A conversation about Afro-Latino/a/e/x Identities
The Creative Justice Initiative and the AfroLatin Forum, in collaboration with the GALA Hispanic Theatre and the Afro Latino Institute are excited to announce a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Ni de Aquí ni de Allá: The Afro-Latin Dilema-Part of Both (Black and Latino/a/e/x), excluded by both.» This insightful event will take place at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington DC on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 6:30 PM.
Afro-Latinos/as/es/xs navigate a multifaceted identity, caught between their Black heritage and the often-complex reality of Latinidad. While anti-Black sentiment persists within Latinidad, Afro-Latinos/as/es/xs proudly engage with both sides of their rich background. This event delves into these nuanced experiences, exploring how Afro-Latinos/as/es/xs navigate these intersecting identities to forge a complete sense of self and center Blackness within their lived realities.
This event will feature prominent figures, including academic scholars, community leaders, and cultural activists, who will engage in a stimulating conversation to address the complexities of Afro-Latinidad. Among the guest speakers and panelists are Eduardo Perdomo, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, WDC; Omar Eaton-Martínez, Senior Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Dr. Anita González, Co- Founding Lead of the Racial Justice Institute at Georgetown University and Professor of Performing Arts and Black Studies; Kayla Cason, Former Vice President of Chango, Afro-Latine Student Association & Spanish Speaking Society at Howard University; and Roland Roebuck, President of the Afro Latino Institute.
Moderated by Jose Calderón, Former President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, and Principal of Calderon Solutions, the panel discussion will provide an inclusive platform for diverse perspectives, encouraging fruitful dialogue among panelists and attendees.
In addition to the conversation, this event will feature performances by renowned Afro Latina Poets, Maria Fernanda, (she/hers) is a poet whose work explores the intimacy of sisterhood and, “the breaking and making of family.” (OkayAfrica); and Angeley C. Gibb, poet, educator, orator.
“The full potential and impact of our Latinx community can only be realized if the diversity of the community is acknowledged, appreciated and engaged in all aspects of civic life. GALA is pleased to host a community dialogue that explores the dilemma of the Afro Latino in being part of both, and of neither, the Latinx or African-American communities.” -Abel Lopez
«One of the outcomes of this Afro Latino/a/e/x conversation is to establish with deep clarity, our racial, linguistic and cultural duality. Our African ancestry and history cannot be denied, we express them with pride and are the foundation of who we are as a people. As Afro Latinos/as/xs, our continued struggle is to ensure that others understand this duality and allow the space to express it without obstacles». Roland Roebuck, President, Afro Latino Institute.
“Ni de Aquí ni de Allá: The Afro-Latin Dilema-Part of Both (Black and Latino/a/e/x), excluded by both” is part of a series of conversations across the USA and Puerto Rico titled Absolutamente Negro/a/e/x- Absolutely Black: The Practice of Freedom Conversation Series, a project of The Creative Justice Initiative in collaboration with the afrolatin@ forum and other important cultural and educational organizations. This series aims to explore specific topics on race, representation, and power in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and how they affect Afro-Latinx and Afro-descendants across this hemisphere. Each conversation will highlight Afro-descendant thinkers, cultural workers and activists, and will take place in institutional spaces that have supported Afro-descendent people.
“The challenges facing us as a people of African descent who have intentionally developed action to assure a democratic nation for us all are now faced with language and actions that seek to erase the historical contributions of African descendants, criminalize our presence, our blood. Public amplified is language that seeks to instigate a race/cultural war that negates the human principles and values of seeing ourselves reflected in our diversity. The series Absolutamente Negro: The Practice of Freedom is curated as an cross cultural experience to focus on the significant presence of Afro Latino/a/e/x as an integral part of the global African descent contributes that are part of the nation and its colonies. The series will provide critical insight into the experiences of the diverse community that is Afro Latino/a/e/x and presence since the 16th Century in what is today the United States.” Dr. Marta Moreno Vega
Event Details:
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
6:30 PM
GALA Hispanic Theatre,
3333 14th Street NW, Washington DC
Please RSVP by registering on the following link.
https://bit.ly/absolutamentenegronideaquinidealla
For press inquiries, further information, or interview requests, please contact Olga Chapman-Rivera at olga@bravepr.com or 787.508.3743. Link: https://absolutamentenegro.org/
