By Sharon McPike and Robyn Showanes
October 4, 2024
The United States Mint celebrated the Celia Cruz Quarter with two events, one with each of our partners at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the National Women’s History Museum.
To celebrate the legendary queen of salsa, three Smithsonian Institutions joined together to host a night of music, dance, and culture at the National Museum of American History on Friday, September 20. The evening event kicked off with a short program to commemorate the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter, the 14th coin in the American Women Quarters™ (AWQ) Program, which included remarks from the National Museum of the American Latino, the American Women’s History Museum, and the United States Mint.
The standing room only crowd enjoyed a lively panel discussion with Ariana Curtis, Ph.D., National Museum of African American History and Culture; Frances Aparicio, Ph.D., Guest Curator, National Museum of the American Latino; and Celia’s niece Linda Pritchett; and moderated by music journalist Ana Maria Sayer. The evening culminated in a dance party with music provided by the all-women salsa band Lulada Club.
Just one week later on September 27, more than 2,000 attendees gathered to celebrate Celia Cruz at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. This event was held in partnership with the National Women’s History Museum, Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music, Lehman College, Telemundo, and the estate of Celia Cruz. The program included formal remarks; performances by 4-Train Vocals and Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Jazz Choir, and Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band; a panel discussion; and a coin pour.
“We are changing the landscape of coins,” said U.S. Mint Director, Ventris C. Gibson during her remarks. “While George Washington is good, Lincoln is great, and Jefferson – Celia is something we know well.”
Attendees also had the honor to hear from acclaimed actress, Whoopi Goldberg. During her remarks, Ms. Goldberg spoke about the importance of the Celia Cruz Quarter. “To be here to celebrate [Celia] on a coin finally…it took long, but now we have it and that’s what’s important,” she said. “When y’all are walking around, check your coins, see who’s on your money because the faces are changing.”
Celia Cruz’s niece, Linda Pritchett, also gave remarks. “This coin has made [Celia] a part of U.S. history, and that will always be remembered,” Pritchett stated.
During the panel discussion led by Actor and Producer Gina Torres, guests had the opportunity to learn more about what makes the Celia Cruz Quarter so special. Panelists included: The Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, Director, United States Mint; Jennifer Herrera, Vice President of External Affairs, National Women’s History Museum; Gloria Calderón Kellett, Writer, Director, Producer, and National Women’s History Museum Ambassador; and Omer Pardillo-Cid, Former Manager, Celia Cruz.
Following the panel discussion, Director Gibson; Ruthie Sanchez Laviera, Celia Cruz’s stylist; Linda Pritchett, Celia Cruz’s niece; Omer Pardillo-Cid, Celia Cruz’s former manager; and Susan D. Whiting, Chair, National Women’s History Museum Board of Directors, participated in a coin pour. The coin pour is a ceremonial way of introducing the coin to the public by emptying 2,000 Celia Cruz Quarters into a wooden box surrounded by flowers with a pair of Celia’s shoes in front.
Watch a recording of the New York City event on YouTube.
The 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter is the 14th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program. Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer, cultural icon, and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century.
The reverse (tails) features a dynamic depiction of Celia Cruz flashing her dazzling smile while performing in a rumba style dress. Her signature catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” is inscribed on the right.
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