National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th and it celebrates and honors the history, culture and contributions that Hispanics have brought into the nation. The ancestral background of many Hispanics trace back to places like Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. With the celebration of Hispanics everywhere also comes the celebration of Afro-Latinos.

The phrase "Afro-Latino" was coined in the 70s, according to Rosa Clemente, Ph. D candidate at UMass Amherst’s W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, in a comment she shared with HuffPost. Afro-Latinos bring light to the fact that the word "afro" doesn’t only relate to African American — it also is used to describe black Latinos, such as Afro-Dominican or Afro-Boricua.

To celebrate afro-latinos we put together a list of Afro-Latinas that are killing the game right now, so keep scrolling to see and celebrate these beautiful, talented, intelligent women during National Hispanic Heritage Month:

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World Afro Day is my new favorite day. Tag me in photos of yours X 📷: @shelbyduncan

A post shared by Tessa Thompson (@tessamaethompson) on Sep 15, 2018 at 8:23am PDT

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First sneak peek: One of the incredible Celia Cruz images on display at the “Celia Forever” exhibit at the @cubanmuseum during the official 25th Anniversary kick-off event hosted by @wilbacardi • Saturday, October 6th • 8 pm • Live Music • Live Mural painting by the talented @alejandra_estefania_ • VIP tickets include an exclusive @renebyrr Fashion Show, private cognac and whisky lounge and entrance to the event an hour prior. • Purchase your tickets today >> https://noaf.eventbrite.com/ (Link on the Bio 👆) Image courtesy of the Celia Cruz Foundation • . . . . #givingback #celiacruz #celiaforever #bacardi #changinglives #empoweringwomen #dressforsuccess #dressforsuccessmiami #25For25

A post shared by Dress for Success Miami (@dfsmiami) on Sep 27, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT

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Love! Thx for posting this. #ladybug #mecca #backintheday

A post shared by Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbrooklyn) on Feb 27, 2014 at 5:17am PST

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@soledadobrien award winning journalist, speaker and author being honored tonight as the #SportballHonoree The 23rd Annual Black Tie & Sneakers Gala #AnnualBlackTieSneakersGala #celebrityscoopmagazine #entertainment #gala #sportsball2017 #arthurashegala #redcarpet #soledadobrien 📷@brandzhd

A post shared by Celebrity Scoop Magazine (@celebrityscoopmagazine) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:42pm PDT

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Kicking off #emmys2018 weekend with my close pals #Gucci #TomFord #vintagemiriamhaskellearrings 🙏🏽 I have a good feeling about this…

A post shared by Gina Torres (@iamginatorres) on Sep 15, 2018 at 8:51pm PDT

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“Woke up this morning with my heart set on Freedom” 🎶🎶🎶 ❤️ #tb 📷@tibalism

A post shared by Yaya (@yayadacosta) on Aug 15, 2018 at 7:19am PDT

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I just want the D… Dinero! 💰💰💰

A post shared by Joan Smalls (@joansmalls) on Sep 25, 2018 at 1:37pm PDT

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Excited to be headlining @lattitudeevent to discuss Latinos in the media and the journey that lead to launching @bese. September 8-11 in SanDiego Join me and other industry leaders +visionaries like @arod, @rodriguez, @maria_la_hinojosa + many more. Get your tickets today at lattitude.net #LATTITUDEISEVERYTHING

A post shared by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) on Sep 5, 2018 at 5:57pm PDT

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Here’s a big warm “Thank you” for making my birthday feel so special yesterday. All your messages, posts, calls & FaceTimes, Unexpected Flowers & thoughtful gifts let me know that even when we’re not physically together you somehow still thought of me. That’s so crazy! I never like to make a big deal over my birthday but somehow it always pans out to be unforgettable. And on the day of I get that “it’s your day” feeling. My heart is filled and pouring over! Love you Much! -Christine

A post shared by Christina Milian (@christinamilian) on Sep 27, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT

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Here we go. Time to put it all together. #backtoschool #baywatch

A post shared by Tatyana Ali (@tatyanaali) on Apr 18, 2018 at 5:20pm PDT

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Needed to recognize this look and event ! @netflix @oitnb #fysee @televisionacad what a great night surrounded by talent, old faces and new! Thank you @javier_pedroza @nicolemillernyc @coomijewels @tiffdoeshair #brandy @onna_ehrlich

A post shared by Selenis Leyva (@selenisleyvaofficial) on May 9, 2018 at 7:41pm PDT

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Excited to be featured in @_mykki_ Blanco’s special guest editor issue of @Dazed wearing @studiooneeightynine! 📷📸@mollephoto Interview by @treytylor make up by @juanjaar hair by @ivainsane

A post shared by rosariodawson (@rosariodawson) on Aug 15, 2018 at 12:05pm PDT

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A series. 💛. Add the hashtags for me.

A post shared by DASCHA POLANCO (@sheisdash) on Aug 20, 2018 at 8:26pm PDT

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😜🤣Hey bighead 😜🤣😍😘

A post shared by ℒᎯ ℒᎯ (@lala) on Sep 8, 2018 at 12:38pm PDT

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