20 Jennifer Lopez Quotes That Further Illustrate Her Icon Status

Jennifer Lopez is the guest of honor at this year's People's Choice Awards. The 51-year-old multi-hyphenate will receive the people's icon award for her contributions to music, film, television and fashion, and the recognition is more than deserved. Since stepping into the spotlight with her 1997 role in Selena, Jennifer has paved the way for artists worldwide and fully cemented herself as a star. In honor of Jennifer's decades-long career, we're celebrating by taking a look at her most inspiring quotes over the years. Read them ahead.

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Just a Handful of Jennifer Lopez's Most Memorable Collaboration Videos

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Noemí González Hopes Netflix's Selena Teaches People to "Be a Light When the Going Gets Rough"

You may know Noemí González as Soli Gomez from East Los High or Mia Rosales from Young and the Restless, but you'll soon get to see her on the drums as Suzette Quintanilla for Netflix's Selena: The Series. That's right - the 32-year-old Mexican actress will be starring as the sister of late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla, and she's well aware of how big of a feat that is.

While speaking with POPSUGAR, González recalled the moment she found out she booked the part, saying she was at home when she got the call from her reps. "I was laying down and my body jumped up in command, present with my phone. And I was like, 'I'm sorry, what?' I just remember really enjoying having that personal moment of, 'Oh my God, did this just happen?' And processing it on my own," González said. "Then, I went to celebrate with a piece of chocolate cake at my favorite restaurant in LA. It's been magical."

Even though González has prior musical experience as a singer, she had to learn to play the drums for the role. "My musicianship was a little dormant because I was so focused on acting, and this role being so musically based, really reinvigorated a light in me, firing me to perform and to drum. It was incredibly challenging because the drums are such a demanding instrument, but I learned so much about myself," she explained. In fact, González's favorite scene to shoot just so happens to be the "Como La Flor" performance, which is featured in the show's teaser trailer. "That experience was incredibly magical. It is a six-minute live performance. I had to learn the 'Como La Flor' album version and 'Como La Flor' live version, and I had to look like a pro. I had to do the live version for the show two and a half months after starting to learn the drums."

As Selena's older sister and drummer, Suzette was a major force in her life, and for González, the pressure of playing a real-life person - and the executive producer of the series - turned out to be her biggest challenge. "I had to meditate early on that and make sure that I cut any unnecessary pressure on myself, because I didn't want anything to get in the way with me doing the best that I did and the best that I could," she added. "So, that was probably the biggest challenge when it came to playing this role was, everyone reminding me that I'm playing one of the bosses. And everyone reminding me that, she's going to see this. And making sure that none of that got in my head, and instead, it went in my heart, mind, and spirit to channel everything for this story."

"It has just been incredible to have so much of my own personal history, my own personal interests, be applied to my professional life in a way that I could give back to her the way that she's given to me."

Selena was one of the biggest (if not the biggest!) Tejano singers of all time, but her life was tragically cut short when she was fatally shot by the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques, Yolanda Saldívar, in Corpus Christi, TX, on March 31, 1995. Being that González was and continues to be a fan of Selena, getting to play Suzette is more than just a role to her. "To say I'm a huge fan of Selena is an understatement. I am such a devoted fan. I was following her before she even was a mainstream, Mexican popular icon. I was following her with my mom when she was appearing on Sábado Gigante and Siempre en Domingo," she explained. "My mom already knew that this girl was about to be a huge star, so we watched those shows together. She handed me the Amor Prohibido album. I remember putting it in my CD stereo back in the day and dancing in the merits of songs that I really had no life experience to be singing about, but I felt those vibes and felt alive, vibrant, sassy, and fun - being a young little Mexican girl, listening to a Mexican girl producing such amazing music."

Given the major influence Selena had on González's life, her unexpected death hit her pretty hard. "The year she passed, I just was in disbelief and in denial," she said. "And then the following year, my brother unfortunately passed away. And then the year after that, the [Selena] movie came out, so I really grieved with the family. I grieved Selena, I grieved my brother all at the same time. So, I've really been attached to her in a very personal way. It has just been incredible to have so much of my own personal history, my own personal interests, be applied to my professional life in a way that I could give back to her the way that she's given to me."

