Last week, the White House Office of Public Engagement convened over 90 Afro-Latino Leaders to celebrate the first in-person Afro-Latino Heritage Day as a part of this year’s Black history Month theme; “African Americans & the Arts.” This event highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Black and Latino communities and to racial diversity by celebrating the Afro-Latino identity.

During the event, participants enjoyed a panel on Black Latinidad in the Arts and a fireside chat with TV Host Sunny Hostin and actress and producer Gina Torres. The participants highlighted the importance of Afro-Latino representation in the arts and the entertainment industry and praised the administration’s efforts to uplift the Afro-Latino identity and recognize the community’s contributions across various sectors of the arts.

Participants also enjoyed special performances by Composer and Actor Mauro Castillo and Afro-Cuban singer Cimafunk.

Administration Participants Included:

• Stephen Benjamin, Assistant to the President and Director, Office of Public Engagement
• Dr. Maria Jackson, Chair, National Endowment of the Arts
• Cid D. Wilson, President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunities for Hispanics
• Marco Davis, President’s Commission on White House Fellowships
• Sol Ortega, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, White House Office of Public Engagement
• Faith Rynda, Engagement Coordinator, White House Office of Public Engagement

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