In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Growing Up Miami is showcasing LatinX Female Icons that made an impact on our community. Celia Cruz is a Cuban Icon for the Ages!

Celia Cruz

For decades, Celia Cruz's "Azucar" is a staple of any Hispanic family get together or wedding. Do you want to get everyone on their feet, even your abuela and abuelos, at your next party? Throw on some Celia and watch the sparks fly. From "Quimbara" to "La Negra Tiene Tumbao", you will see the folks break out their old moves and show you a little something about moving your feet (and hips!). There is so much "orgullo" for our Cuban Queen all over the world, especially South Florida, and enough love to light a beam in the sky visible from the ISS.

Celia's story is one for the ages. She grew up and started her career in Cuba. Performing at the legendary Tropicana during Cuba's tourist boom in the 50's when it was the playground for movie stars and jet-setters. She left soon after Castro's Revolution, went to Mexico and eventually, came to the United States. From 1960 until her death in 2003, Celia was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry: 37 albums, multiple Grammy awards and a lifetime achievement award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame plus an asteroid named after her!  I love the idea of looking up to the stars one day and seeing the 5212 CeliaCruz asteroid zooming by!

“When opportunity presents itself grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.” - Celia Cruz

What a life! Rest in power, Queen. 💃🏾

Jessica Concepcion, a Miami native and co-owner of Growing Up Miami, created a limited series of linocut prints of LatinX Icons to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Celia Cruz has been a personal hero for the obvious reasons listed above but more so because she was unstoppable. See the print here.