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See the Cast of Netflix's Selena Side by Side With Their Real Counterparts

A 2019 USC study found that Latinx characters make up less than five percent of Hollywood speaking roles. Being Mexican herself, González feels "immensely proud" to offer more Latinx representation on TV through her role. "I am incredibly aware of our statistics and our representation . . . so to have such a strong role in 2020 is incredible to show that we have stories to tell and that our stories are valued and that you're going to love them and you've been missing out," González explained. "I'm not only representing for the little girls watching me now, for the actresses that are alongside me, the artists that are females that are alongside me right now, but for the future actresses that can do more speaking roles and change those statistics even further."

While the real-life Suzette is heavily involved with the series (along with Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla Jr.), González has yet to officially meet her in person, but they have talked about getting together in the future. "We have connected in some way through social media, and it's been beautiful," she gushed. "The first time that I heard from her, I cried. We're going to meet soon. And I'm very, very, very excited to really come to that moment and be very present and honor it, and finally, truly get to meet her as opposed to us obviously wanting to connect."

Selena: The Series - which premieres on Dec. 4 - will chronicle Selena's impressive rise to fame, as well as all the tough decisions her family made to help her achieve her dreams. The biggest takeaway González hopes viewers learn is to "be a light when the going gets rough." "I hope that they take away to always believe the impossible is possible," she added. "I hope they take away that Selena left her mark and her legacy will live on forever. If you keep sharing the story of a girl who had a dream and even posthumously made it come true, that's the power of spirit and that's the power of positivity and hard work that you can see in Selena."

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Here Are All the Artists Performing at the 2020 Latin Grammys!

We finally know the full list of performers at the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards that will air Nov. 19, and the roster couldn't get any hotter! Besides reggaeton heavyweights, and nominees, such as J Balvin, Anitta, and Bad Bunny, we're excited to see newcomers like Nathy Peluso, the Argentine singer killing it with her new album, Calambre.

While I'm getting ready to cry while watching Natalia Jiménez and Carlos Rivera honoring Julio Iglesias, bachata fans better have their Instagram open and ready on Story mode, because Leslie Grace and Prince Royce will perform a tribute celebrating Dominican legend Juan Luis Guerra. ¡Ojalá que llueva café!

Check out this year's nominees, and see the full list of artists hitting the stage at the 21st edition of the awards:

Rauw Alejandro, Anitta, J Balvin, Camilo, Lupita Infante, Juanes, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Ricky Martin, José Luis Perales, Prince Royce, Carla Morrison, Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Nodal, Debi Nova, Fito Páez, Nathy Peluso, Raquel Sofía, Sebastián Yatra, Alejandro Fernández, Christian Nodal, Natalia Jiménez, Carlos Rivera, Leslie Grace, Ivy Queen, Jesús Navarro

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AOC's Advice For Dealing With Vitriol: Choosing Yourself "Disqualifies All the Haters"

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Princess Nokia are inspiring young voters just a day before the election. In a candid conversation in partnership with Rolling Stone and Stacey Abrams's Fair Fight Action, the Bronx natives - who jokingly called themselves twins - sat down over Zoom on Nov. 2 to chat about the condescension towards young people in politics, how their roots have influenced their work in both political and cultural spaces, and dealing with toxicity and bullying in their respective industries.

"You're either going to believe all of these horrible things about you or you're going to choose yourself and you're going to believe in yourself."

In a particularly inspirational moment, the congresswoman offered sound advice for handling the vitriol and criticism that both she and Nokia have faced. "You're either going to believe all of these horrible things about you or you're going to choose yourself and you're going to believe in yourself," AOC said as she opened up about the bullying she's experienced. "You're going to choose yourself, and that just automatically disqualifies all the haters," she continued. "You don't have to prove your worth to anybody. You don't need to be anything to be worthy."

Following the uplifting discussion, the two, who relate as young women from the Bronx now in influential positions, also urged people to cast their votes on Election Day. "In many ways, it's a small gesture, but it is a powerful gesture," said the congresswoman. "So make sure we all turn out to vote and stand in your power." Check out their conversation in full above.

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Shakira Speaks Out For Families Separated at the Border: "Now Is Not the Time to Be Silent"

It's Time We Saw Undocumented Immigrants Positively Represented in The Media

When I tell folks anywhere that I have been working in the Immigrant Rights Movement, many automatically call me a Dreamer, but it's not how I define myself. In 2009, many of us around the country mobilized to support the Dream Act, legislation that would have given a path to citizenship for undocumented youth going to college or serving in the military. As Dreamers, we were recognized by the iconic cap and gowns we would wear while protesting or speaking in public spaces.

