Miami News

Celia Cruz to become the first Latina on U.S. quarter coins

Celia Cruz is joining five other inspiring women expected to appear on U.S. coins next year

After getting her very own barbie doll, the late Queen and Mother of Salsa will be gracing U.S. quarters soon. The U.S. Mint has revealed the new female portraits that will appear on American coins beginning in 2024, and one of them will feature salsa legend Celia Cruz.

The singer will make history by becoming the first Cuban American woman to be honoreo on a United States quarter.

Celia Cruz’s celebrated career

Celia Cruz was born in Havana in 1925. Her career span almost 60 years and she was recognized worldwide thanks to her high-energy performances, spectacular costumes, and powerful voice. She passed away in 2003 when she was 77.

To say that Cruz was a famous 20th-century artist would be an understatement. Throughout her decades-long career, she amassed 23 Gold Records, 3 Grammy Awards, 4 Latin Grammy Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Arts from the U.S. Cruz also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, adding to her extensive list of accolades.

About the American Women Quarters Program

This year's American Women Quarters Program is celebrating five outstanding women, one of them being Cruz. Beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025, this initiative will honor the many remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the country.

The program will also celebrate Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a women's rights activist and surgeon during the Civil War; lawyer and activist Pauli Murray; voting rights advocate Zitkala-Ša; and Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first congresswoman of color. Midway through 2023, we will provide the plans for the living quarters.

What do you think of this initiative? Who else do you want to see on U.S. coins in the future?

Follow Calle Ocho News as we highlight powerful Latina women and celebrate their achievements and contributions to the country. Subscribe to our email updates for updates on local news, tips and hacks, and ideas for things to do around Miami. Head to our advertising page if you’re a Miami business that wants to promote your name to our global readership.

Stay up to date with the latest news from Miami

2 Comments

Click here to post a comment