City of South Fulton Hosted Art Exhibit Featuring Latin Music Legend Celia Cruz in Celebration of H

The City of South Fulton hosted an art exhibition featuring the life and legacy of Latin music icon Celia Cruz at the Southwest Arts Center.

"Azucar! A Journey of Latin Music and Culture" was on display from September 18-28 and included intimate photos, personalized memorabilia, and several books spotlighting the life and times of the "Queen of Salsa." The exhibit was organized by City of South Fulton Councilwomen Linda Pritchett (District 7) and Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2) with the support of the Celia Cruz Foundation. Visitors were transported back in time and were able to experience life in the eyes of Celia Cruz through this engaging exhibit.

Some of the highlights of her career include recording over 80 albums, winning seven Grammys, and being the first Afro-Latina featured on U.S. currency in 2024. Cruz was born in Cuba and became the first Black person to lead La Sonora Matancera in 1950, which was Cuba's most popular orchestra, since its founding about 25 years earlier. The singer immigrated to the United States in 1961 after the Cuban Revolution and helped make salsa a mainstream success. She was one of the few women to achieve success in the male-dominated salsa world. The Cuban American artist was a pioneer in Afro-Latinidad, the cultural identity of people of African descent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and incorporated her African heritage in her music, lyrics, and dress style at a time when this was uncommon.

"We were thrilled to have the Celia Cruz Exhibit here at the Southwest Arts Center in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month," said John Geertsen, Director of Cultural Affairs. "It is our mission to highlight several artists, both internationally and locally, through gallery exhibits, spotlighting talent right here in the City of South Fulton for all to see."

In 2011, the United States Postal Service created a commemorative postage stamp and in 2024 she became the first Afro-Latina to be featured on a U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program.

Celia Cruz' artistry broke down barriers and brought people together.

The City of South Fulton is proud to be a place Latinos call home and is grateful for their contributions to the community.