While advocating for the Dream Act, I had the privilege to organize with many amazing local leaders. I took every opportunity to tell folks about my experience growing up undocumented and to let them know there was a huge movement asking for protection for people like me. I pushed hard to do well in school to show America and its people that I deserved to stay here. It wasn't until years later that I realized how the DREAM Act perpetuated the "good immigrant" myth by equating higher education with worthiness.

It wasn't until years later that I realized how the Dream Act perpetuated the "good immigrant" myth by equating higher education with worthiness.

My own path to pursuing higher education was a rocky one. My mother, brother and I migrated from Peru to the US in 2002. From the moment we landed, my mom was very clear with me that my immigration status here was at risk. "No tenemos papeles, y eso es un secreto no le puedes decir a nadie", my mom would always remind me. "We don't have papers, that's a secret and you can't tell anyone."

From the age of 12, I had my first job as a babysitter, and although my mom never required me to work, I knew that she wasn't making enough money to feed us and house us. I often watched her cry in silence about this. I have always loved kids, so I took my babysitting job seriously. It was also a way for me to practice my English, and what better way than with kids? My first boss was amazing. She would let me eat there and take any leftovers to my family and would encourage me to focus on school. Every family I had worked for would always remind me about the importance of education, yet none of them ever asked me how I was getting along in school or whether I needed any help with homework. I worked full-time and was also in school. Slowly, my focus shifted from my homework and school in general to helping my brother with his school work and making sure I was getting enough work hours to help my mom with rent and food. I remember being more proud of receiving my first paycheck than getting good grades. A paycheck meant my family was going to eat. Good grades didn't impress many.

I got involved with community organizing as a young teenager and juggled work, school, and activism. When I organized, I felt seen, I felt heard, and most importantly, I was providing information to those who were undocumented like myself. After high school, I spent 7 years at a community college, which is when the labeling started. People would say things like, "We have a Dreamer in the class - she must be so smart." I had been placed in this category where I was defined by my academic success. Many didn't understand that I had grown up with choosing between school or a roof above my head. I was in college because so many had told me this is what I needed to do to make others happy. I wanted my mom to be proud of who I was becoming, not because of my academic results, but because of the changes I was creating in my community. I started to feel uncomfortable with people calling me a Dreamer because it suddenly felt like my life experience and self-education didn't count.

Why is it so hard to find a good "success" story about the nanny, the housekeeper, or the delivery guy?

This created a gap in my organizing world, a gap I didn't know how to fill. I started to reconnect with my old friends who were also undocumented, housekeepers and babysitters who I worked with. I started to talk to people who were like me, folks who had different types of education, not particularly institutional education. A lot of them voiced the same concern: that the media only cares for the "good immigrant story", or more so, for folks like Dreamers. So many times we speak about seeing on-screen representation in Hollywood, but what about representation for everyday undocumented immigrants in the news? Why is it so hard to find a good "success" story about the nanny, the housekeeper, or the delivery guy?

I would always complain to friends about how I never saw a story like mine on TV, so I decided to do something about it. I made a promise to go beyond organizing and start amplifying stories like mine in the media. I began searching for a way to work in communications. I had no degree, just life experience on how to tell the stories of those who felt unheard. I was lucky enough to find a place that gave me my first job as a communication strategist. I would pitch as many stories as I could, and slowly, I began to see stories like mine being portrayed in the media. Although diverse representation of undocumented immigrants remains to be a challenge in the media, I'm hopeful for change.

I never dreamed to be in the career I'm in today, but it helped me fall in love with who I am and made me realize what I could do for the community. I wanted to see more faces like mine, so le eche ganas. I'm proud to say that I have placed stories in oulets like The New York Times, TIME magazine, The New Yorker, and many more.

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24 Perfect Gifts For Busy People

Time is such a precious gift, because it's a commodity you can't buy . . . or so you think! There are some people that just seem to have more hours in the day, and there are others who are perpetually running around trying to get more done. If you know someone who's always got something going on, they need a gift that will work with their busy schedules. That's where we come in.

We've found several gifts that will "buy" the recipient some time - they will be the perfect holiday treat for every busy professional. Check out this time-saving list that ranges from the budget-savvy to the lavish. If you shop right now, you still might just get a minute to breathe.

- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi and Emily Co

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22 Wellness Gifts We'd Love to Receive This Holiday Season

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Umbrella Academy's David Castañeda on Diego's Second Act and Latinidad in Hollywood

When it comes to acting, David Castańeda has his heroes. "Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men: that's a big one. Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Amy Adams in Arrival. There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day Lewis." Still, one performance stands a cut above the rest as the one that catalyzed his wanting to be an actor, along with 2002's Raising Victor Vargas: "I saw The Matrix. I saw Neo and I was blown away. I was 9 years old."

Castańeda stars in Netflix's The Umbrella Academy, which after the release of its second season became the streaming supergiant's No. 1 most-watched show in August. It's entirely possible, then, that at this very moment, a 9-year-old is watching Diego Hargreeves save the world one knife-throw at a time with all the awe Castańeda, 30, once had watching Keanu Reeves dodge bullets in slo-mo.

Adapted from the hit comic book series of the same name written by MCR frontman Gerard Way, Netflix's answer to the eggshell white Avengers follows an estranged family of superhumans (Ellen Page, Hamilton's Emmy Raver-Lampman, Misfits' Robert Sheehan, and Justin H. Min included) adopted from around the world. Set in Dallas in 1963, this season tackles everything from racism and police brutality to homophobia and pre-Vietnam antiwar sentiment.

Consider that Latinos make up only three percent of protagonists in top-grossing films (and less than five percent of all speaking and named characters), and Castańeda's breakthrough performance as a Mexican-American crime-fighter on a top-watched Netflix original series is no less than a triumph for Latinx representation on TV. On a call with POPSUGAR, Castańeda discussed Diego's second act, the endless potential of Latinos in Hollywood, and redefining who gets to be the hero.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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I'm an Afro-Latina and This Is Why Black Lives Matter Is Our Movement as Well

This Latina Organizer Wants You to Know That You Have a Voice in This Election

Organizer José Sanchez on Housing Inequity: "Our Leaders Aren't Doing Nearly Enough to Rescue Us"

5 Films and TV Shows With a Strong Latina Lead

There's nothing like watching a movie or TV show and thinking, "Wow, I can totally relate to the lead's experiences." For Latinas in the US, this isn't necessarily the case that often, because we barely see ourselves represented in the main characters. It's so important and necessary to see more Latinas showcased in a strong and positive role, rather than just as the submissive maid, or the heavily accented comedic relief.

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Finally! A Bilingual Streaming Service With Culturally Relevant Content For Hispanics and Latinx

That's why we've rounded up 5 movies and TV shows with a strong Latina leads that you can stream on Canela.TV, the new minority and women-owned service that provides free access to unique, culturally relevant content for Hispanics and Latinx. From groundbreaking women, to boss ladies, this selection will provide new role models Latinas - and women in general - can look up to. Keep scrolling to find more.

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Bad Bunny Gets Real About Tackling Machismo in Reggaetón in Historic Playboy Cover

Bad Bunny continues making history, this time becoming the first man - other than Hugh Hefner - and first Latino man to appear solo on the cover of Playboy. The whole feature, written by Venezuelan American E.R. Pulgar and photographed by STILLZ, is as eccentrically real as Bad Bunny is, seamlessly navigating through his artistic persona and Benito Martínez while addressing each topic of discussion with incomparable authenticity.

One of those topics happens to be something Bad Bunny has been very vocal about for the past few years: tackling machismo not only in Latin music, but in Latin culture. "The music industry and society in general [treat women] like they're nothing," he said. "Women are human beings and deserve respect and the same treatment as anybody else."

He's used his platform to get the conversation going. Bad Bunny showed up at the Latin Billboards last year with neon yellow stiletto nails, saying he got them done because he wanted to feel pretty for such an important event. He advocated for trans rights during an appearance on The Tonight Show. And in his song and music video for "Yo Perreo Sola," he sings about women reclaiming their power while dressed in drag - and looking amazing.

Everything he does, he says is to make reggaetón enjoyable and accessible to everyone. "There's nothing worse than being somewhere and feeling like you don't belong," he said. "I've been trying to make sure everybody feels part of the culture of reggaetón. I want to make sure they feel that they have someone there, that friend that can stand up for them."

He added that he has a responsibility to educate people to make the Latin community a more inclusive one. "I think I have an audience split in two: fans of Bad Bunny and fans of reggaetón itself, and I want to merge the two," Bad Bunny said. "I feel I have a big sector to educate. There's a lot of people who won't pay attention to other people calling them out, but they follow Bad Bunny. If he tells them what's good, maybe they can grow as people and come to accept others."

