Caribbean Athletes Shine At Paris 2024 Olympics

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: St. Lucian born sprinter Julien Alfred and Dominica-born Thea La Fond made history for their individual countries on August 3rd in Paris while uniting Caribbean nationals globally in joy and celebration as other athletes kept the small region shining at the Paris 2024 Olympics and in the winning circle.

Gold medalist Julien Alfred of Team Saint Lucia celebrates on the podium during Women’s 100m medal ceremony on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 4, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)

St. Lucian born sprinter Julien Alfred is now the fastest woman in the world, winning the finals of the women’s 100-m and besting the much-touted American runner, Sha’Carri Richardson at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Gold medalist Thea Lafond of Dominica gestures during the women’s triple jump medal ceremony on Day 9 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 4, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

La Fond, meanwhile, produced her gold winning leap on her second attempt, adding to her triumph at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow earlier this year while erasing the disappointment at last year’s World Championship in Budapest when she finished fifth. The 30-year-old produced a new national record 15.02 metres in the women’s triple jump, to also clinch her country’s maiden medal at an Olympic Games and spark similar euphoria in Roseau.

ALFRED

“It feels amazing to be honest. After waking up this morning I wrote it down: Julien Alfred – Olympic champion,” Alfred told reporters after the win. “So I think just believing in myself and trusting that I could do it is what really mattered to me. I’m going through the motions right now – it hasn’t sunk in yet. I had to go out there, trust myself, trust my coach and most importantly trust God.”

Alfred won in a time of 10.72 to Richardson’s 10.87. American Melissa Jefferson took bronze (10.92). For her home country, it’s the first Olympic medal of any kind. Alfred, 23, also set a new national record of 10.72 s. She is coached by Edrick Floreal, the man behind the rich athletic careers of athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke and Leo Neugebauer.

Born in the south Castries community of Ciceron, Julien Alfred attended Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in Saint Lucia from 2013 to 2015, and then moved to Jamaica at age 14 where she attended the St. Catherine High School from 2015 to 2018. She then pursued a bachelor’s degree in Youth & Community Studies at the University of Texas in the United States, balancing her academic and athletic commitments.

St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre celebrated Alfred’s achievement, posting on his Facebook page: “Today is great day for OECS member states and the people of the Caribbean! In one day Saint Lucia and Dominica have created history by winning our first Olympic medal and bringing home the GOLD. 

“Congratulations to Saint Lucia’s very own, Julien Alfred for winning gold in the Women’s 100m …”

LA FOND

“This season wasn’t easy but we did it when it mattered and that’s what counts,” La Fond said. “All that matters is what happened tonight.”

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was quick to congratulate La Fond on the behalf of a grateful nation.

“Your outstanding accomplishment on the global stage fills our nation with immense pride and joy,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “We celebrate your success and hope that your dedication and perseverance will inspire future generations of athletes in Dominica. Thank you for always representing our country with such grace and dignity. Your triumph in Paris stands among our proudest moments as a nation!”

JAMAICA

Silver medalist Shanieka Ricketts of Team Jamaica celebrates on the podium during Women’s Triple Jump medal ceremony on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

While Jamaican fans globally were stunned by news that three-time Olympic gold medallist, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson, the reigning World 200 metres champion, had pulled out of their races, fans still had something to cheer about both on August 3rd and August 4th.

On August 3rd, Shanieka Ricketts measured a season-best 14.87 to finish with silver in the triple jump while Rajindra Campbell took bronze in the men’s shot put with a mark of 22.15 metres.

AGONY

Kishane Thompson of Jamaica reacts after the Men’s 100m Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

There was anguish for Jamaican fans again on August 5th when Kishane Thompson of Jamaica came agonisingly close to capturing gold in the men’s 100 metres at the Paris Olympics ahead of the boisterous American Noah Lyles.

In one of the closest ever finishes in the event in Olympics history, Thompson and Lyles both clocked 9.79 seconds in a pulsating final that had to be determined by a photo finish.

Lyles’ teammate Fred Kerley won bronze in 9.81 seconds.

Initially, it appeared as though the burly 23-year-old Thompson had crossed the line first. However, following the use of the photo finish technology, Lyles (9.784) was declared the winner ahead of Thompson (9.789).

Lyles, who together with Thompson watched the big screen anxiously as they awaited the winner to be announced, raised his hands in triumph before taking off for a lap of honour around the track when the decision was made.

