life to archiving Black history and advocating for its recognition . His work laid the foundation for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture , a crucial institution – and Harlem landmark – that is preserving the broad range of Black contributions to global history .
Similarly , writers like Nicolás Guillén of Cuba and poets like Langston Hughes , who had deep ties to the Afro-Caribbean world , drew inspiration from Afro-Latin rhythms and traditions . Hughes was heavily influenced by the Negrismo Movement , which paralleled the Harlem Renaissance . It heavily influenced Black culture and identity in Latin America and found its way into some of the poetry and essays of Hughes .
The music that was spawned by the Harlem Renaissance was influenced by Afro-Cuban jazz blending into the sounds of Harlem nightclubs . This fusion of artistic expression reinforced the idea that Blackness transcended national borders ,
uniting African-descended people through a shared cultural heritage and experience .
Over the past century , Afro-Latinos have continued to shape Black American life in many ways . Figures like Miriam Jiménez Román and Juan Flores have emphasized Afro- Latino identity in the political field with discourses on race in America , challenging the traditional idea of Blackness . The Civil Rights Movement also saw Afro-Latinos like Felipe Luciano , a founding member of the Young Lords , advocating for racial justice alongside the Black Panther Party .
In literature , authors such as Piri Thomas , known for Down These Mean Streets , explored the complexities of Afro-Latino identity . Thomas discussed the racism and poverty he experienced growing up in Spanish Harlem . And in 2008 , Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Junot Diaz highlighted Afro-Latino experiences in the U . S ., bringing visibility to the unique narratives of the community within American literature .
Musically , the influence of
Afro-Latinos on genres like hip-hop , reggaeton , and jazz is undeniable . Icons like Celia Cruz and Chano Pozo bridged the gap between Black American and Afro-Caribbean music , while contemporary artists such as Cardi B and Amara La Negra continue to challenge stereotypes of about Latinos and Blackness in the entertainment industry .
Today , the legacy of Afro-Latinos in Black America continues to evolve .
Afro-Latino activists , artists , and scholars are at the forefront of discussions on race , identity , and representation . Their contributions to political movements such as Black Lives Matter and discussions on Afro-diasporic solidarity point towards a future where Afro-Latinos are recognized as an integral part of Black life in the United States .
It also helps explain the intersectionality of their experiences in this country . Acknowledging this is crucial to fostering a more inclusive understanding of what should be broadly described as Black identity and culture in the United States of America . •
Morelys Urbano is a poet , writer and multimedia journalism major at Morgan State University . She is a Fellow in Morgan ’ s Center for New Media & Strategic Initiatives , and an advocate and activist for immigration reform .
FELIPE LUCIANO Photo Credit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
ARTURO SCHOMBURG Photo Courtesy The New York Public Library
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