From loving and being intimate with whoever you choose, to identifying however you want to identify, Bad Bunny says we should all be accepted for living our most authentic lives. "In the end, we are human beings. Everybody feels, everybody falls in love with whoever they're meant to."

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Raul Peñaranda is Taking His Brand to a New Level by Teaming Up With Calvin Klein’s Former CEO

Image Source: Arun Nevader/Getty Images

Raul Peñaranda has global domination on his sight. The Colombian-Venezuelan haute-couture designer, who showed his 21st collection "Shine" at New York Fashion Week this past February, is teaming up with Tom Murry, former CEO of Calvin Klein, to lead Raul Peñaranda LLC as the new Chief Executive Officer.

The company will still be based in NYC, with Peñaranda continuing on as Founder and Creative Director. This is just another step on Peñaranda's journey designing luxury women's wear with an aesthetic that sets him apart with a mix of seduction and sophistication. "I don't design dresses - I create emotions and the dresses are basically my way of communicating to the world," Peñaranda told POPSUGAR in a past interview.

Image Source: Courtesy of Raul Peñaranda

Peñaranda collections celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the human spirit with his one-of-a-kind, expert craftsmanship and beautiful use of luxurious fabrics. "We are a luxury brand crafted with kindness and our mission statement is to 'show the world who you are,'" he said in a press release, reaffirming his commitment of remaining cruelty-free and avoiding the "pitfalls behind mass production."

Meanwhile, Murry is looking forward to building Raul Peñaranda into a fashion powerhouse for the next generation with a global reach. "Raúl and I are very excited about this extraordinary opportunity," Murry added. "We look forward to adding other appropriate product categories and expanding Raúl's unique blend of flair, warmth, quality and creativity into more arenas."

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Life Lessons I've Learned From the Sacrifices of My Hard-Working Padre

One quality about my padre that many people who know him agree on is that he's a hard worker whose dedication can be seen in everything that he does. As his daughter, I witness this every day. This Father's Day, I want to look back on the sacrifices that my padre has made for our family, appreciate them, and apply them to my own career, life, and relationships.

In my mind, there is no way that I can possibly work as hard as my padre ever has throughout his life to provide for our family. When he was a teenager, he sold clothing on the streets of New York, and worked as a taxi driver to support my mami and I. He eventually owned a bodega that he ran alongside my mami (and toddler me), before taking an interest in trucking, where he delivered Goya products and dispatched and delivered for a petroleum company - I know there are some jobs I missed, but you get the gist.

It's no secret that Latinx - and most minorities - have to work twice as hard, even if we're born in the US. It's like we're trying to prove to the rest of the country that we're capable and skilled, that we belong, and we deserve to make a decent living. My padre is the embodiment of that.

Related: How Being Apart From My Dad During Quarantine Has Strengthened Our Bond

The average person works a 9-to-5 job five days a week, and then gets to enjoy the weekend off to recover for the following work week ahead. My padre is not your average worker.

What is a 40-hour work week to my padre, who works over seventy hours? What is it like to only have one day off a week? What is it like to wake up at midnight to get ready to go to work? If you are like me, you will never know the answers to these questions, but you will always wonder. I can't imagine the exhaustion my padre feels when he finally comes home after a long day, but I know that it's there, even when he refuses to complain about it. What I do know is that he has accepted the challenges that come with his job, and that he does it all out of the love and care he has for us - his family.

My padre has instilled in me that no matter what my job is, to always do my best.

When I landed my first job, I was fresh out of college. Being a part time retail associate can never compare to the amount of work my padre does to support his family. One week, I could be working a twenty hour shift. The next, I could get dropped down to fifteen hours, to thirteen - sometimes even as low as ten. However, my padre has instilled in me that no matter what my job is, to always do my best. And that is what I did.

I wanted to make my padre proud. So my job became about fulfilling the needs of the customer, and providing a satisfactory experience during their store visit. I made the best out of my situation, and became a valuable employee at my job. I enjoyed coming home and telling my padre about my work day. It was a way for us to bond, and a way for me to show him that I was learning from the examples in work ethic he set.

