The Dominican Republic is one of the countries in the Caribbean. The country gained its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844. The island has several tourist attractions including the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, and Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake and lowest point in the Caribbean.
In this article, we celebrate Afro-Dominicans who have been trailblazers in different fields.
Gregorio Luperon
Luperon was the twentieth President of the Dominican Republic but before then he was a Military General. He played a major role in restoring the Dominican Republic after the 1863 Spanish annexation.
Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano
He was more famously known as Johnny Ventura or his alias “El Caballo Johnny Ventura.” He was one of the most famous salsa and merengue artists of his day. Johnny went on into politics to become the vice mayor of Santo Domingo between 1994 and 1998 and then the mayor of the city between 1998 and 2002.
Zoe Saldana
The Holywood actress was born to a Dominican Father and Puerto Rican mother in New Jersey. She has been cast on several top movies including Avatar, Star Trek, Guardians of Galaxy, and Columbiana.
Evangelina Rodriguez
She was the first female to graduate from medical school in the Dominican Republic.
Amara La Negra
She is a singer, actress, and model famous for her role in “Love & Hip Hop.”