A dejected looking Thompson could only look on in disbelief. He was hoping to become the first Jamaican man to win the event since Usain Bolt in 2016, got off to a fast start and led the field after 65 metres.

“Honestly it’s not just that I didn’t win the gold, it’s that I didn’t better myself in that sense,” a devastated Thompson said after the final.

GRENADA

Lindon Victor of Grenada celebrates after the men’s decathlon of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo by Li Ming/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Grenadian Lindon Victor pulled out the stops to also clinch bronze in the men’s decathlon with 8711 points to put his country on the medal table as of press time on August 5th.  He is just the second athlete – behind Kirani James – to win a medal for Grenada at the Olympics.

His outstanding achievement was recognized by Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, who described Victor as “one of the greatest athletes in the world.”

“The Government of Grenada congratulates Mr Lindon Victor, OBE, on his amazing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Government expresses its deepest gratitude to Mr Victor for his continued stellar representation of our nation on the world stage,” a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

“Once again, Lindon Victor has shown that he is one of the greatest athletes in the world by copping bronze in the decathlon, giving Grenada its first medal at the Paris Olympics.

“His determination and perseverance embody the Grenadian spirit and its testimony to his dedication and persistent pursuit of excellence,” it added.

CUBA/DR

Arlen Lopez Cardona (blue) of Team Cuba during the Men’s 80 kg preliminary round match in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. Cardona won the match. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Arlen Lopez landed Cuba its first medal of this Olympics, taking bronze in the Men’s 80 KG Boxing competition while Yunior Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales of the Dominican Republic, also placed their country on the medals table, winning bronze in their Men’s 51 KG and Men’s 80 KG boxing matchups.

Cristian Javier Pinales of Dominican Republic celebrates after winning the Men’s 80kg Quarterfinal match against Gabrijel Veocic of Croatia during the Men’s 80kg Quarterfinal match on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 2, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)

Billal BENNAMA of France (red) and Yunior ALCANTARA REYES of Dominican Republic (blue) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Day 9 at North Paris Arena on August 4, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

As the Olympics continue until August 11th, the Caribbean region proudly celebrates the achievements of its athletes on the global stage.

U.S. and Dominican Republic Sign Landmark Open Skies Agreement

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 2, 2024: Today, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism David Collado signed an Open Skies Agreement at the National Palace in Santo Domingo to enhance bilateral aviation cooperation.

Airplane on tarmac being unloaded after landing at Punta Cana Airport, Dominican Republic

The agreement, set to take effect after completing necessary internal procedures, will elevate civil aviation standards between the United States and the Dominican Republic to modern levels.

“This Agreement with the Dominican Republic will expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. Air carriers will be able to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement will also commit both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security,” the U.S. stated.

Building on a framework of U.S. Open Skies agreements with over 135 other partners, this new Agreement allows U.S. air carriers to operate and expand flight networks beyond America’s borders, connecting the U.S. economy to growing markets.

The completion of this agreement follows two years of negotiations, during which U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) played a leading role, advocating for its finalization. Rep. Espaillat led multiple congressional letters, published op-eds, and held numerous meetings with high-level officials to secure the deal for Dominican American families, visitors, and American tourists.

“Today’s Open Skies Agreement between the United States and Dominican Republic is an incredible win for Americans and Dominicans alike,” said Rep. Espaillat. “This pro-consumer agreement will provide more flight options between the U.S. and D.R., lower airline fares, increase travel, and spur economic growth in both of our great nations. Most importantly, it will allow more Dominican American families, visitors, and American tourists affordable travel options to visit the country and their loved ones. Today’s agreement sends a clear message that the relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic is stronger than ever, and we will continue to further this alliance for years to come.”

For years, Dominican American families have faced limited flight routes and high fares to and from the Dominican Republic, particularly during peak travel seasons. With today’s completion of a modern Open Skies Agreement, consumers and tourists will benefit from lower flight prices, a wider variety of flight options, and expanded airline services. This historic agreement will support the tourism economy and spur job growth in both the United States and the Dominican Republic.

Son Of Caribbean Immigrants Named Co-Anchor of ‘CBS Evening News’

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 2, 2024: Maurice DuBois, the son of Caribbean immigrants, has been named the new co-anchor of ‘CBS Evening News.’ A seasoned anchorman for WCBS-TV in New York City and the CBS network, DuBois will replace Norah O’Donnell and share the spot with John Dickerson, CBS’s lead political analyst and the host of an evening CBS News streaming show.

