Afro-Latinidad: Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong'o speaking at a panel for “Black Panther” at San Diego Comic-Con, 2017

Créditos fotográficos: Gage Skidmore

As we enter Black History Month, it is important to recognize the successful Afro-Latinos within the industry in order to demonstrate the diversity within the Latinx community as they are oftentimes underrepresented. 

Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress, starring in popular films like Black Panther, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 12 Years a Slave and Us to name a few. Nyong’o is known for starring in films that showcase Black resilience through her characters’ individual experiences, demonstrating the versatility and range of her acting. 

Originally from Kenya, the Nyong’o family fled to Mexico to find refuge and to escape the political unrest that her father faced as an activist. And although her family left Mexico to return to Kenya at a very young age, she later returned and attended school in Taxco, Guerrero for seven months at the age of sixteen in order to learn Spanish and experience the culture. 

Besides becoming a fluent Spanish speaker, Nyong’o also learned salsa and merengue during her time in Mexico. She recalls having fond memories of the beaches in Guerrero and Oaxaca, learning Juan Gabriel’s discography, and the tacos de carne asada that she would eat. She enjoyed the tacos so much that they became her choice of food before attending red carpets. 

You can find the actress speaking Spanish during interviews and events, proudly displaying her nationality and roots as a Kenya-Mexican.