One of the qualities that make people so unique is the different genetic makeup that we carry with us for generations and generations. One of the more popular melting pots of color is black and brown. We listed a few celebrities who embody both sides of the race spectrum from Africa to Latin America.–Camille Augustin

Zoe Saldana

Afro-Dominican
This Colombiana star had no problem tapping her Latin roots in her role as Cataleya. Although there is some controversy behind her role as Nina Simone in the upcoming biopic, Saldana embraces both sides of her race.

 

Meagan Good

African-American/Puerto Rican
Now Mrs. Meagan Franklin, this Hollywood star comes from many ethnicities including Cherokee Indian. Meagan just landed a role in the BET television series Dysfunctional Friends which premiered November 8.

 

Melissa De Sousa

Afro-Panamanian
Known for her over-bearing role in The Best Man as Shelby, which gained her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress by the NAACP Image Award committee, and her many television appearances from ER to Living Single, this actress has covered the map of acting. Her list of credits is expansive and impressive since breaking into the scene in 1992.

Esperanza Spalding

African-American/Hispanic descent
Her ability to play the violin and bass with ease is just as impressive as her ability to sing in Portuguese and Spanish. She took her talents to Washington, D.C. to perform at the White House poetry jam in 2009 and the DNC reception in 2010 where President Barack Obama said, “Isn’t she terrific? I love listening to Esperanza.” She went on to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011.

 

Rosario Dawson

Afro-Cuban/Puerto Rican
Rosario will tap into her Latin roots for the upcoming film Chavez where she will play a character by the name of Dolores Huerta. Depicting the life of a labor and civil rights leader who co-founded the National Farmerworkers Association, the film is set for release in 2013.

 

Soledad O’Brien

Afro-Cuban/Caucasian
The CNN news anchor and special correspondent broke boundaries with her multiple segments on race with “Black In America” and “Latino In America.”  She received the Freedom’s Voice Award in 2008 from Morehouse School of Medicine, the first that was created in her honor.

Gina Torres Afro-Cuban

You’ve seen her acting alongside Chris Rock in I Think I Love My Wife and a plethora of movies. Her presence has graced television screens as well, spanning a budding career that took off since 1992.

 

Tatyana Ali

Afro-Panamanian/Trinidadian
This Trinidadian and Panamanian actress rose to fame during the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She is now acting in the TV series Dysfunctional Friends alongside Meagan Good.