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Latin America's Black Legacy - In celebration of Black History Month, BET.com honors the Black heritage of Latin America. Here are a few notable people who represent Latin America's rich Black legacy.—Naeesa Aziz

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Benedita da Silva - Benedita Da Silva is Brazil's first Black female governor. She has used her platform to advocate for women and the poor.  (Photo: JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images

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Dr. José Celso Barbosa - Dr. Barbosa was a physician, sociologist and political leader in Puerto Rico. He is credited with being the first Puerto Rican to earn a medical degree in the U.S. and was known for championing the Puerto Rican statehood movement.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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Pelé - Born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but better known as Pelé, the Brazilian soccer player is regarded as one of the best to ever play the game.(Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images)

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Susana Baca - Grammy Award-winning Peruvian singer and politician Susana Baca recently became Peru's first Black cabinet minister.(Photo: Mariana Bazo/Reuters)

Photo By Photo: Mariana Bazo/Reuters

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Celia Cruz - Cuban salsa powerhouse Celia Cruz was regarded as the "Queen of Salsa" and is still one of the most widely renowned Salsa performers of all time.(Photo: REUTERS/Fred Prouser)

Photo By Photo: REUTERS/Fred Prouser

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Toussaint Louverture - Born as a slave, Toussaint Louverture went on to lead the Haitian Revolution and successfully liberated Haiti from French rule. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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Arthur Friedenreich - Arthur Friedenreich is remembered as Brazil's pioneering Black soccer player.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Photo By Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Rafael Cordero - The self-taught Puerto Rican educator is known as "The Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico" for his commitment to providing free schooling to children regardless of race or class. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Photo By Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Nicolás Guillén - The acclaimed Cuban poet was known for using the distinctive language and rhythm of Cuba's poor Blacks in his work.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Photo By Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Edwidge Danticat - The Haitian-American novelist has won numerous accolades for her literature, including a National Book Award and a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant.(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

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Lt. General Antonio Maceo Grajales - As second-in-command of the Cuban Army of Independence, Grajales played a pivotal role in Cuba's fight for independence from the Spanish, earning him the popular title of  "Bronze Titan."(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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Christiane Taubira - Taubira represents French Guiana in France's National Assembly. (Photo: JOHANNA LEGUERRE/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: JOHANNA LEGUERRE/AFP/Getty Images

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Michaëlle Jean - Haitian-born Michaëlle Jean served as Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010.(Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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Piedad Córdoba - Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba served four terms and dedicated her career to assisting minorities and supporting legislation that addresses inequalities based on gender, sexual orientation and race.(Photo: REUTERS/Fredy Builes)

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Omara Portuondo - The career of this legendary Cuban singer and dancer has spanned over half a century.(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images