Related: Life Lessons My Puerto Rican Dad Taught Me Without Even Realizing It

Growing up, my padre also always showed patience, which is something that I have used to my advantage during my search for a job in my field and the pursuit of my dreams. If it weren't for the patience I learned from him, I don't think I would be able to fully live in and enjoy the simple moments that life brings. There is no amount of money in the world that can substitute this, and it is completely acceptable to embrace the little moments while you are waiting for your big career breakout. Jobs come and go, but family truly is forever.

Padre, I know that you are a simple t-shirt and jeans kind of guy who never asks for much in return for what you do for us. You have a quiet nature to you, and do not like to talk about how hard you work to sustain the needs of this family. This Father's Day, I want you to know that I love you and have learned so much from you, and that even in moments of silence, the magnitude of how you have supported this family speaks loud and clear. Giving up will never be a trait of our family. We follow you and move forward together, always.

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Jesse & Joy’s New Song Advocates For LGBTQ+ Youth With a Powerful Message

Jesse & Joy got 198 of their closest friends to appear in their new video "Love (Es Nuestro Idioma)." This song aims to raise awareness on the violence the LGBTQ+ community is subjected to not only in Mexico, but around the world, and educating people on the importance of eliminating conversion therapies.

In the video we see different personalities sing along with the anthem and proclaim that "Love is our language" in colorful attire that represents all the colors of the rainbow. Alejandro Sanz, Mau y Ricky, Ángela Aguilar, Danna Paola, Eugenio Dérbez, Fonseca, Galilea Montijo, Juanes, Juanpa Zurita, Kany García, Llane, Laura Pausini, Luis Fonsi, Maite Perroni, Mon Laferte, Monserrat Oliver, Natalia Jiménez, Pipe Bueno, Rommel Pacheco, Sebastián Ruli, Sofía Reyes, Thalía, Tommy Torres, Vadhir Dérbez, Vanesa Martin, and many more became a part of this call to action, and are continuing to share the message with the hashtag #LoveEsNuestroIdioma.

"Sexual orientation is not something that you can or have to cure," a message reads toward the end of the video. "'Conversion therapies' subject people to different acts of torture like denying their freedom, electroshocks, corrective violations, and exorcisms, among others."

A second message follows, revealing that 4 out of 10 youths acknowledged they live in a hostile environment where they're forced to deny their gender identity and sexual orientation because their families want them to meet "social expectations," and are forced to go through conversion therapies.

The video ends by offering resources in Mexico for people of sexual diversity who might be looking for help. Jesse & Joy also teamed up with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to make this video possible and push the conversation forward.

The profits from this video will be donated to the Yaaj Mexico Foundation, for the continuity of their social work in Mexico, and for their labor supporting young victims of sexual violence.

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ChocQuibTown Use the Momentum of Their New Album to Get Vocal About Black Lives Matter

"From our house to the entire community," is how Colombia's most influential music group, ChocQuibTown, is positioning their sixth album ChocQuib House. The 11-track compilation is perfect to get everyone dancing and enjoying and it features the newly-released single "Vuelve."

"ChocQuib House is meant to help us get through the global health crisis," ChocQuibTown said in a press release. "Music is the best therapy and the best way to overcome hard times."

The 11 tracks include several recent smash hits like "Fresa," "Humano," "Que Me Baile" featuring Becky G, "Pa' Olvidarte," and fan-favorite "Pa' Olvidarte (Remix)" featuring Manuel Turizo, Zion & Lennox, and Farruko, which surpassed 105 million views on YouTube. Other important collaborations in this album feature Latin stars Dalex, Lyanno, and Rauw Alejandro.

ChocQuibTown is also using the attention around their album release to speak against racism and inequality, to show support for Black Lives Matter, and to denounce Afro-Colombians being treated as inferior people. This discrimination can include denying them admission to bars, restaurants, and clubs, because of the color of their skin, or take more subtle forms, like judging their behavior as "threatening."

The group has been vocal about seeking justice for Anderson Arboleda, a 24-year-old Black man who was killed by the police in their home country for being outside during a national curfew. "Police officers: we know there are a lot of intelligent and respectful people working with you, but we also know that it's necessary to educate in anti-racist conducts," they wrote on an Instagram post. "We need to be treated as individuals, as humans, with respect."

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How Being Apart From My Dad During Quarantine Has Strengthened Our Bond

When social distancing was enforced, I frantically called my dad to figure out what to do. Calling him when faced with an important life decision is something I always do, and it's my way of including him in my life as much as I can, even when we live 1,560 miles apart.

