:quality(85):upscale()/2024/08/02/667/n/1922283/1d62886e66acf4c46f4191.99754132_.jpg "El Teteo: How Latinx Unity is Blossoming Across Cultures")
Beyond the Red Carpet: How El Teteo is Building a Vibrant Caribbean Ecosystem in Hollywood & Beyond
For many, Hollywood represents the pinnacle of success in entertainment. But for Latine artists, especially those of Caribbean descent, breaking into the industry often feels less like a dream come true and more like a demand to diminish oneself. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, and it’s the driving force behind El Teteo, a movement born from a desire to celebrate Latine culture, foster community, and see ourselves represented in the heart of the entertainment world.
My journey, as a first-generation Dominican American actor, comedian, and digital creator, has been marked by both exhilarating opportunities – roles in films like “Righteous Thieves” and “De Lo mio,” collaborations with brands like Target and Bumble - and the persistent sting of feeling unseen. I’ve seen talented Caribbean actors, directors, and writers leave Los Angeles, exhausted by the struggle to find a supportive community. The industry often asks you to shed the very parts of your identity that make you unique, and then, ironically, rejects you for not fitting a pre-defined mold.
This isn’t a new story. It’s a systemic issue. And it’s why I felt compelled to create something different.
The Genesis of El teteo: A Festivity of Joy and Identity
El Teteo (a Dominican slang term for a lively party or gathering) started as a simple idea: a space for latine creatives to connect, celebrate our shared heritage, and simply be. The inaugural event, attended by cast members from shows like ”On My Block,” “Gentefied,” “Station 19,” and “How I Met Your Father,” was a watershed moment. Seeing faces that reflected my own, people who understood the nuances of our experiences, was profoundly empowering.
For Latines, community isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s vital to our mental and emotional wellbeing.It’s a cornerstone of our culture. Yet,despite the global impact of Dominican culture – from the infectious rhythms of dembow to the influence on icons like James Bond (inspired by Porfirio Rubirosa) and the worldwide embrace of bachata – we are consistently overlooked within the broader Latine narrative.
Executives often operate under the false assumption that we don’t exist, or aren’t a viable audience. But a glance at the packed venues for artists like Juan Luis Guerra and Romeo Santos tells a different story. The demand is there. The passion is palpable. What’s missing is the investment, the recognition, and the genuine portrayal.
Building an Ecosystem, From the Ground up
El Teteo isn’t just a party; it’s a statement. It’s a deliberate act of self-creation, a refusal to wait for permission. it’s a movement that’s fostering a new Caribbean ecosystem in Los Angeles, one built on authenticity, joy, and mutual support. We’re putting Caribbean and Afro-Latino culture at the forefront, bypassing the gatekeepers who historically haven’t been interested in our stories.
We’re creating a space where our presence is acknowledged, our culture is celebrated, and our voices are amplified – by us, for us, and for all who appreciate the richness of our heritage. The energy is infectious, the atmosphere is electric, and the impact is undeniable.el Teteo is proof that when you invest in community, magic happens.
Expanding the Vision: NYC, Global Impact, and Giving Back
This summer, we’re taking El Teteo to New York city, a city with a vibrant Dominican diaspora and a deep connection to our culture. Our ambition extends beyond national borders; we envision El Teteo becoming a global event, a platform for elevating Latine culture and showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Dominican experience worldwide.
But El Teteo is about more than just celebration. It’s about responsibility. We’re partnering with the Dream Project (
