On the occasion of the International Day for People of African DescentIn this context, it is imperative to highlight the careers of African and Afro-descendant figures who have left an indelible mark on science, the arts, fashion, activism and global culture.
Science, technology and innovation
In the field of science and technology, names such as Mark Dean have been essential in the digital evolution. DeanAmerican engineer, co-developed IBM's first personal laptop and holds three of its key patents. Alongside him, Jesse Russell is positioned as one of the engineers most influential scientists of the 20th century, having led the development of digital cellular technology. At the medical level, the Dr. Patricia Bath revolutionised the ophthalmology with his invention of the Laserphaco Probe, who restored sight to thousands of people with cataracts. Also noteworthy is the mathematician Gladys Westwhose research led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS).GPS), y Katherine Johnson, key NASA figure during the Mercury and Apollo missions, whose life inspired the book and film Hidden Figures.
Music, pop culture and global expression
In the creative and cultural industries, the contribution of people of African descent has been constant, innovative and profoundly influential. In music, the legacy of Prince continues to redefine the boundaries of sound and artistic autonomy. The American artist recorded 39 albums and pioneered direct-to-public distribution strategies and copyright advocacy, ahead of current models such as the crowdfunding. For its part, Mariah Careywith her unparalleled vocal range and multi-generational impact, she has established herself as the solo artist with the most number one singles in the history of the Billboard Hot 100.
Another key figure is RuPaul Charleswho since the 1990s has turned drag art into a global cultural phenomenon. Her television programme RuPaul's Drag Race has won 14 Emmy Awards, the most by a person of African descent in the history of the awards. In Africa, singer and activist Angélique Kidjofrom Benin, has been recognised by Time y Forbes for its key role in the expansion of contemporary African music globally. In addition, the Algerian musician Khaledconsidered the "King of Raï", has taken this North African genre to the international stage, from FIFA ceremonies to critically acclaimed soundtracks.
Fashion and aesthetics with social impact
On the fashion front, Somali model and entrepreneur Iman was a pioneer in bringing African beauty to the international catwalk since the 1970s. In addition to her modelling career, she founded Iman CosmeticsThe designer has been a strong voice in advocating for representation and labour rights in the industry. Another icon is the Tunisian designer Azzedine AlaïaAlaïa, who transferred her training in sculpture to fashion design, creating globally recognisable silhouettes. Alaïa challenged the rules of the fashion calendar, collaborated with accessible brands without sacrificing her brand's identity, and helped launch the careers of such models as Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones.
Film, literature and visual thinking
In film and literature, the impact has also been monumental. Senegalese writer and filmmaker Ousmane Sembèneknown as "the father of African cinema", used the seventh art as a tool for social denunciation and cultural affirmation. His work has recently been revived and celebrated by institutions such as The Criterion Collection, Jacobin and the University of Winchester. At the same time, the Malian film-maker Souleymane Cisséwith films such as Yeelenbecame the first black African to receive a major award at the Cannes Film Festival and was recently honoured with the Carrosse d'Or for its trajectory.
Brazil has also seen the emergence of such indispensable figures as Antonio Pitangaactor and filmmaker who has been a central part of Afro-Brazilian representation in cinema for six decades. His work has received recognition at festivals such as Cannes and Chicago for its contribution to complex and authentic narratives about the black experience in Latin America.
In literature, the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has marked a turning point in contemporary thought. Author of Americanah y We Should All Be Feministshas received the recognition of Time as one of the most influential people in the world and was awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal by Harvard University. E. B. Du Bois Medal at Harvard University. Her work has transcended literary boundaries, becoming part of contemporary cultural discourse, as evidenced by her inclusion in the theme Flawless by Beyoncé.
The legacy of these figures lies not only in their individual success, but in their ability to blaze trails, broaden representations and construct narratives that reflect the richness and complexity of people of African descent. To honour their trajectories is also to acknowledge the history they have transformed and the future they continue to shape.