CBS TV Personality, Caribbean American Maurice Dubois, named co-anchor of CBS Evening News. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)

Born on Long Island, New York, to parents from Dominica, DuBois attended Port Jefferson High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. While in college, he interned at the Public Affairs Office of the Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, contributing to the employee newspaper, the Brookhaven Bulletin.

DuBois began his career in 1987 as a desk assistant at KING-TV in Seattle, Washington. He then served as an anchor and reporter at WFLD-TV in Chicago, Illinois, and KCRA-TV in Sacramento, California. He spent seven years at WNBC-TV in New York, co-anchoring ‘Today in New York’ and hosting ‘Four Stories’ and ‘Mind Over Media.’

He also worked as a substitute news reader on NBC News’s ‘Today’ and its weekend editions. In September 2004, he joined WCBS-TV in New York as an anchor for the 6 pm newscast, ‘CBS 2 News at 6,’ with Dana Tyler. Since then, he has co-anchored ‘CBS 2 News This Morning’ and ‘CBS 2 News at Noon’ with Cindy Hsu and Mary Calvi.

In January 2011, DuBois began co-anchoring ‘CBS 2 News at 5’ and ‘CBS 2 News at 11’ with Kristine Johnson. He occasionally substitutes on the weekend edition of ‘CBS Evening News.’ His reporting includes national political conventions, AIDS in South Africa, the death of Pope John Paul II, and the installation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Active in the community, DuBois serves on the boards of Pencil, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (New York City affiliate), and New York City Center. He has also worked with WNET’s GED program.

DuBois and his wife, Andrea Adair, married on August 13, 2001, have two sons and live in Harlem. He has received four Emmy Awards, honors from the Associated Press, and a Trailblazer Award from the New York City chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. He holds honorary Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Briarcliffe College, Medgar Evers College, Seton Hall University, and St. Francis College.

CBS network executives promise journalistic rigor for the show. Bill Owens, the executive producer of ’60 Minutes,’ will oversee the editorial direction of ‘Evening News,’ with Guy Campanile, a ’60 Minutes’ producer, serving as the nightly show’s executive producer. Wendy McMahon, the chief executive of CBS News, Stations, and CBS Media Ventures, stated that the new leadership team represents “the infusion of ‘60 Minutes’ mission and values into the ‘CBS Evening News’ nightly.”

Kamala Harris’ Stance on the Caribbean, Latin America

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: While the US’ Black, Asian and Caribbean American VP, Kamala Harris, is not yet the official Democratic Party nominee, despite having enough pledged delegates, she is now thrust into an election just about 95 days away. So where has she stood during the Biden administration on the Caribbean and Latin America? The Americas Society Council of the Americas recently documented that stance in a recent article. Here’s a synopsis from the analysis.

US Vice President and 2024 presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers the eulogy for US Representative, Caribbean roots Sheila Jackson Lee, at Fallbrook Church in Houston, Texas, on August 1, 2024. Jackson Lee, a Democrat and outspoken advocate for racial justice and minorities’ rights, died July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Immigration

Harris, born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, has extensive experience dealing with immigration issues, both as vice president and during her tenure as a U.S. senator from California (2017–2021) and the state’s attorney general (2011–2017). But what are her positions on immigration and other issues concerning Latin America and the Caribbean?

Early in the Biden administration, concerns over unprecedented immigration numbers emerged. In March 2021, a surge of unaccompanied minors at the southern border led President Biden to assign Harris the task of reducing migration to the United States.

Harris, a child of immigrants from the Caribbean and India, has since focused on addressing the “root causes” of migration, primarily the lack of economic opportunities in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The United States, under her initiative, has facilitated economic development and private investment in these countries, resulting in $5 billion in promised investments, with about a quarter already active.

Republicans often refer to Harris as the Biden administration’s “Border Czar,” a title she never officially held. Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border once in June 2021, where she reiterated her commitment to solving the “root problems” of migration.

In May, Harris supported a bipartisan border enforcement bill that was blocked in the Senate. The bill aimed to increase funding for border agents and technology, boost deportations, and close the border to migrants under certain conditions. Parts of this bill were included in a Biden executive order in June.

