We decided to tackle a subject that comes up again and again in our community; the issue of racism.
|
|
It has long caused controversy among Latinos, and it's important to illuminate what it really means to be Afro-Latina. We will shine a spotlight on some beautiful Afro-Latinas in the process.
Wondering what the term "Afro-Latina" means? Miriam Muley, an Afro-Puerto Rican and CEO of The 85% Niche, says being Afro-Latina is, "Not just defined by skin color, because the Afro-Latino experience is such a mixture of different ethnicities. I see being an Afro-Latina as someone whose roots are primarily of African descendant." On the question of racism Muley adds, "There's an undercurrent of racism, there's no question about that. There is definitely a ranking that occurs in our community based on skin tone, as well as our hair type and our facial features."
Kafayat Aromashodu, of Nigerian and Honduran descent, also highlights the difficulty of finding acceptance, "People don't really know how to act. Around fellow Latinos, you're seen as the morenita. Around Blacks, you are seen as 'The one who speaks Spanish'. I am raising my children with the understanding of both of our rich cultures. Latin-America and Africa are not different, they go hand in hand."
We've noticed, in our efforts to make the magazine and website as diverse and representative of the whole Latina experience as possible, how truly difficult it is to find prominent Afro-Latina actresses and models to grace our covers and fashion shoots. In that spirit, we gathered a group of notable Afro-Latinas who have made inspiring contributions to our community.
Be sure to check it out below and let us know: What do you think about racism in our community? Have you ever been discriminated against because of your facial features, skin tone or hair type?
Celia Cruz (October 21, 1925 - July 16, 2003)
This Havana born singer and entertainer also known as "La guarachera de Cuba" is the undisputed Queen of Salsa. Hands down one of the most iconic Latina performers ever, in 1987 she received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ¡Azucar!
Gina Torres (born April 25, 1969)
This actress is known for her roles in films and TV shows such as The Matrix, Alias and 24.
The NYC born Cubana married actor Laurence Fishburne in 2002 and they have one daughter named Delilah together. She can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed Sundance darling Don't Let Me Drown.
Zoë Saldaña (born June 19, 1978)
This half-Rican, half-Dominican stunner burst onto the silver screen in 2000's Center Stage. Since then she's acted in notable films like Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and The Terminal. She will appear next as Uhura in the hotly anticipated Star Trek prequel.
Rosario Dawson (born May 9, 1979)
This multi-culti actress was first discovered by by Larry Clark and Harmony Korine, who cast her in a role in their controversial 1995 film Kids. She hasn't looked back since then, starring in a string of hit films and starting her own non-profit Voto Latino which has helped register thousands over the last 2 years.
Click here to continue reading.
SOURCE: Latina.com
