and she helped female celebrities break out of the boxes that Hollywood had always put them in.
- Jovita Idár. As the proverb goes, when you educate a woman, you educate a family. Jovita Idár believed that wholeheartedly. While working at her father’s newspaper, La Crónica, she used the platform to speak out against racism and in support of women’s and Mexican-Americans’ rights.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Sworn into office at the age of 29, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is the youngest woman to ever be elected to Congress, and her win was a historic victory for women in government, particularly women of color.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Playwright/ Composer. Lin-Manuel Miranda held auditions for his hit musical "Hamilton" in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday, June 13.
- Sonia Sotomayor: Supreme Court Justice. Justice Sonya Sotomayor was appointed to the federal bench in 2009 by President Barack Obama. She is the first Latina on the bench and the fourth woman to serve on highest court in the U.S.
- Sylvia Rivera: American Activist. Sylvia Rivera was a transgender sex worker-turned-activist in the 1960s and 70s. She became an activist after patrons of the Stonewall Inn violently rebuffed a police raid in 1969.
- Rita Moreno: Actress. The Puerto Rican actress is best known for her role as "Anita" in the film adaptation of "West Side Story." Moreno won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1962, the first Latina recipient of the honor.
From fighting for justice to being groundbreaking thinkers, artists, athletes, and more, Latinas and Latinos have been breaking boundaries in the United States for centuries. Check out the information below to learn more about famous Latinos and Latinas, from actors to activists.
Ellen Ochoa. In 1993 Dr. Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space when she flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Her inspirational journey includes a 30-year career with NASA and serving as Johnson Space Center’s first Hispanic director. As a physicist and astronaut, she has inspired many to follow in her footsteps. Learn More.
People also ask
Who are some famous Latinos and Latinas?
Who are the influential Latinos in the United States?
Who are Hispanic Latinos?
Why are some Hispanic Americans famous?
Learn about 40 influential Latinos who broke barriers and contributed to the U.S. and the world. See their stories, photos, and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month.
This is a list of notable Hispanic and Latino Americans: citizens or residents of the United States with origins in Latin America or Spain.
