Black History Month

First, big ups to Leap Year for letting me still post this during Black History Month!  Second, there is so much to say on this topic and how it relates to Latinos, but I think the most important point I want to focus on today is how often we overlook the Afro-Latino experience in the U.S.  Let’s keep it real and admit that within many Latino communities we struggle with deep internalized racism that makes it difficult to embrace and support Black Americans. Additionally,many Afro-Latinos are dismissed as not being Latino enough or Black enough, which is so bogus. I am obviously not an expert in this, but I want to acknowledge both BHM and the Latino experience in this small space because that struggle and progress is important and it does impact all of us.

1. What happened in the DR? I mean, seriously how did this happen? I’ve been Latina long enough to know that there is a strong bias against darker skinned Latinos, but that this bias became policy is doubly disgraceful.
2. On the flip side, YAY for inclusion, acceptance, and embracing reality: Mexico recognizing Afro-Mexicans was only a long time coming!
3. Buzzfeed keeps it nice and simple on some Afro Latino struggles.
4. A note from Latina on why BHM is important to Latinos.
5. Finally, leave it to LatinoUSA to have a great program on this topic.

How did you celebrate Black History Month?