Celia Cruz Becomes First Afro-Latina on U.S. Coin with Iconic Slogan
The U.S. Mint has unveiled the design for a new quarter featuring the late Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, making her the first Afro Latina to be featured on a U.S. coin. The reverse side of the quarter will depict Cruz wearing a rumba-style dress with her signature slogan "¡AZÚCAR!" inscribed. Cruz, who helped popularize salsa and Latin music, recorded over 80 albums and received numerous awards. The coin is part of the American Women Quarters Program, which also honors Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the Rev. Pauli Murray, and Zitkala-Ša.