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October 2, 2003
The Afro-Latina experience
Puedes leer la traducción de este artículo aqui: La experiencia Afro-Latina
As I enter the small bodega, I feel a little nervous because a lot of people start to look at me in a funny way. I go up to pay and the cashier begins to talk to me in English with much difficulty. I answer the young woman in Spanish to make to conversation easier on her and her facial expression turns to shock. There is no noticeable difference between the other shoppers and I that would cause such discomfort except that I am a Latina of African descent.
To me, this incident is nothing out of the ordinary. Even though there are many Afro-Latinos like me, some people are unable to comprehend that a black person can be Latino as well. There are numerous Blair students that have had similar experiences to me.
Between two worlds
Hispanics of color are descendents of African slaves brought to Latin America. Since we are both black and Hispanic, we pertain to both cultures. "I can be in the two races; in the black and in the Hispanic," says freshman Leonel Caro, who is from the Dominican Republic. We can rap like Juelz Santana or dance salsa like the Venezuelan Oscar de Leon.
On the other hand, some Latinos believe that problems have emerged with the relationship between African Americans and Afro-Latinos. "I have felt that African Americans do not look at me in the same way, there is no unity," comments Maria Yordan-Torres, an Afro-Puerto Rican Spanish teacher.
Luis Murillo, an Afro-Colombian and a former mayor in Colombia, has experienced what Yordan-Torres feels. "There were some African American young men and they said to me, 'hey, an African American speaking Spanish ,' and they began to laugh," states Murillo.
Why is it?
Javiela Evangelista, a Dominican doing her masters in Latin American and African American studies believes that the hierarchy system is to blame for the denial. "Generally, those who have had power have been of European descent. I believe that because of this, some try to neglect everything African," says Evangelista.
There are many reasons for the ignorance about Afro-Latinos. "I have noticed that people from Central America look at me weird maybe because there is not much African presence in their countries," states junior Tracey Davis.
Others feel that the lack of knowledge is a result of U.S. presence in the region. Evangelista believes that the United States has created this mentality of ignoring African culture. She gave the example of the U.S. invasion in the Dominican Republic where they gave power to the dictator of the country, Rafael Trujillo, who tried to "purify" and "lighten" the Dominican population. In this way, a division was created within the population, says Evangelista.
Problems caused
Most people do not believe that I have Latino blood. "I was very surprised because you are so dark that you gave me the impression of being from here," says junior Andrea Sempertegui, a Bolivian.
I can’t speak Spanish in many places without feeling uncomfortable. One time when I was buying tickets to see the salsero Gilberto Santa Rosa, I entered the store along with my mother and everyone's eyes were glued on us. We finally reached the front of the line and the cashier never attended us and continued on with customers behind us, like we were invisible.
Problems in the Afro-Latino population
The problem of negating the African presence has gotten worse. In the Dominican
Republic, it is evident that the majority of the population are of African descent, but many avoid their African identity. I went to Santo Domingo and there were people darker than me telling met that there was no way I could beDominican because I am so dark.
It is a shame that some Afro-Latinos deny their true roots and identity. I hopethat we can abandon prejudices in order to form a more united Latino community.
As I enter the small bodega, I feel a little nervous because a lot of people start to look at me in a funny way. I go up to pay and the cashier begins to talk to me in English with much difficulty. I answer the young woman in Spanish to make to conversation easier on her and her facial expression turns to shock. There is no noticeable difference between the other shoppers and I that would cause such discomfort except that I am a Latina of African descent.
To me, this incident is nothing out of the ordinary. Even though there are many Afro-Latinos like me, some people are unable to comprehend that a black person can be Latino as well. There are numerous Blair students that have had similar experiences to me.
Between two worlds
Hispanics of color are descendents of African slaves brought to Latin America. Since we are both black and Hispanic, we pertain to both cultures. "I can be in the two races; in the black and in the Hispanic," says freshman Leonel Caro, who is from the Dominican Republic. We can rap like Juelz Santana or dance salsa like the Venezuelan Oscar de Leon.
On the other hand, some Latinos believe that problems have emerged with the relationship between African Americans and Afro-Latinos. "I have felt that African Americans do not look at me in the same way, there is no unity," comments Maria Yordan-Torres, an Afro-Puerto Rican Spanish teacher.
Luis Murillo, an Afro-Colombian and a former mayor in Colombia, has experienced what Yordan-Torres feels. "There were some African American young men and they said to me, 'hey, an African American speaking Spanish ,' and they began to laugh," states Murillo.
