Elizabeth Acevedo is a Afro-Latina spoken word poet who did a piece titled ” Afro-Latinas.”

Her spoken word , spoke to me and through me. The strength in her voice reflected her understanding of living and breathing like an Afro-Latina.  We can see what it “means” to be an Afro-Latina on a simple google search but Spoken Word Poet Elizabeth Acevedo makes you  understand what it feels like to be one.

The essence of her presence and the words that are released from her mouth flows elegantly as she embraces her culture and her community. Her message is inspiring and stimulating.

The power that she uses with  her spoken word ,reaches out to an audience and connects them with the Afro-Latina community. It encourages me to take pride in being an Afro-Panamanian as she celebrates her skin and reveals her appreciation of her  own heritage.

As an Afro-Latina , I believe Acevedo’s spoken word  is very relatable and it embodies exactly who we are. What made it so relative is that she connected it with her own cultural identity and experience. I think when artist connect their work back to their personal life it draws more people in and allows them to feel content. Acevedo took you on a personal expedition as she began to take us on a journey.

“Dance to the rhythm, Beat the drum of my skin. Afro descendant the rhythms within,” Acevedo says. She acknowledges her African ancestry and appreciates the influence it has brought upon her cultural traditions.

“My first language I spoke was Spanish. Learned from lullabies whispered in my ear. My parents tongue was a gift which I quickly forgot after realizing my peers did not understand it. They did not understand me,” she says.

Many don’t know Afro-Latinas exist and understand who we are and if they do they don’t acknowledge us enough.  Her words symbolizes magnificence upon a community that is prominent and that reflects through her work.

For more Elizabeth Acevedo , Go to

Her Personal Website : http://www.acevedopoetry.com/

 Her Facebook & Twitter Page : http://www.acevedopoetry.com
https://twitter.com/AcevedoWrites

-Signed Jenay