“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…
Tag: Afro-Latinidad
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
