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: Black 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
I Am Black and, Yes! I Speak Spanish. – Marcela Bermudez
How are you Black and speak Spanish? “Honduras? Is that in Mexico?” “I didn’t know that Black people speak Spanish” If I were to get a dollar each time, I heard any of those phrases or questions, I would be extra rica con dinero right now. These questions and comments that I have heard all…
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…
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…
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…
I’m Afro-Latina, And Battling Anxiety Has Taught Me to Destigmatize Mental Wellness In My Community – Jenay Wright
I pull out my chair at the dinner table. You can hear the stirring of the goya rice scratching against the bottom of the pot. In the back of my mind, I know that concon is going to hit the spot with the slap of ketchup on top. That usual savoring smell of well seasoned…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
Signed, The AfroMexicanActivist
Great risings my people! I am Yah-Yah Sandoval, I was born and raised in Clovis, New Mexico. I am studying Law, I will become a leading lawyer for our Black and Brown communities. I am a mixture of Afro-Spaniard, and Afro-Mexican, my family migrated from El Bosque Spain as slaves. My family since then branched…
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…
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…
Understading the Afro-Latinidad Experience: Kimberly Roman
There are many young women of our generation who are dedicating their time and energy to educating, discussing and empowering others about the Afro-Latina experience. We must recognize and celebrate, those who play a significant role in informing people about who we are. As we are in the month of March, also known as…
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…
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…
Lupita Nyong’o: Not Latina Enough?
It is a great Sunday morning, such a pleasant breeze coming through my window. My grandmother is in a positive spirit and my little sister is overly excited about the holidays, which a pre-teen should be. As usual, I do a basic google search each morning of Afro-Latina related trends or topics.I came across an article…
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…
Essence of Diversity
In the Afro-Latina culture we celebrate and recognize diversity within our community. #Wearelistening #Weareseeing #Wearetalking #Wearefeeling #Weknow #Wearebeautiful #Wearestrong #Weareconfident #Wearenough Photos by : Jenay Wright
5 reasons being Afro-Latina is unique
As an Afro-Latina women I am honored to identify with two incredible heritages . My black heritage as well as my Latina and Panamanian heritage. This is something I take pride in and I encourage the rest of you to be proud of as well. Despite the discrimination and rejection we have encountered from our…
Our Time , Our Heritage , Our People
Each time you log on your to social media account, whether its Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you probably have come across a post that said “Happy National ______ Day.” Have you ever sat back in your chair and thought is this really that important to be celebrated nationally. Some of these national days created seem…
Finding my identity
There is one thing you should never do, allow someone to deprive you of who you are. There is two things you should never do, allow someone to steal your pride and your confidence. And if there is three things you should do is appreciate, cherish and love yourself no matter what you go through….
hashtagiamenough.com 