(Image: AIn’t I Latina?

On Saturday, October 3, 2015, Ain’t I Latina? hosted its first-ever “Afro-Latinas Who Rock” Awards Brunch. Held at Taj Restaurant and Lounge in New York City, attendees gathered to celebrate Afro-Latinas who are pushing for our narratives to be heard and revolutionizing the spaces and industries they occupy. The honorees included Zahira Kelly, sociocultural critic, artist and activist; Nadia Lopez, founding principal at Mott Hall Bridges Academy; Crystal Roman, founder and CEO of The Black Latina Movement; Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, president and founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute; Erica Nichole, creator of everythingEnJ and Love & Relationship Editor at xoNecole; and Seven Brown, founder of Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, philanthropist and beauty expert.

Before the honorees accepted their award, attendees viewed a video showcasing their work, views on identity and more. Here, see our chat with Zahira Kelly:

(Video edited by Vince Ferguson)

Thank you to everyone who attended “Afro-Latinas Who Rock.” Love you!