(San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. Image by Kalamzadkhan via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_fernando,_trinidad_%26_Tobago_50.jpg )

Happy Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago! On August 31st, 1962, this Caribbean country gained independence from the United Kingdom. Today we are exploring the country’s multi-cultural identity and renowned people of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent.

The country is composed of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and various smaller islands. Trinidad was originally inhabited by Arawak-speaking migrants from South America, and Tobago was inhabited by Carib-speaking migrants. In 2012, Britannica estimated that the population was 34.2% African, 34.4% East Indian, 22.8% mixed race, 7% unspecified, and .6% White. In Trinidad and other parts of the Caribbean, people who are mixed with African and East Asian heritage are called Dougla people. The term may be derogatory for some, as it translates to ‘bastard’ or ‘mutt’ in a dialect of Hindu called Bhojpuri.

Let’s explore some world-renowned individuals who are of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent.

(A CLR James library. Image by Sarflondondurc via Flickr)

CLR James

This intellectual mastermind was born in Tunapuna, Trinidad. James was a leading figure of the Pan-African movement of the 1960s. He wrote numerous books and plays, including Toussaint L’Ouverture, which featured Philadelphia actor Paul Robeson, and ran in London in 1936. He embraced Trotskyist ideals, which described the idea of a permanent revolution as economic systems being global rather than national, and that revolutions in various countries would have domino effects in catalyzing revolutions in other parts of the world.

(Nicki Minaj. Image by Pure DOPE Magazine via Wikimedia Commons)

Nicki Minaj

The iconic rapper was born in St.James, Trinidad, and moved to New York when she was young. Her Queens, NY upbringing set the stage for the success of her first mixtape, titled Playtime is Over, which was released in 2007. In 2009, she signed to Young Money Entertainment, and she continues making international waves with her eclectic but hood personality, and intricate flows.

(Alfonso Ribeiro. Image by Sergei ~ 5of7 via Wikimedia Commons)

Alfonso Ribeiro

This actor, who is best known for his role as Carlton in the groundbreaking television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was born in the Bronx, New York, to Trinidadian parents. Ribeiro’s time as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars has cemented him as a legend in the series. He won Season 17 in the show.

(Tatyana Ali. Image by the Bui Brothers via Wikimedia Commons)

Tatyana Ali

Ali, also known for her role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air television show, played the character Ashley in the series. The Baltimore-born actress was born from a Trinidadian father of Dougla descent, and a Panamanian mother.

(Dominique Jackson. Image by Ted Eytan from Washington DC, USA via Wikimedia Commons)

Dominique Jackson

The Pose FX actress who plays Elektra Abundance was born in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago. Jackson fled her home country due to being persecuted because she is transgender. Today, the successful model, actress, and ballroom member raises awareness about the dangers LGBTQ+ members experience and campaigns for reform through her work.

(Nia Long. Image by GPA Photo Archive via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/iip-photo-archive/41935457174 )

Nia Long

The brown-skinned bombshell known as Nia Long is best known for her roles in films like Friday, Soul Food, Love Jones, and the Big Momma’s House series. She was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother is of Trinidadian, Vincentian, Bajan, and Grenadian descent.

Other notable Trinidadian descendants include Winston Duke, who played Mbaku in Black Panther, Foxy Brown, Heather Headley, Jackeé Harry, Naomi Harris, Romani Malco, and Lorraine Toussaint.

What renowned Trinidadians and Tobagonians do you know? Comment below!

Works Cited

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pan-Africanism

https://www.eiu.edu/historia/Dragosits.pdf

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trotskyism

https://pasttenseblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/today-in-londons-theatrical-history-paul-robeson-stars-as-black-revolutionary-toussaint-louverture-in-clr-james-play-1936