As a senator, Harris was a vocal critic of Trump administration immigration policies. She was the first senator to call for the resignation of then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen over the policy of family separation. She also authored legislation to provide detained migrants with legal resources and has been a strong advocate for Dreamers.

U.S.-Mexico Relations

One of Harris’ first trips as vice president was to Mexico in June 2021, where she met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss bilateral relations and support for the Biden administration’s Central America strategy. The meeting also addressed issues of drug, arms, and human smuggling. As California’s attorney general, Harris built a reputation for combating organized crime, including the Sinaloa cartel.

Harris opposes Republican calls for military force against organized crime groups in Mexico and did not respond to requests to designate cartels as terrorist groups. She discussed organized crime with Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum following the country’s June elections.

If elected president, Harris will oversee the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In 2020, she was one of 10 senators to vote against the pact, citing insufficient protections for U.S. workers and the environment. She also opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which included Mexico, Chile, and Peru, during her 2016 Senate campaign. President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP in 2021.

Cuba and Venezuela

Harris has taken a different stance from Biden on Cuba. Before becoming vice president, she supported ending the embargo. During Biden’s term, she condemned the regime’s violence and backed increased sanctions on its leaders.

Regarding Venezuela, Harris supported expanding Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan migrants and opposed military intervention to ensure aid delivery. As a senator in 2019, she criticized the violent repression by Nicolás Maduro’s regime and recently called on Maduro to respect the Barbados Accords for free and fair 2024 elections.

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Harris visited Puerto Rico in 2024 to highlight federal aid for hurricane recovery. She faced protests supporting independence and opposing a controversial tax law.

Of Jamaican descent, Harris co-hosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting in June 2023, announcing over $100 million in USAID funding for the Caribbean.

Kamala Harris’ positions on Latin America and the Caribbean reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing economic development, immigration, and bilateral relations, emphasizing diplomacy and investment over military intervention. As the Democratic nominee, her policies will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. relations with the region.

Did You Know The US’ Olympic Swim Team Coach Was Born In The Caribbean?

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Anthony Nesty’s role as the US Olympic men’s swimming head coach is a vision fulfilled. Nesty, who was born in the Caribbean Community nation of Suriname, was named head coach last fall. He led the US men’s swim team at the 2024 Paris Olympics in what was a groundbreaking and historic appointment.

Caribbean born Anthony Nesty, Head Coach of Team United States, addresses during the Team United States Swimming press conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nesty, 56, initially only swam because his father made him. “I didn’t enjoy swimming,” he shared in an interview with TODAY.com recently. “Why he chose swimming, I think, is because of the discipline of the sport. It’s just you and the clock.”

Nesty’s first swim at age five was in Suriname, where he grew up. At the time, the country had only one 50-meter pool. What began as a reluctant activity turned into a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the head coach for the men’s Olympic team for the 2024 Games in Paris, making him the first Black person to hold this position in U.S. Olympic swimming history. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Tokyo Games.

“My dad, he had a vision for me,” said Nesty.

Nesty’s journey to the top began with victories in local and regional meets across Suriname, the Caribbean, and South America. His specialty, the butterfly stroke, earned him a gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, making him the first Black male swimmer to win individual gold.

Nesty continued his swimming career at the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, becoming a three-time NCAA champion in the 100-yard butterfly from 1990 to 1992.

As a prominent Black coach in a predominantly white sport, Nesty understands the significance of his role. “You know you’re a role model,” he told The Associated Press in June 2023. “You have to take that very seriously. Maybe it’s why I work so hard at what I do. I try to be the best Anthony Nesty I can be.”

Nesty’s ascension to head coach is particularly significant given the complicated history of Black people and swimming in the U.S. Access to swimming facilities directly correlates to whether Black people swim, a barrier Nesty and experts are keenly aware of.

Nesty moved to Florida as a teenager to pursue swimming more seriously. He attended the Bolles School in Jacksonville, where the rigorous practice routine was a stark contrast to his previous training in Suriname. “We used to only train five days a week, Monday through Friday, maybe two hours per practice,” he said. “And then you come to the States, you’re running nine practices, two hours-plus, dry land, weights. For me, I had to get adjusted to that for sure.”

Despite the challenges, Nesty thrived, advancing to collegiate and Olympic competition. Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “I stay busy preparing the athletes. I don’t think of my accomplishments. Our sport is demanding for the athletes, the coaches, the families. I want to be the best coach for the University of Florida and of course this summer for us.”