My dad, as the overly cautious man he is, told me to stay put. At the time, we didn't know if lockdown would mean two weeks or two months, and all countries were in a different timeline, so if I traveled to Dominican Republic to isolate with my parents, there was no way of knowing how long I'd stay there. What if NYC reopened and I was called back into my office, he worried, but I couldn't go because I was stuck in the DR with airports closed? He didn't want that to happen because not being able to show up at work "would look bad" on me.

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My Nana’s Special Tea - and Her Memories - Are Giving Me Comfort During These Times

That's my dad. Always thinking ahead, making sure whatever the outcome is, his kids are always set up for success. Often in Latinx cultures, we tend to highlight how important our mothers are, but in so many cases our dads are also there too, pushing and encouraging us behind the scenes, working hard to set a good example, and saying the things we need to hear at the right time.

Many Latino dads are so loving, and this is something we don't often see portrayed in popular culture. We often see the outdated machismo stereotype, showing dads that are incapable of expressing their love, when for many of us, every little thing our dads do is a reflection of their love for their children.

Even though my dad told me to stay in NYC during the pandemic, he'd still call every single day. He would ask about my day, about the news, how I was doing, how my dog was doing. Even if it was a two-minute conversation, he'd always make himself present. I checked in on him too - I'd ask about how he was adapting to working from home, since that was something completely new for him, but an area where I had more experience.

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We got comfortable doing video calls, sharing stories and even shows to watch. As we ended our calls, he'd say "no salgas!" ("don't go out!") followed by "y si tienes que salir, usa tu mascarilla" ("if you have to go out, wear your face mask"). While we were already used to the physical distance between us, we always knew when we'd see each other next, which gave us something to look forward to. Not knowing when that would be made us hold onto the little interactions we had virtually, and in a way, it helped strengthen our bond.

This has been a learning and adapting experience for all, yet my dad makes it seem so easy. Whenever we talk it's as if he's discovered something new that day, or he realized he could do something he didn't think was possible. Talking to my dad through this quarantine period has been such a joy. I don't know if he does it on purpose to keep me distracted from everything that's happening in the world, but it makes my day.

He might not be one to say "I love you" all the time, but he sure shows it.

He might not be one to say "I love you" all the time, but he sure shows it. With every single thing he does - from making sure I have a solid work ethic, to recommending TV shows on Netflix - he's telling me how much he loves me and cares.

With countries slowly reopening, international flights are starting to take off, and I can finally book a flight to go home for a bit. I might not make it in time to be with him for Father's Day, but luckily for me, Dominican Father's Day is later in July, and I'm ready to tell him how much I love him back in person.

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"Tu Lucha Es Mi Lucha": 5 Ways White Latinx Can Show Up For the Black Community

"Tu lucha es mi lucha," read several protest signs sprinkled throughout the ongoing nationwide protests confronting systemic racism and demanding justice for victims of police brutality, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and so many others. "Your struggle is my struggle."

Latinx pushes for equality in the United States have long overlapped with Black-led movements. It's important to point out that many of the socio-political strides that have benefited the Latinx community were hard-earned by Black leaders and activists. (The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Immigration Act of 1965 are just a few examples.) At this critical crossroads, white Latinx have a duty to show support and stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

Now is not the time for empty allyship. That has only gotten us so far in the past. Now is not the time to center white Latinx voices. There are Afro-Latinx who need to be heard. Now is not the time to compare struggles. Both communities undoubtedly face oppression, but anti-Black discrimination and oppression have been a shameful staple of this nation since its establishment. The fight to dismantle white supremacy has been fought for centuries. It is ongoing, and it demands our participation. Ahead, read about some of the ways white Latinx can show up for the Black community.

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Protest

For starters, consider being physically present and joining one of the many demonstrations happening across the nation on a daily basis. As many have pointed out, these protests have been invaluable, leading to real change like the reduction of police funds, a move toward dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department, and the removal of various Confederate statues. For those unable to join a protest out of concern for their immigration status or the coronavirus pandemic, there are various ways to show support from home.

Confront Anti-Blackness

Colorism and anti-Blackness are unfortunately prevalent within the Latinx community. Colonialism and the sustainment of Eurocentric beauty standards are in part to blame, but it's on each individual to reject and call out anti-Blackness in its many manifestations, from overt discrimination to microaggressions and seemingly "harmless" jokes or slang.