Why is it?
Javiela Evangelista, a Dominican doing her masters in Latin American and African American studies believes that the hierarchy system is to blame for the denial. "Generally, those who have had power have been of European descent. I believe that because of this, some try to neglect everything African," says Evangelista.
There are many reasons for the ignorance about Afro-Latinos. "I have noticed that people from Central America look at me weird maybe because there is not much African presence in their countries," states junior Tracey Davis.
Others feel that the lack of knowledge is a result of U.S. presence in the region. Evangelista believes that the United States has created this mentality of ignoring African culture. She gave the example of the U.S. invasion in the Dominican Republic where they gave power to the dictator of the country, Rafael Trujillo, who tried to "purify" and "lighten" the Dominican population. In this way, a division was created within the population, says Evangelista.
Problems caused
Most people do not believe that I have Latino blood. "I was very surprised because you are so dark that you gave me the impression of being from here," says junior Andrea Sempertegui, a Bolivian.
I can’t speak Spanish in many places without feeling uncomfortable. One time when I was buying tickets to see the salsero Gilberto Santa Rosa, I entered the store along with my mother and everyone's eyes were glued on us. We finally reached the front of the line and the cashier never attended us and continued on with customers behind us, like we were invisible.
Problems in the Afro-Latino population
The problem of negating the African presence has gotten worse. In the Dominican
Republic, it is evident that the majority of the population are of African descent, but many avoid their African identity. I went to Santo Domingo and there were people darker than me telling met that there was no way I could beDominican because I am so dark.
It is a shame that some Afro-Latinos deny their true roots and identity. I hopethat we can abandon prejudices in order to form a more united Latino community.
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I wanted to respond to your email, I am an african in captivity in the united states. I have grown up in a very diverse enviroment and understand what you are talking to . I moved from new york to rilchmond, virginia and when I speak spanish african americans are shocked. I tell them why do you speak engilish your are not related to the queen. They may have the opportunity to think as you know our education both in the states and DR has been corrupted with lies, and deletions of our impact as africans throuhgout the world.
I have visited D.R I stayed in Puerto Plata and visted Santo domingo. I am now trying to teach spanish in virginia because I want black people here to know that black people speak all of the lengues of the colonizer. and one day we will learn our true langugue.
Paz
Shakila
-Is it important to be accepted? Perhaps, more importantly to be respected first in order to find a common bond where we can share our experiences, brought about the 'scattering' of Africa's children throughout the world.
-We as a people of African descent have being dehuminized and undermined [in this day and age, still!]. The cycle needs to be reversed in order for humanity to progress as one, despite physical differences.
I don't know if in my lifetime we can experience the kind of changes we need to re-claim what was lost long ago; *our identity and collective consciousness
Thank you for this wonderful article about our experience in the states. We "Latino/a need to address issue of the African presence in Latin American. I do not know how much this article rings truth. In for this i thank you for writing and listening to Afro-Latinos opinion. I am right in Nicaragua dealing with some of those same issue. Finally, i just wanted to thank you and keep write about las caras linda.
Sincerely,
Manuel Mendez
P.S. What bodega do you go to Ria? here in the northeast there are plenty of black Latinos and even black N. Americans who go in and out of bodegas and cuchifritos all day. I know a lot of black N. Americans love them pastelillos!
I'm of an African American heritage,my grandfather was a Black Frenchmen. My wife is African American and also half Panamanian. So I do understand about people not accepting who you are.
I have experienced some prejudice from the Afro-Latino branch. I rememberworking at a warehouse when I was younger. People there were mostly Latinos,a few white and I was the only Black, or so I thought. I came across a Black woman who wouldn't even speak tome or look at me. I thought this was strange, she was just as dark as me. Until one day I heard her speak Spanish. So I asked someone about her, they said she was from Dominica. I then realized she viewed me differently.
I'm glad to see that more Afro-Latinos are embracing their African heritage. Some African Americans need to do the same.
I love all people, but I realize that all of us in the African diaspora have more of a common thread than many realize.
As an Afro American it makes me sad to see my people in Latin America denying their true roots. I remember meeting people of Afro-Latin descent and they always denied they were black. I just couldnt understand because many times they were darker than I was. It hurts me to see how it seems no one wants to be of African Descent. I love my race, and I wouldnt want to be any other race, so it saddens me when I see my people in Latin America deny their connection to me, as if being black is like a disease. Being black doesnt have to negate you being Latino also.
