Immigration, that human displacement that many see as a threat, is a constant source of culture and enrichment for the country that receives those humanas influences. Last year, the United States celebrated and honored the ones who marked milestones in this society.
The year 2021 marked some momentous passings. Music fans around the world were saddened by the recent death in Mexico of the country’s national treasure — the “King of Ranchera music,” Vicente Fernández.
His death Dec. 12 marked the end of a legendary career that left us with a trove of powerful, iconic ballads that will be sung for generations. In the U.S., we said goodbye to Latino artists and activists, jurists and designers. From labor leaders to international style icons, what they have in common is that they enriched our lives and made an impact in our local, national and international communities.
ADOLFO, 98, fashion designer . Although his surname was Sardiña, this designer was known professionally by his first name. Adolfo grew up in Havana, with an aunt who took him along on trips to Paris.
There he fell in love with fashion and met Coco Chanel several times. Chanel became one of Adolfo’s strongest influences as he embarked on his own career in New York City. Cuban-born fashion designer Adolfo poses with a model dressed in his designs in 1979.Susan Wood / Getty Images From the 1960s through the 1980s, Adolfo was one of the country’s leading designers, with clients including Jacqueline Kennedy and Gloria Vanderbilt. It was his long association with Nancy Reagan, however, that brought Adolfo to international prominence. He was a favorite of the former first lady, dressing her for the presidential inaugurations in 1981 and 1985. The trim suits he created for […]