Latinx heritage month is a prominent celebrated month in many different ways.
There are so many individuals who paved the way and contributed to the history and culture that lives on today. Many who have encouraged many millennial’s today to use their platform and space to create change and advocate for rights.
To just name a few: Miriam Jiménez Román’, Sylvia del Villard, Frieda Khalo, Sonia Sotomayor, Gloria Anzalda, Joan Baez, Sylvia Mendez and so much many more. It is extremely essential to take the time to recognize pioneers who have fought for liberty and freedom for the Latinx communities as well as other cultures.
Whether through the art of education, activism, writing, poetry and or politically. We must acknowledge every single person past or present who has shaped our history.
There would be no Latinx History without the African influence that comes along with it. Africa has touched every single part of our history, culture, traditions, food and or music.
No matter how often blackness will try to be hidden or erased from Latinx culture it can’t. You can never erase facts. Many Black Latinx who have contributed to our history that we were not taught about in our history class left a vital mark on the world and inspired some Afro-Latinx millennial advocates we see today.
Today we acknowledge and celebrate some of these activist who truly inspires a nationwide full of individuals with their remarkable advocacy.
Amanda Pericles
Amanda Pericles is a fearless, inspirational and knowledgeable Afro-Dominican woman who has created her very own movement that highlights Beautifully Black Latinas. She utilizes the social media platform Instagram to address topics that are often pushed under the rug. From embracing natural hair, racial inequality, women empowerment and really breaking down what the term Afro-Latinx entails.
The first few years she kept her identity hidden really emphasizing on the representation of the Afro-Latinx community. Her page reflects a diversity of melanted skin tones. It showcases the multiplicity that exist within the Latinx culture.
Social media is a powerful tool and we must note her activism. Amanda’s work has been featured in prestigious publications like Remezcla, The Grio, and The New York Time.
Amanda’s platform will give younger generations a space to feel represented and relate to people who looks just like them. It is greatly shaping our future history. Giving black women a place to feel embraced among the Latinx community. Amanda you are truly stimulating and we honor and thank you for all your contributions to our history.
https://www.youraverageafrolatina.com
@AfroLatinas_
Nydia Simone
Nydia Simone is an insightful, intellectual, authentic, artistic Afro-Panamanian storyteller. From acting, writing and producing she is truly a triple threat. As the creator of Blactina Media, she is devoted to shedding light on the Afro-Latina narrative through film, which will be revealed through her in the works short film La Bodega.
Representation matters especially through film and the prominence it will hold is a necessity for the Latinx culture.It is not every day we see Blacklatinx showcased in media and their story is told the right way.
Nydia Simone is a trailblazer in the making and by creating films that highlight our story her activism is celebrated.
@blactina
Priscilla Gaona
Priscilla Gaona is a keen, innovative, creative Afro-Ecuadorian photographer who documents a series of projects surrounding Afro- Latinx people and culture. Her imagery captures the most beautiful moments you will ever see. Pictures are worth a thousand words but her photo-series are worth a million more.
From some of her stimulating projects Vilmas Daughter, Young Black Love, The Queens of Color and a Tribute to Afro-Latinidad her passion to celebrate blackness breaks do many barriers. Her photos are absolutely refreshing and tells so many stories that were often silenced at one point in time.
Photography is an important form of art that will be cherished forever and it holds an eminence in history that will always be needed.
Priscilla’s will always be one of my favorite photographers because of her passion and drive to bring existence and visibility to the Black Latinx and people of color. Her work has been featured in galleries and events at The International Center of Photography, Photoville, and Raw Space Gallery.
https://www.priscillajgaona.com/
@prisjul
hashtagiamenough.com 