It shocked me to hear that Latinos of Afro descent were experiencing the opposite, that many times they don't feel accepted by black Americans. I personally have a deep concern for Afro-Latinos because they are apart of me. All Afro-Americans should be concerned about what Afo-Latinos face in the Americas. Afro-American organizations and Universities should be taking a serious initiative to include Afro-Latinos on their agenda. Afro-Americans need to educated about what is going on in Latin American communities, so that some type of alliance can be formed. This needs to be addressed.
from: non-confused latinas
We were not disputing the colaboration of races that make hispanics but the fact that majority of hispanic exclude the Indians when discussing descentdents.
As for our facts there accurate according to 2003 U.S.Census. It clearly stated that latino/hispainic have a hard time associating themselves racially.we were quoting an Ohio reading when we made our statement. So to call us ignorant is inaccurate. We are well versed in our culture. You obviously missed that point!
I disagree. Cultural identity, which is often linked to racial/ethnic identity, is important to someone formulating their own individual sense of self. I feel as though we would be a rather bland bunch of people if we did not do our best to be involved in our race's cultural activities and take an active interested in sharing these with people of other ethnic backgrounds. The idea is open-mindedness and acceptance, not stripping ourselves of any sort of national identity.
It was not until I started hanging out with other latinos in Boston that I became aware of the prejudices among latinos in regards to race relations.
It is a highly senstive issue. I lost my best friend over this subject matter.
I have a friend From DR who's mother is an Afro Dominican and whose father is indigenous. She did have the same experience such as yours growing up and identifies herself as a black Dominican.
The best advice she gave me is to not take it too personal. African americans and People from the Carribean discriminate according to skin tone as well.
I am learning to educate people without shoving the race issue in your face so to speak.
I write poetry in reverence to "Maria" and the beatifal Afro Latinos of Panama.
Much Sincerity,
Shanita
It saddens me to hear the ignorance that African-Americans have towards Afro-Latinos and the lack of unity that exist between African descended people. We are different linguistically and culturally but we are of the same roots. European, Indian and African. I am African-American, born and raised in Tennessee and surely understand why many of my people have this ignorance. Many of us truly do not know that Africans were brought to Bolivia, Guatemala and even Mexico to name a few and still exist. What we have to do is heal, and teach others so that we are not ignorant. I speak spanish as a choice to learn another language and I work in the Hispanic community in Nashville. Many Afro-latinos that I have met here assimilate into the dominant black culture because there is a lack of acceptance of African looking hispanics here in my town. Even when I speak spanish, many Mexicans and Honduran cannot believe it. I have a friend whose family is from Guatemala and Honduras and one of the intepreters came to me and ask me if it was true that her family come from those areas because she was black and had an English last name. I was shocked because this fellow is from Central America. Anyways, we have endured a lot and still have a lot to go . Heal and love.
This is an interesting comment. My great grandmother was Puertirican and she was very dark skin. People think that just because you are light, to white looking puertican that you are not of African descent. This is not true. All Puertricans are of African descent, including Jennifer Lopez, who just has more of her Taino, Spanish, Dutch features appearing. We as Latinos or mixed groups need to stop! The Puerticans including Ricky Martin were created by mixing. We are a product of African, Spanish, Dutch and the Taino Indians. It is foolish for Latinos not accept their African heritage. It so taboo!
Michael
One!
Another thing that i hate is that when i tell people that my great great grandparents were from africa they start laughing and when i try to explain to them about how the spainiards brought slaves from africa to cuba they don't seem to believe me.
As for African Americans, they were also brainwashed by Europeans.But fortunately, God provided men like Martin LutherKing and the Civil rights movement . These events awakened the minds and Spirits of many African Americans. This has allowed African Americans to continue fight any abuse of thier civil rights.I have not noticed this type of movement among Iberians of African descent.In North America, the whites are the majority,they do not own the wealth as dispproportinately as the Whites do in the Americas.They do not break Africans American into seperate racial groupings. as they know black population will not surpass the White population.
I hope one day Iberians of African descent will learn to appreciate or acknowledge their African culture, because they have maintained an preserved the African culture more than African American.
I get fed up sometimes and wish I was no-one.
Now when I have kids I will tell them no to disregard all their origins coz they are all equally important. But my kids will be black no matter what, and as a consequence, it would be normal for them to face reality and know truly the reason why. There is no shame, just pride having a such beautiful African complexion. It is a gift. Who knows in the future 10 centuries, there may not be enough black people people left since humans like to mix amongst each other.
