Bien Hecho: Perú’s First Afro-Latina Cabinet Minister

Grammy winning singer Susana Baca is now also a culture minister in Perú, and she’s being celebrated not just for her talents in that position, but also because she’s likely the first ever afro-Latina cabinet minister in Perú. This is important in Latin America, just as it is in the U.S., because like many countries in latinoamérica Perú has a history of discriminating against people of African descent.

According to WorldCrunch:

Susana Baca de la Colina was mostly known for her suave voice and enchanting melodies played on the guitar and the cajon, the instrument created by black slaves on Peru’s coast. The Afro-Peruvian music ambassador even had international success. She was awarded a Grammy in 2002. But despite her thriving career performing on stages around the world, the 67-year-old woman didn’t hesitate when Humala asked her to take over the Culture Ministry. “I will be a minister/singer,” she told reporters following her…

But the symbol of Baca’s appointment also goes beyond the Brazilian example. “I think I’m the first black minister in Peru’s history,” said the proud singer. “Afro-Peruvians should play a bigger part in politics,” she added.

The United Nations declared 2011 the “International year for people of African descent.” The Afro-Peruvian community has given Baca its official support – an honor for the singer who has always been proud of her roots and fought for the culture of her people to be preserved and celebrated.

Congrats to Baca and to Perú, it seems like an exciting time to be peruano! Our weekly segment, “Bien Hecho,” highlights the good deeds and achievements of Latinos across the U.S. and Latin America. If you feel that someone you know is deserving of recognition, let us know at tips@newstaco.com.

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD.