My name is Natalie. I am a 26-year-old Afro – Latina and Afro-American woman. My mother’s side comes from the Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico. My father’s side is African American, originally from the south. I grew up in the south with my mother where there were not too many Afro Latinos. I grew up around many non-black Central Americans, non-black Mexicans, and African…
Tag: Afro-Latina
Growing Up Afro- Latina – Zoe Boynton
Hello, My name is Zoe Boynton. I am an Afro Latina and I am Panamanian! Growing up I struggled to accept my Latina identity because only one side of my family is Afro Latino (My mom’s side) with my dad’s side being African American. Growing up I only identified with being Black. It was easier…
I am Called Negra – Luz Mack |
I Am a Complex Mixture With a Rich History of Survival—birthed From the Colonizer’s War That Destroyed All Traces of Taino Origins but Not Before Raping and Enslaving Them. They Created a New Generation While Erasing All Memories of the Past but a Future Marked by Mixed Skin, Fallen From God’s Grace, and an Unknown…
Meet Princess Malcolm: Afro-Panamanian Curve Model Promoting Self-Love & Body Positivity in her Comunidad
By Jenay Wright – Changing the stigma of beauty, and creating a safe space for women in all shapes, sizes, colors, and background is a goal that Princess Malcolm has taken under her wing. Through lots of self-love, confidence, and using her voice and platform to shed light on body positivity speaks volume. Her boldness…
Meet Melanie Hernandez: Afro- Boricua Changing the Conversation Around Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence (DV) affects all regardless of race, religion, gender, and socio-economic groups. Domestic Abuse or intimate partner violence can be described as a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is used to gain control over an intimate partner. This could be in form of sexual, physical, economical, and or psychological actions that dehumanize…
I’m Afro-Latina, And Living With Type 2 Narcolepsy, Has Taught Me To Bring Visibility to Sleep Disorders In My Community – Jenay Wright
A young, 26 years older morenita, born in a city that never sleeps. But she can never stay awake either. How does that even make sense? Falling asleep on the A train, sleeping through panhandlers, the candy man, and the Mexican mariachi band. Somehow she never missed her stop. Her eyes almost look so drowsy…
Y no soy negra? – Sharee Yveliz
Cuando me pusieron desrizado y rolos abajo la secadora? Cuando un estilo “simple” coge mas que una hora? No soy negra? Cuando le gente se quedan en sorpresa escúchame hablar la idioma ? O que una mujer piel blanca puede ser mi mamá? No soy negra ? Cuando me preguntan “ju speak eSpanish?” Y me…
Divinity- Michelle Lopez
Divine power, comes from Her.She. Moves and flows through the world. With her curves,hypnotizing.Like honey dripping from a spoon.Curves that never end.Curves that never go unnoticed. Skin like cinnamon, butterscotch, honey, chocolatesmooth,glistening skin. Skin that makes you wish you could taste and smell Through your eyes. Eyes that you are so grateful to have To see Beauty….
Meet The Jean Twins: Amplifying the Haitian Identity through Lifestyle Vlogging
Haiti is one of the most beautiful places to exist. With so many misconceptions of the Haitian community it’s so easy for their story to be erased and swept under the rug. There is so much richness in the culture, food, music, language and most of all the people and that’s what makes Haiti stand…
Meet Chipo Kandake: Cultural Historian + Ethnographer Cultivating Afro-Mexican Dance History
The conversation of the African Diaspora is one that needs more attentiveness and consciousness across various mass media platforms. The nature of preserving many of its traditions and cultures has a vital impact that exists all around the world. There are so many narratives of Afro-descendants that need to be heard. Many of us have…
Afro-Latina Changemaker: Bianca Kea, Redefining Black Latina’s Lifestyle + Culture
It started with a vision of an empowering statement that young, bold Black Latina women could wear proudly – and it became a thriving business. Bianca Kea, founder of clothing and lifestyle brand Yo Soy AfroLatina, is a determined Afro-Mexicana proving that la cultura has power in the business world. Her brand puts the AFRO…
Afro-Latina Changemaker: Sarah Taylor, Healing Generational Trauma In Communities of Color
For Black History Month, #IAMENOUGH and the Eva Longoria Foundation are collaborating to highlight Afro-Latina changemakers. Learn more about the Eva Longoria Foundation’s work to empower Latinas through education and entrepreneurship at @evalongoriafoundation on Instagram. Mental health in the Black and brown communities – and the stigma that exists around seeking help or discussing it openly…
My Blackness Means: Telenovelas, Collard Greens and A Little Bit of Everything – Britt Morales Portlock
My blackness means listening to trip-hop, jazz, gospel, latin and alternative music, knowing every word, point of rhythm or inflection, effortlessly weaving between worlds. It means on Monday I’m making pupusas with mom, Wednesday is cornbread and collard greens, and Friday I’m on a green juice cleanse. It means I change my hairstyles when I…
Afro-Latina Changemaker: Liliana Ruiz, Social Justice Activist
For Black History Month, #IAMENOUGH and the Eva Longoria Foundation are collaborating to highlight Afro-Latina changemakers. Learn more about the Eva Longoria Foundation’s work to empower Latinas through education and entrepreneurship at @evalongoriafoundation on Instagram. Art and activism intersect in powerful ways, offering unique perspectives on issues old and new. Artistic activism paves the way…
Meet Paloma Sandberg: Afro- Dominicana Amplifying Black Representation in Finland
By Jenay Wright – From the east coast New York, to the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic and across to Finland in Europe. You will meet individuals like Paloma Sandberg, an Afro-Dominicana raised in Finland bringing visibility for Afro – Finns and amplifying Black voices that exist there. Her Afro-Latinidad and Black Finn pride is…
Meet Nicole Rivera Hartery : An Afro – Boricua Normalizing Beekeeping in the Black Community
By Jenay Wright — The art of beekeeping is one that manifests with so many great things and is an experience that needs more attentiveness. From preserving honey, collecting hive produces such as beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis the apiarist ( beekeepers) have a lot on their plate. Their job involves so much handwork…
Gordita Si, Fea No – On Being a Plus Size Afro-Latina – Marlena M. Matute
While I identify as Afro-Latina today, my parents never really bothered to explain the race component of our background. I find that to be interesting, considering they are both of African descent, thanks in part to the Afro-Antillean migration in Panama for the construction of the Canal, and my mother is of the Ngäbe-Buglé (Guaymi)…
I’m Afro-Latina and From The UK and Yes, We Exist – Ashley Farias
I can’t make out what you are” “Are you really Latina?’ “But your hair” “You’re the first Latina I’ve ever met” if I got paid every time someone made one of those comments about me, I’d be rich rich. Growing up in an area in London where there were not many Latinos, I’d hear and still…
Meet Liliana Ruiz: Chingona Blaxican Rollerskater
From her graceful spirit to her vibrant energy and creative soul. It was so easy to get lost in her innovative artistic videos. It feels like I was watching a live roller skating experience. Black Girl Magic unfolded right in front of my eyes, the glow showed up and showed out. It was extraordinary! Her…
My Greatest Insecurity: Speaking Spanish – Kiandra Valladares
When my parents moved to Poinciana, Florida from New York City, I was not prepared for the transition at all. I was accustomed to seeing Black faces at every corner and in my circle of cousins, aunts and uncles. We had a Winn Dixie, one gas station and one main road to get in and…
Meet Destiny Corporan: Afro-Dominican Tarot Reader and Reiki Master
Spiritual Healing is an essential practice that many use to contribute to improving their overall wellbeing and helps with having better health. From yoga, medidiation, tarot reading and so much more there are endless opportunities to help with your individual healing. It is a space so many souls gravitate to looking for change, transformation and…
Standing Proud in My Afro-Panamanian Identity – Tiffanie Perea
My name is Tiffanie Samone Perea. I was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. I always knew my father was from Panama. I’m really not sure how to explain how I could be surrounded by family but the sounds from our mouths weren’t the same. They loved me and kissed me and spoke…
Afro, Si! Latina? Onde? – Luana Fernandes Neely
I vividly remember the first time I heard ‘Latina’ in a way that pertained to me, I was seven and my mother was on the phone venting to my Godmother about how my school kept spelling my name wrong, “F-E-R-N-A-N-D-E-S not F-E-R-N-A-N-D-E- Z” for context, I was a predominantly Hispanic school in Arizona so the…
Pues no me mires – Sharee Yveliz
pues. no me mire.is what i wish i had the guts to say all those years ago.when everything was commented on from my hair, my clothes down to the color on my toes no me mireswhen you dont like my hair because you wouldnt style it as suchwhen its shaved short, long or my afro…
Meet Jessica Jade: The Afro-Latina Organic Skincare Artisan
Skincare is extremely prevalent to many of us, it is instilled into our everyday lifestyle. It is incorporated into our self-care regimes and routines. Having our ski n glow and our melanin shine so wonderfully contributes to us feeling beautiful. Let’s admit it if we have a bomb skincare day or week that makes our…
Thalia Dyche’s Journey through Embracing her Afro -Latinidad
I am no stranger to the questions or “Are you sure you’re Mexican?” or “if you’re Latina, how are you black?” I anticipate these questions because I know that they’re coming. My name is Thalia and I am from San Diego, California. I am Mexican and Afro-Panamanian and identify as Afro-Latina. Growing up, I had…
Afro-Latinas Stand Up – Amy Rodriguez
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, I never had a reference for an “AfroLatina”. You were either black or you were of Latin descent.That was just the way it was. I grew up being Latina en la casa, and Black in the streets. My mother being the only one in her family who migrated…
Cleanse your Circle & Preserve your Space – Jenay Wright
Play that Sade sis! Blast that India Arie! Yes, even louder and continue to alleviate your soul and protect your vibe. Don’t ever stop your healing, individual growth, and the flourishment that has been progressing over time. I see you Queen and I recognize your ability to improve all who you are. You deserve that…
To Be Black, Beautiful, and Costa Rican – Shantel Miller
Both my parents were born and raised in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. (I love saying that lol. Fun fact about Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the largest Jamaican diaspora after Cuba and Panama and its development as a nation is witness to this contribution. Since 1850, fishermen of Afro-Caribbean origin began to…
Sis, Self – Care isn’t Selfish it’s Essential – Jenay Wright
Sis! I want you to breathe in and exhale. Through every release of your breathe I want you to let go of any stress, triggers, tribulations, anything else that is consuming all of your energy. At this moment it is about you and nobody else. Whether you are a mum, executive assistant, caretaker, therapist, or…
A Letter to White Latinx and those who Look Good on Television – Faye Tinsley
Dear White Latinx and the passive complicit actors and actresses who love saying N****r to appeal to their white counterparts. How are things? Has your race come into question lately? Do the same white people who tell you not to act like Negros still give you the same treatment? Or are you capitalizing off the…
Unapologetically, embodying my Afro-Colombian & Dominican Identity — Daviana Mercedes
Growing up I always knew I looked different, from the texture of my hair to the color of my skin. The intersection of Latinx and Black identities run deep, yet Latinas who look like me aren’t front and center in popular media. As a woman who proudly identifies as an Afro-Latina, I’m here to say…
What are YOU? I am more than just an Afro Latina!—Tracey Phipps
“What are you?” That’s a common question I normally get asked. I’ve also heard “I knew you were mixed with something but didn’t want to ask,” or “there’s something different about you.” To some people this is offensive but I appreciate the curiosity. I’m flattered now when people assume I am an exotic creation handcrafted…
“Dear America” A Letter to America from an Afro- Latina – Franchesca Chavez
Dear America, I’m an Afro-Latina born and raised in a country I’ve loved, embraced, and cherished – yet in so many ways, it has not responded the same way to me. While I’ve tried to fit into a mold that would make it easier for people to understand who I am, I’ve often felt…
Owning My Afro-Latinidad, Unapologetically — Monique Soto
By: Monique Soto — I am a proud Black and Puerto Rican – an Afro Latina! It has taken a long time for me to love and accept my heritage and descent until this point in my life. I had my fair share of identity struggles. My father is Puerto Rican from Rio…
La Afro-Mexicana de Santa Ana – Crisma Petatan
By Crisma Petatan — “One of the questions I get asked the most is “What are you?” I am asked this question after I start speaking Spanish. I have brown skin and afro hair. When people see me, they see a black woman and black women in America only speak English right? Well that…
Meet Vivian Moran: The Voice of Afro – Indigenous Peruvians
Imagine being a product of two rich ethnic groups. Imagine being a descendant from Peru and standing proudly in your skin. Imagine being Vivian Moran. Whose art recognizes her African and Indigenous roots and gives a voice to her community. From celebrating Black and Indigenous womanhood through digital art. Or saying what needs to be…
Don’t Question My Afro – Dominican Heritage – Magnolia Vilma
By: Magnolia Vilma — “Wait, say your last name again?” If I had a dollar for every time I heard that phrase I’d probably own ten mansions, swimming pool, and jacuzzis attached. I would have maybe five or ten people’s student loans fully paid off in cash money. I sleep, breathe, eat, and dream of…
Meet Sky Britnei: Afro-Latina Spiritual + Holistic Wellness Practitioner
From her vibrant soul to her radiant energy, Sky Britnei’s passion and devotion to healing the mind, body and soul is truly empowering. Her genuine spirits and inspirational work for black and brown communities are extremely essential. Growing up both Panamanian and Jamaican, Sky Britnei incorporates her Carribean roots into her holistic…
Why don’t you do your hair? – Jenay Wright
Why don’t you do your hair? My hair is done all my puffs and naps My kinks and coils deserve a standing ovation. Stand up and Clap Edge control don’t hold my frizz, it rises back up It’s natural I give her all my love It ain’t soft either and no baby…
Dear You – Sharee Yveliz
Dear you, My “Dominican side” is not showing. It didn’t make an appearance as if my blackness was hiding it. My American status doesn’t take away from the culture I was raised in. Dear you, I am Dominican. I shout in Spanish when I’m frustrated; curse words roll off my tongue when I’m angry….
Five Gifs & Memes for and by Afro-Latinas – Jenay Wright
If you are always on social media, you know Gifs and Memes are life. They get our day started and keep our insomnia entertained at night. To be honest without them will some social media sites even be useful. I mean they take up the majority of our scrolling time. The point is they are powerful…
Meet Kathryn Allison: An Afro-Latina Actress in Aladdin the Musical
By: Jenay Wright – Kathryn Allison, multitalented Broadway Singer, and Actor, ensembles in Aladdin in the Broadway musical, who plays the fortune teller. Recollecting her fondest childhood memories of her Cuban roots in an Instagram video, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month caught my eye. Her passion and drive as she states connect back to her Cuban…
Struggle of the Afro-Latina: Proving You’re Latina -Josefina Ewins
Being of a mixed race in this age and time is not uncommon. It should not be something that makes you feel singled out. It took me almost thirteen years to figure out my place within this society, and accept that my Black and Panamanian roots are nothing to be ashamed of. A society that looks…
Pelo Crespo: How my Afrolatinidad Identity Saved Me
Beyazmin Jimenez I had been using alisando on my hair since I was 8 years old. I hated the routine. I hated being in a packed salon, with chapiadoras getting their nails and hair paid by their drug-slinging men, and the wanna-be chapiadoras staring in awe hoping one of them would pay attention. The never-ending…
The Afro-Boliviana Experience: Gabriela Agramont
Every Afro-Latina narrative isn’t the same. Although we share some similar experiences. The most essential key here is listening and understanding each and every person’s individual story. Here’s an authentic story of an inspirational Afro-Latina who is Bolivian and African-American and her journey! What does it mean to be Afro-Latina? To me, being Afro-Latina means…
Growing Up Afro Latina In the South – Kisha Gulley
“My name is Captain so and so where are you from?” “I’m your flight attendant Kisha, I’m from Arkansas.” “No you aren’t.” At this point I roll my eyes. Introducing yourself to your crew is customary in the aviation world. You want to know who you are working with. For me though it always got…
5 times Nitty Scott did it for Negritas
By Jenay Wright – Afro-Boricua Nitty Scott speaks life and her music is a empowering movement. If you don’t already it time follow a long. When I listen to music I want to feel empowered and motivated. As music is an art of expression its a necessity for me to take things away from each…
Why I made An Effort to Embrace My West Indian Roots – Kayla B
Growing up primarily with my Afro Cuban mother, knowing my Cuban roots was second nature. It was in the yellow rice and black beans as comfort food. It was the guayaberas my grandfather sported and the customs of my mother’s family. Growing up with my mom, I was exposed to my Cuban heritage and…
Karina Matos: Being Lesbian & Afro-Latina
I’m Karina Matos. I am 23 and was born in New York, lived in Dominican Republic until around the first grade and for most of my life grew up in Philly. My parents are both Dominican and my mother towering at 5’1, is a beautiful olive toned, and my father could be defined in my…
5 REASONS TO LOVE AMARA LA NEGRA
By Jenay Wright- Amara La Negra is no stranger to the Latin market and Afro-Latinx community. Her Latin urban twist musical influence is recognized world wide. She is a Black Latina who is Bold and most of all a Boss. This will be revealed on her new show Love and Hip Hop Miami. There is thousands of…
Mabel Guzman; Being Black & From DR
Dominican Republic. The motherland that I couldn’t be prouder to represent. The food, the music, the heat, the enormous amount of people in my family, are just a few aspects of my country that make me love it. But what about culture? It’s probably the first thing people mention when talking about their own…
Cultivating Divine Gratitude by Gabrielle Greiner
Once again, Thanksgiving has come upon us and so many of us are unsure how to respond to this holiday of thankfulness. Most of us are struggling with something at the moment, such as with financial issues or relationship problems. Our government seems to be falling apart as we helplessly watch the systems so…
The Importance Of Self Caring In The Face Of World Tragedy – Kayla B.
The words flash across the screen. Unarmed black man shot and killed by police. 20 children killed in school shooting. Serial rapists claims latest victim. Terror attack at concert claims lives. World “Leaders” slinging angry tweets. Racism rearing its ugly head inciting violence and unrest. Chills run down your spine and in the moment,…
Ivana- Sol Larios – Raices
Una negra hispana. Eso es lo que mis padres creation cuando me hicieron. Una gitana sin una patria de mi propia Con una pierna en el Caroní y una pierna en la Amazónica. ¿Pero a quien pertenezco? El español no sale de mi lengua Tan fácilmente Como mi abuela quiere Y mi piel no…
EL PALO
-Yazmerlin Rodriguez- “Ay qué palo mama, que palito. Ay qué palo mama, que palito. A mi me gusta bailar pegaito, a mi me gusta bailar pegaito.” Mama Africa although it seems your children have forgotten you, tonight we feel your spirit in the hypnotizing melody of your song. Let every beat of drums bring us…
LandishaBeauty: Discussing the LGBTQ & the Afro-Latina identity
“I drive to represent anyone like me, anyone who has ever felt not accepted or felt like an outcast because of who they are, or how they dress, or who they choose to love. And I also strive to show not only people like me but everyone that it’s okay to be different and it’s…
Afro-Peruvian Vibes: La Sangre Llama
By Cindy Aguilar – These were the terms of endearment my family has for me; Negrita, morena, morenetus (made up word by my favorite aunt). How could you ever think you are something different with nicknames like these?! I grew up to these names. The best part is that every single word is…
Brown Sugar & Canela
By Keyanna Gotay- Growing up as a young girl, I never thought of myself any different from others. That changed when my family and I moved down south from New York. Besides people constantly asking where I was from because of my then New York accent, people couldn’t seem to wrap their mind around the…
AM I AFRO-LATINA ENOUGH?
Afro- Latina speaks community of empowering individuals. It represents a culture of those who Celebrate traditions that deeply root back to the motherland. It signifies the rich Sounds of our ancestors who carried the musical rhythms of Africa with them. It preserves our expression of dance, songs, religion and literature with a Latin twist without neglecting our African roots. It crosses barriers from SudaAmerica to Centroamerica along to the coast of Puerto Rico. It flows through all facets…
The Hangout with HarmoniCurls: Afro-Latina Beauty Vlogger
The creative project AfroinSanJuan documents some of the most unique, organic and refreshing women living in Puerto Rico. Each Afro beauty has her own story or voice behind her image. The photography is so creatively intriguing you want to know more. When Afro-Latina Vlogger Harmonicurls was featured I automatically clicked to her content because it was…
Not Just A Label; Paola Aragon Brown
It was during my college career that I officially heard the term Afro Latina, weird right? I guess I was a late bloomer. Born to Afro Colombian parents, they never quite emphasized on the fact that we were Afro Colombians, we were just Colombian. It has been my observation, as I have dissected…
Reclaiming My Identity; Jenay Wright
I look at beautiful brown people as they walk pass me as they talk and laugh, they look just like me. Shopping in soho, with their beautiful brown skin and bright smiles while the sun shinned so bright on their melanated color. They wear blackness so bold and so confident. I looked back at my reflection…
A Cultural Fusion: From Colombia to Ghana
In the shoes of a wanderlust traveler, stepping onto new grounds is a life-changing experience. It’s a new chapter unfolding in front of you. This expedition opens doors to new people, deep explorations , new concepts, tasting new cuisines and adapting to a new culture and environment. For people like me who sometimes can’t always travel to these places by thereselves we…
NEGRA; Gabrielle Greiner
I never knew I was black. Growing up, my blackness wasn’t taught to me, like how I wasn’t shown how to do my hair. When I raised questions to my elders, “Why does my hair grow out? Like sideways, not down. And why is it so curly?” The response glossed over centuries of…
The Afro-Dominican Writer, Womanist and Healer
As a woman of color, black woman and a conscious Afro-Latina I find their are a lack of outlets devoted to mental and spiritual healing for our community. These resources are imperative to have access to. The process of self-healing is a useful tool to have in your life and for individuals who are interested in using this tactic we need platforms…
BLACK , LATINA AND BEAUTIFUL
By Mitzy Quarless Jimenez — I’m a Panamanian, Afro-Latina and a proud repper of all things negritud. [ Here is my story ] because it is one of positivity and one that has kept me strong despite the world trying to bring me down for things I have no control…
MY BLACK ?… YOU CAN’T ERASE
By Jenay Wright —Being Black means the world. While many will try their hardest to hide this part of them. I have to embrace it. Apart of Self-Love is loving all that comes with you. If you carry that Black magic with you, it’s essential to celebrate it. There is more to being Black then…
Afro -Latinas & Our Role in 2017 and Beyond
By Kayla B — As I watched the elections results come in, I got an uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. For some, the worst of the worst came to fruition. For others, the feeling of despair and worry set in. For months we watched as politicians (and some non politicians) got ugly…
Afro-Latina & Beautifully Mixed; Michelle Lopez
THE CONFUSING GAME I’m tired of people telling me: You’re not black.. Oh wait You’re only black if a war breaks out. You’re fat No wait, You’re thick in the right places. You’re not really Mexican, You’re Latina! Brazilian yes because you got that hair and booty. Umm… white and Spanish too right? Samoan, Dominican…
Soy Afro-Panameña –A Personal Story of Afro-Latina Identity and Pride
Tamika Burgess is a Writer and Educator. She produces the monthly Afro-Latina focused newsletter, Es Mi Cultura. Follow her on twitter @TameeksB By Tamika Burgess —“I thought you were Black!” This is the response I sometimes get from people when they find out my parents are Panamanian. Looking down at my arm in a sarcastic…
United Nations of Melanin
By Yokary Cruz-Garcia — Growing up in the Dominican Republic, people told me how lucky I was that my light-skinned father is a fourth generation Spaniard. I was the “piel morena ” with good hair, blessed because I didn’t need a “desrizado ” to straighten my hair. People made comments about my dark-skinned mother’s good fortune…
They Said I Had Bad Hair
By: Suyent Rodriguez Me dijeron que tenia pelo bueno Because it flowed in the wind …when it was relaxed “You can brush her hair all you want but it will curl up eventually” Mami’s coworkers said When I was a baby she loved my hair because it was straight and soft Little did she know,…
Child of the Diaspora: Being Afro-Latina in America
By Kae Ramirez Lashley — My mother is Afro-Panamanian (her mother is Black, her father mestizo) and my father is Bajan (from Barbados). I identify as Black, Afro-Latina, simply Latina, West Indian, or Caribbean. I know who I am. I never try to deny my African roots. I am not more Black than Latina. I…
Representing her Afro-Latina: Miss Houston Caribbean Queen
We shape our own identity and it is essential that we understand our own cultural experience. We learned this with Afro-Latina Ashleigh Lugo our recent Miss Houston Caribbean Queen as she embraces her roots and represents her community in pageants. What is your perspective behind the term” AfroLatina”? What does it mean to you?…
1 Year Blogging Anniversary!!
By Jenay Wright — I have this voice and I had this dream. It so happened that they both connected through destiny and it was interesting how faith kept them going. Doubts are danger. Doubting is dangerous. I say that twice to reiterate the message that doubts can get in the way of what you…
All Hail Queen Garifuna: Acknowledging My Heritage with Amani May
By Jenay Wright — Latin America isn’t One face, One place, One culture, One language or ONE tradition. Latin America is filled with so many different cultures, traditions, people and even languages. The diversity is endless and we see this because of its African , Indigenous and Eurocentric features over time. We must acknowledge prominent…
Vida en Panamá
By Jenay Wright —Before I was aware of the term Afro-Latina, I just said I was Black and Panamanian and this is exactly what I told people when asked what I was. It was verbatim of what represented me. I find when I say I am Latina people would give me the same “Girl stop…
Zaira Miluska Funes : An Afro-Mestizo’s Journey
By Zaira Miluska Funes — I’m Salvadoran-American and growing up in Los Angeles I always knew, from a young age, I looked different from my Mexican friends, they were fair-light skinned with straight/wavy hair and had more Eurocentric- standard Mestizo features. While I, on the other hand, had thick curly hair, darker skinned tone, and…
Revealing my Roots: An Educator in the South
By Juceliz Batista —I’m Dominican. A Dominican from Washington Heights with brown skin and curly puffy hair. I am also a Black woman. When I was 10, my mom put a desrizado in my hair because I had too much hair to manage. Ten years later, just like every other girl who wants to free…
My Black..My Power…MyAfroLatinos
Case 1. I got arrested and they read me my miranda rights. They cuffed me and asked me what I was ethnically. I told them Black and Latina and they delivered that message to the station.They said I have a 21 year old Black Latina female and we are taking her in. Case 2 I…
Roots and Identity : An Afro-Cuban’s Discovery of Self
When I think of this word, it holds so much weight. Everything a person does is rooted in their identity. Identity to me is not so cut and dry, but ever evolving. When a baby is born, they are given a name. Their name serves as a building block to their identity. When that child…
Celebrating Beautifully BLACK Latinas @afrolatinas_
Social Media is an essential platform in order to gain attention to a topic or subject. The power it holds is endless and there are so many different types of social tools to utilize. So knock yourselves out! Instagram is a photo sharing app , which allows you to discover and explore new things….
DIARY OF A CONSCIOUS AFRO-LATINA
Individuals must really try and understand what it means to be an Afro-Latino and take the time to understand our cultural experience. That’s why many bloggers, musicians , poets , historians who are products of the African Diaspora in Latin America are truly taking out the time to educate those about our existence ….
Code : Race , Ethnicity , Culture
Growing up I didn’t always feel obligated to identify with a specific race. However, I was always more intrigued when it came to recognizing my own culture. In this country there is so much pressure to classify with a specific race. We put people into this box based off their appearance and we automatically…
Empowering & Embracing: A Girl Chat with Stephanie George
A huge part of living life is discovering who you are and learning where you fit in culturally. Once you hit that stage in your life where you are content, at ease, and satisfied with who you are; the next step to take is to embrace who you are and live your life to the fullest….
Acknowleding, Accepting and Embracing the AfroLatina Perspective
By Bianca Betancourt—Growing up, I didn’t know there was such a thing as “AfroLatina” and how diverse, complex and complicated that term could really be. When people would (intrusively) ask me “what I was” I would always answer the same way: “Puerto Rican, Black and Native American.” Puerto Rican—because of all the minorities that make…
When is Black Enough?
Often times people tend to judge actors who are chosen to lead roles in biopics. Actors should be judged off their acting capabilities, but in some cases it always relates back to color. Most of the time people give their input based off physical appearance. It is significant that in a biopic the actor should nail…
Stop Shaming ; Start Embracing
Mexican , Puerto Rican , Cuban , Dominican , Haitian , Jamaican , Panamanian , Black , Asian and the list can go on. We are all seen as minorities in the land of America. In the eyes of many there is no separation between us except our geography , we are not seen as a…
Admire Your Own Beauty
To Admire regard (an object , quality , or person with respect of warm approval) Ex: ” I admire your courage” look with pleasure Ex: “We were just admiring your garden” Google did a swell job of defining what it really means to admire. BUT … Yes, there’s a but! There was not one aspect…
An Acronym for Afro-Latinas
Do you remember being in school and the teacher asked you to create a acronym for your name? I always thought that task was a bit challenging because I could never find the perfect words that fit me. But… I wanted to create an acronym for Afro-Latinas so they could have something to…
Stereotypes ; They Don’t Define You.
There is literally a stereotype for everything out there. Society isn’t afraid to let you know if you fit into one either. These are personal stereotypes that I have came across and I thought I share it with you guys and then post my response after. Just because I don’t speak fluent Spanish doesn’t mean I am…
Afro-Mexicans ; Now Acknowledged on Mexico’s National Census
If there is one motto that really has stood out to me during my lifetime. It is to always fight and stand up for what you believe in. It is significant to take pride in your morals and values. If you want to see change to you have to be a part of it. This…
The Modern Afro-Latina
Discovering who you are and determining your identity is an essential component to everyday life. It is something that one will have to come across at some point of their life. It takes questioning and evaluating what community makes you feel most content while still taking into account your own culture and traditions. For Karen…
Vacaciones Con Panameñas
I wouldn’t trade my family for the world. I wouldn’t give them up for anything. Even if I got the chance to see Michael Jackson moon walk across my living room floor or to receive an all expense paid trip to Fiji. It isn’t happening and it isn’t worth it. Family is not only essential…
A Letter to my Afro- Latinas
Dear my Afro-Latinas, I am calling on all my Afro-Latinas. I want you to close your eyes , open your heart and feel your soul. I understand the feeling of not knowing where you fit in or understanding who you are. We have all had those days we didn’t feel beautiful because we didn’t match…
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