I come across this piece on Madamenoire written by Victoria Uwumarogie titled, "Famous Afro-Latinos Tired Of Trying To Explain To People They’re Black And Latin". Check it out!
top of page
all posts
I am an Afro-Latina From: Honduras, my mother and father were born in Honduras and I am the first generation born in the United States. My Father is from Progresso, Honduras and my mother is from Tegucigalpa, which is the capital of Honduras.
Hometown: I grew up in Downtown Brooklyn. I lived in Brooklyn for 13 years before moving to Long Island. I felt like I was missing something, and eventually moved back to Brooklyn at 17 and have been in Brooklyn ever since.
Occupation: I am currently a nursing student as well as a full-time mom. Because of my experience taking care of my grandmother, I was inspired to become an Anesthesiology nursing student. In addition to that, I was recently inspired to become a talent manager. I manage artist including my daughter who is now doing a great job growing her youtube presence and who is an entrepreneur at the age of 10. I also currently manage a rap artist.
Do you speak Spanish?: Yes, I do speak Spanish. Growing up my grandmother would say "You speak enough english at school, speak Spanish at home". She was serious about her Spanish and now it is a big advantage in my line of work. I am able to negotiate a lot more now being able to speak Spanish. It is an advantage certain in jobs like nursing where speaking multiple languages is an asset. My uncle for example was able to get a job working at the United Nations at the age of 17 because he speaks two languages.
Share an experience about being afro-latina: I remember being shamed after sharing details about the music or things about the Garifuna culture because people would respond saying "What's that?". People didnt understand and I remember feeling ashamed of the culture. This is something that I am now ashamed that I didnt embrace.
I also remember not fitting in anywhere. In school I remember clicking up with the boys because I didnt feel like I belonged with the girls. The Peruvian girls hung out with the Peruvian girls, the Puerto Rican Girls hung out with the Puerto Rican girls. I remember there was a hispanic club. I tried to attend but even the teacher was showing a greater liking for the Dominican girls. After attending 2 meetings, I didn't go back because I didnt feel socially accepted.
Quotes to live by: "Money talks, bullshit walks"
A quote I share with my daughter often is more like a lifetime reminder..."Don't be a consumer, be an owner". Kids these days are all about the name brand, so I share with my daughter to instead go own a share of stock in Jordan's rather then asking for a pair.
What is a tradition you hold on to?: Sofrito in the fridge! It is the basic ingredient for everything, sofrito and adobe.
Hispanic Heritage Month has taken on new meaning for me since sharing my personal journey which includes my struggle with my identity as a Latina for a large part of my childhood years. Growing up black Hispanic I didn't always feel and was made to feel like I wasn't Latina enough but then again I wasn't "black" enough either? What do these things even mean and can you imagine how confusing that can be for a 7 year old?
I am finally finding my voice and am proud to break through my shyness to be able to share and inspire. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I sat on an amazing panel organized and executed by The Latino Bigs of Big Brothers Big Sisters and SOL, the Latino affinity group of SirusXM (Siempre Orgullo Latino).
After mixing and mingling the panel which was moderator by George Nenadich (On-air talent at SiriusXM. Host of salsa radio show "La Vieja Escuala" and Rumbon" and also hosts talk show on ESPN Deportes called "Fusion Deportivo") settled down to discuss the top of the evening which was #UNIDOSWERISE and how we disrupt the disparities, racism, & segregation within our own communities in addition to the importance of coming together during this time of intensified political polarization.
It was truly a heavy conversation which I was honored to be a part of. The intensity of the conversation I must say, was in great part due to well crafted panel which included the below list of impressive individuals. It was truly and honor.
Dr. Juan Rios
Full-time Professor at Seton Hall University, CEO/Clinical Director of Rios & Associates Therapeutic Solutions
Diana Noriega
Chief Program Officer for the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc.
Jerry Diaz
AKA "Elmo Difoca", Co-founder, writer and director of Room 28
bottom of page