Afrolatinas: From Periphery to Power and Possibility

History is written by the victors, the saying goes. Sad but true. How will history record the contributions of Afrolatinas? Though we paint a very visible and physical presence wherever we happen to be, our legacy has rarely been recorded in our own words. Traditionally, others have defined us in their own image, based upon their own world view. One major consequence of this situation has been the marginalization of Afrolatinas. Often the glue that has held the Black family together during times of crisis, often willing to sacrifice our own dreams and goals to give opportunities to those we love, often neglecting ourselves so that those around us can have a little more. Sometimes by choice, sometimes because we failed to value ourselves, sometimes out of a sense of obligation, we have taken a seat in the corner. Sadly, we've often been the ones left behind when those we've supported and uplifted have moved on, no longer appreciative or grateful of the assistance we've provided. How long will we continue to be the universal beast of burden?

Though we, ranging in skin tones from the deepest ebony and mahogany to mid cocoa and cinnamon, to tan, to red, to yellow, to white, and possessing all possible facial features and hair types, are distinctive in appearance, we are, nonetheless, rarely represented as being participants in the decision making that affects our lives and shapes our communities. There are no self identified Afrolatinas serving as heads of state in Latin America, there are few Afrolatinas placed in integral governmental positions in Latin America, few Afrolatinas serve as judges in our courts, few Afrolatinas are at the helm in science, industry or business nor do they hold many decision making positions in journalism or media. Even in the entertainment industry, the one arena in which Afrolatinas have some degree of recognition and should have some semblance of power, few Afrolatina entertainers control their own destinies. We don't own the production companies that produce the programs in which we star, we don't control the proceeds of the mega sell out concerts at which we perform, and we don't control the downstream income producing avenues that are brought about by our intellectual property. If all were as it should be, Celia Cruz would have ruled the world. (lol)

The modern world runs on money, power, and image. Yet we, in general, have little money, little power and increasingly diminished control over our public image, at least to the extent that our images are projected in the media. The popular image has us gyrating to a pulsating beat or receiving the public assistance needed to feed our 5 fatherless children. Powerful Black women are mocked. To some, Condolezza Rice, irrespective of all her accomplishments is inherently unqualified to be Secretary of State because she is a Black woman, lampooned as a monkey and Aunt Jemima around the world.

How do we influence the world in which we live in this type of environment? Do we start from scratch and build upon each success, do we rely upon government to carve out a special space for us and mandate that we have a seat at the decision making table, do we do nothing and let the doctrine of survival of the fittest work its magic, do we groom designated leaders and rely upon them to advance our interests, do we each work within our respective spheres of influence to be more visible and vocal as intelligent Afrolatinas, is the answer to be found in some combination of these options, or is there some other option?

The other issue is, unity. Are we unified enough to consolidate our resources, knowledge and energy to build a powerful platform from which to advance? Are we better off casting our lot with the existing power structure? Should we create a new power structure uniquely tailored to advance our interests? Do we have enough faith in each other to make a difference? While discusted at the disrespect leveled at the Secretary of State, few Black women have spoken out on Condolezza's behalf. This must change if we are to receive the respect we believe should be ours.


What is the answer, I don't honestly know. Only time will tell. As I tend to view the glass as half full rather than half empty, I am the eternal optimist. Rather than seeing the range of available options as too daunting to contemplate, I see the available options as providing a welcomed wide range of solutions. With so many options available, finding "the" answer is only a matter of time. Actually, there is no one answer. We each must examine our own circumstances and be proactive about selecting those solutions that best meet our needs. Given our reputation for being resourceful and resilient, we're generally better suited to a "go with the flow" approach to problem solving rather than to rely on a cookie cutter approach.

The most important factor in our future success is to understand clearly where we have been and why we don't want to stay there. We have seen the problems of the past and understand that stagnation will continue to render us invisible. It is for these reasons, that I believe in our promise of our future and have no doubt that the fog of invisibility will continue to evaporate.

Clearly, the tide has begun to turn. We have shaken the stifling legacies of the past. Afrolatinas are becoming increasingly more visible and vocal. In the United States, Black women, both Anglo and Latina, receive the highest levels of education in our communities, and can command competitive salaries. In Latin America, some nations, like Brasil, are starting to offer educational opportunities to historically excluded groups, like Afrolatinas. The blogosphere is brimming with Afrolatina voices. While others will continue to portray us as they deem appropriate, we now have the tools to counter lies with truth... at least the truth as WE see it. That's no small feat. We are victorious.

Brian Williams of NBC News is set to air a week long series of news casts on the state of the Black woman in the United States during the week of November 26. The series will cover, political, educational, economic and social advancements made by Black women. We're the guests of honor, so be sure to tune in. They're starting to take notice of our existence and are seeking our participation at center stage.

The future is full of bright possibilities. It is our job to seek them and grasp them when they arise, and with laser like focus, chart a new course AND to reach out to help other Afrolatinas.

Step back while I hammer the last nail in the coffin of the myth that Afrolatinas must be relegated to the periphery of life.

Raise your glass. HERE'S TO THE END OF INVISIBILITY!