Afro-Latino Community Finds Ways to Celebrate both Heritages

Atlanta is a melting pot of cultures and many members of the Afro-Latino community said it took them some time to stand strong and embrace their culture.

Many in the community said they always felt like they were forced to choose sides. “It’s an ‘and’ statement. I’m Latino ‘and’ I’m Black,” said Joel Alvarado. “We are of one people in the African diaspora,” said Louis Negron.

These Morehouse University grads said they identify as Afro-Latino-and are proud to represent both but it hasn’t always been easy. “When I first got here, people just thought I was a light-skinned Black man. I remember when I was at the library brother came up to me and asked how did I get my hair to look this way,” said Alvarado.

“For us, we had to create our only tribe to fit in there,” said Negron. “It’s the time for us to have a discussion of what race may look like. I think it’s also important for us to have a discussion of the true spirit and the nature means for us to be a shared brothers and sisters.”

Louis Negron is the executive director of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and his journey started decades ago when his Black Puerto Rican father and white Puerto Rican mother migrated to California. “In the community, most people thought they were a Black and white couple as we know, especially during the 50s and 60s. The fact that I grew up in […]

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