Nesty’s father, who invested significant time, effort, and financial support into his son’s swimming career, would be thrilled to see how far Nesty has come. “He would be jumping up and down to see that his son is the head coach of the U.S. men’s team,” Nesty said. “That’s kind of the pinnacle of our sport and he would be happy that I’ve reached the top now.”

In recent years, the sport has seen contributions from standout Black swimmers such as Simone Manuel, Lia Neal, and Natalie Hinds. “It’s very encouraging,” Nesty said of the increased representation in swimming. “The sport is going to keep growing. There are a lot of opportunities for all races to get scholarships in our sport.”

Despite these advancements, racial disparities in swimming persist. A 2023 demographics report by USA Swimming revealed that only 2.1% of athlete members identified as Black or African American, while 62.4% identified as white.

Nesty believes the lack of Black swimmers in the sport is more of a socioeconomic issue than one based on ability. “It’s also very expensive,” he noted. “And you have to find a pool.”

For Nesty, creating a welcoming environment on his teams is paramount. “Whichever team you belong to, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms because the sport is so demanding,” he said. “You have to have empathy for each other. I tell our athletes you got to respect the athlete next to you because you guys are doing the same thing. If you do it as a group, it becomes more palatable. It becomes more fun, and that’s the experience I had as a swimmer. And I would love to hear the athletes of color, when they join a team, sense that they have that camaraderie.”

As Nesty leads the U.S. men’s swimming team to the Paris Olympics, his story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, representation, and breaking barriers in sports.

Caribbean Roots Rapper Cardi B Files For Divorce

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Just hours after filing for divorce from husband Offset, Grammy-winning rapper, Caribbean roots Cardi B, announced she’s pregnant with her third child. The artist, known for her Caribbean roots, took to Instagram on August 1st to share her news, writing: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all!”

Cardi B is seen leaving Cesar restaurant on July 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The singer, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus (nee Almánzar, added: “You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”

Cardi B and Offset’s relationship began in 2017, starting with a memorable first date at the 2018 Super Bowl in Houston. They secretly tied the knot in a spontaneous ceremony at home in September of that year, though Cardi didn’t reveal her married status until eight months later.

“There are so many moments that I share with the world and there are moments that I want to keep for myself! Getting married was one of those moments,” the Bronx native shared on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2018, while expecting her daughter, Kulture. “Our relationship was so new, breaking up and making up, and we had a lot of growing to do, but we were so in love we didn’t want to lose each other.”

A month after their private ceremony, Offset proposed publicly, ensuring Cardi got the full engagement experience with an 8-carat sparkler. “I appreciate and love my husband so much for still wanting for me to have that special moment that every girl dreams of when he got down on his knee and put a ring on my finger,” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “Well now since you lil nosey f–ks know at least ya can stop saying I had a baby out of wedlock.”

Cardi’s pregnancy announcements were nothing short of grand. She revealed her first pregnancy during a performance on Saturday Night Live in April 2018, and announced her second at the 2021 BET Awards, debuting her baby bump in a custom Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit.

Despite their growing family, Cardi and Offset’s relationship faced many challenges, with multiple breakups and reconciliations. Cardi confirmed she was single in December 2023, only to reunite with Offset on New Year’s Eve.

In a May 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Cardi expressed the deep connection she felt with Offset, calling him her “cheerleader” and best friend. “It’s not even about love,” she said. “We’re best friends. And it’s like, ‘OK. Well, there was a time that I didn’t have a best friend, or I didn’t have a support system.’ It’s not even about ‘How do you leave a partner?’ How do you stop talking to your best friend?”

However, by August, Cardi had again filed for divorce, ending their nearly seven-year marriage.

Their journey together, marked by private moments and public displays of affection, included the birth of their daughter Kulture in July 2018 and their son Wave in 2022. The couple celebrated Kulture’s impending arrival with a fairytale baby shower, filled with love and excitement.

Cardi’s announcement of her third pregnancy underscores her resilience and commitment to her family, despite the personal challenges she faces. The world now waits to see the next chapter in the life of this vibrant, talented artist. Cardi’s father Carlos is Dominican and her mother Clara is a Trinidadian of African and Spanish descent. She identifies as an Afro-Latina.