Latinos Who Paved the Way

Hispanic Heritage Month is well underway, and while we're all embracing whatever it is that makes each of us great, it's important to remember those who've paved the way.

  • Franklin Chang-Dìaz became the first Latino astronaut in 1986. In 1991, Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina astronaut.

  • In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

  • Alberto Gonzales was the First Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, serving from 2005-2007.

  • In 1982, Carlos Slim became the first Latino billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $74 billion, compared to Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates at $18 billion.

  • Speaking of billionaires, Marcelo Claure is the first Hispanic CEO of a major U.S. corporation ... Sprint.

  • Arturo "Arte" Moreno bought the Anaheim Angels in 2003, making him the first Latino team owner of any major U.S. sports franchise

  • First Hispanic to hold a World Boxing Association world heavyweight title? John Ruiz in 2000.

  • Starring in films from 1913 to 1917, Myrtle Gonzalez was Hollywood's first Latina movie star.

  • Can you guess who the first Latino superhero was? That would be Zorro, who made his debut in 1919 in the magazine "All-Story Weekly."

  • Cuban actor Desi Arnaz was the first to star in his own network television show, "I Love Lucy," which premiered in 1952.

  • In 1962, folk singer Joan Baez became the first Latin Entertainer to be featured on the cover of TIME magazine, and Carlos Santana was the first Latino Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 1998

  • Puerto Rican actor José Ferrer was the first to win an Oscar, for his title role in Cyrano de Bergerac in 1950, while Salma Hayek was the first Latina to be nominated for a leading role in 2002 for Frida.

  • And legendary Broadway star Rita Moreno was the first Latino to become an E.G.O.T., taking home the 4 major awards in Hollywood; Emmy, Grammy, Oscar & Tony.

Want to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month? Keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and right here on LatinPost.com.

Related