It made me very, very sad to have come across this site. It's just that ignorant people really get under my skin, and it angers me when people are so embedded in their stupid, backwards racial assumptions. Anthropologists are people who study HUMANS, and in their studies, RACE IS MEANINGLESS!!!! My Professor told me that. So why can't we all just open our HEARTS AND OUR EARS AND SHUT OUR EYES?!!!!! This would save alot of people extreme misery.
You shouldn't question a person's origin based on their skin, and you shouldn't assume that a person is from this place or that place based on their skin, or their ability to speak a certain language.
yo soy africana americana, pero todo el mundo me preguna "ERES CUBANA O ALGO...?" Me enojan preguntas tontas asi!! Es lo que creen porque hablo espanol! ME ENOJAN NECIOS ASI!!
DON'T ASSUME, JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!!!
Happy Holidays!
M.Kimble
I absolutely LOVE this article!!-I swear NO ONE around hear seems to understand that you can be a black brazilian, or a black puerto-rican!!!I mean, think of all of the latinos that undenielby are african decended, like PELE, Celia Cruz, Tego Calderon, and Roberto Clemente. Even Dady Yankee, a Puerto Rican, who is half white, half black.
Carolina, Hispanics tend to think that they don't come from african roots, frankly i'm proud of my culture and there is no way i can deny that i'm black first as a race and hipanic by way of nationality. this to me is the right way to address the issues that we trivially argue about as people. Conquer and divide has been an effective tool in keeping us as a powerful nation. Being black is not a color but a state of mind,total balance and not chaos as some of us tend to believe.To me i have the best of both worlds. I have children that come from a union of african and hispanic decent.They are proud of their culture as a whole and not divided. one language,one love and definitely the best of both worlds. It's a definite shame that even the old school parents are the ones instilling the concept that they are not black,african nothing other that Puertorican,Dominican. why not hispanic of african decent
But I am very proud who I'm. I'm GARIFUNA COME FROM HONDURAS AND ARE HISTORY IS VERY RICH AND INTERESTING ALWAYS VERY PROUD TO MAINTAIN WHO WE ARE. SURCHING FOR MY PEOPLE I START LEARNING
MORE AND MORE, FROM AFRICA TO ST VICENT AND FIGHT FOR YEAR WITH INGLAND UNTIL THEY KILL ARE LIDER AND WE WAS SENT IN A BOAT AROUND CENTRAL AMERICA. VERY PROUD TO BE AFRO LATINO (GARIFUNA)
God bless Fidel Castro for proving that!
Afro latino's who deny their roots is just a victim of mental slavery brougth on by the Hispanics so they can be accepted.
There are only three races; black,white and yellow. anything mixed with Black is Black.
Latin America and the Caribbean is considerd the soul of the world,the best mixtures all in one place.
Glad to be an Afro Caribbean Aruban.
Now I am alittle different but can relate to this issue. My mother is of Spanish and Mexican heritage and my father is a Afro-Latino both Panamanian and Columbia heritage. Now I have lived in the south for a long time and people tend not to believe me of my mixed race and I don't look like it. I look pure latina but I tend to grasp more on to my black side because my father was raised by an African American father. Another thing that happens down south is that if you don't look black you are not black...mind you they tend to have only 3 races: Black, white, Mexican. My embraces his balck side more than anything but has also taught me to love both races. To be exact, he use to tell me "Look, you are a child of god and that's all that matter." Then as I got older and went to a HBCU and liked the fact I was getting to know my black roots more. I have always had a problem with my identity and when I asked my dad what am I really...he states I am mixed. Please let me know what you think...I would love some inputs.
Check out this website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Latin_American
I think the reason being may be because they don't speak spanish..maybe some do but all the Hatians I have ment don't. Hope this helps!
When we have children many of us dont even teach our children the language because we figure.....Whats the point he is only going to be called the N word anyways.
Although this is hard we need to keep the culture or learn the culture and make it our own. Viva Latinos and Viva Afro-Latinos que es lo mismo.
Much Love,
I've always embraced both sides of my heritage, although I was raised by my mother, who identifies as African American. I cannot speak spanish fluently, alhtough i can understand it. I was never "black enough" or never "latina enough". The whole things is getting old.
It's nice to read others stories and know that i'm not alone. YO SOY AFRO-LATINA whether they like it or not. :)