So, next time you hear someone drop a phrase like "mejorar la raza" - even in jest - be prepared to have a conversation. Literary resources like Black in Latin America and The Afro-Latin@ Reader are helpful recommendations for those who might need more information or historical context. Self-reflection is also key, and it's important to take some time to do an honest assessment of your own past remarks, judgments, or instances of cultural appropriation so that the same missteps are not repeated.

Engage With Friends and Family Members

Though a similar action item, it's one worth explicitly mentioning: engage with your family and friends about these current events. Talk to your abuela who might not understand the Black Lives Matter movement. Talk to your primos who might be apathetic or politically disengaged. Talk to your friends about potentially attending a protest or circulating a petition.

Whereas social media offers a space to disseminate resources with like-minded followers, it's also important to have those difficult one-on-one conversations with loved ones who may share different beliefs. If there's a language barrier or you're missing some of the relevant Spanish terminology, refer to this helpful vocabulary guide put together by Angie Esparza.

Educate Yourself

As you thoughtfully and productively engage with others - perhaps with more regularity - enlightening one's own self and establishing that foundational knowledge is also essential. Various documentaries and books about systemic and interpersonal racism offer a starting point, but to learn more specifically about the shared histories between Black and Latinx communities in the United States, check out An African American and Latinx History of the United States, Neither Enemies Nor Friends, and The Young Lords.

Fill Your Feed With Intersectional Groups and Resource Hubs

First and foremost, turn to Black-led activist groups or your local Black Lives Matter chapter to remain up to date on nearby demonstrations, relevant civic meetings, and other action items. In addition, consider following and supporting intersectional activist groups, coalitions, and resources like AfroResistance, Gran Varones, Mijente, Latina Rebels, Ain't I Latina?, I Got Your Black, and Blactina Media, to name a few.

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Llane Wants to Make Us Fall in Love “Como Antes,” and I Approve of the Chivalry

Llane is a man after our hearts. With a beautiful bolero mixed with modern Latin rhythms, the Colombian artist showed his versatility and vulnerability with his surprise drop "Como Antes," a tribute to romanticism that will make you believe in love again.

"I always dreamed to be able to do a song that mixed my own identity as an artist with classic Latin music elements," Llane told POPSUGAR. "In this case, bolero has been a genre I grew up listening to and loving, and now I get to combine it with the rhythms that have defined my career." He added that what he loves the most about this song is that it makes you feel a "positive nostalgia."

I always dreamed to be able to do a song that mixed my own identity as an artist with classic Latin music elements.

"Como Antes" was written about a year ago by Llane along with Ángel "Pututi" from Cuba and Cris Chil from Ecuador. Llane revealed that at the time he was in a relationship and this was the song to show that person how important they were to him. "I really wanted this person to understand how relevant they were," Llane said, "and I think that when you're saying that to someone, you have to do it with a masterpiece, and I think this song is a masterpiece."

While Llane is not with that person anymore, he thinks this song is perfect for all of those who need to show their significant other how much they mean to them, especially since the lyric is a "confession of vulnerability" and "opens your soul and shows you exactly the way you are."

The song comes accompanied by a seductive music video directed via FaceTime by Teo, who has already worked with Llane on "Más de Ti" and "Amor Bailando." Here, we see a romantic and enamored Llane, dressed formally but with his characteristic edge, preparing for an evening full of emotion and good music with candles and wine setting the mood.

"We shot the video here in my house," Llane said. He had the help from three of his closest team members who "created a new universe" in his home and did the camerawork, and the director called the shots over video call.

Llane revealed his inspiration behind the concept for this video was Frank Sinatra and old Hollywood films that "took fantasy to a new level." "I even cried while shooting the video," Llane said. "I really got into the character."

Llane reveals that he broke down during the shoot, because of the very aspects that made the song personal. This is his mom's favorite song, and in the arrangement, Llane added "philharmonic-type chords" that reminded him of his father. "My dad was a big proponent of culture in Sabaneta, where I grew up," he said. "Before he passed, he created a symphonic band. After he passed, they named the band Juan David Castaño Arango, after him."

"Como Antes" is a song that wasn't supposed to be released because, according to Llane, a lot of people thought it was too risky. But if he's learned anything from his time at home thanks to social distancing, it's to let go of your fears. "This is a before and after of my career," he said. "You know when your time is right, and I feel like this is my moment!"

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