Representation in the Spanish classroom matters—but too often, Afro-Latino voices remain underrepresented or completely absent from language curriculums. As educators, we have the power to shape how students engage with the language and the cultures it represents, but how can we ensure we’re sharing a fuller, more inclusive picture of the Spanish-speaking world?
This look inside my culturally fluent classroom explores the profound impact of integrating Afro-Latino culture into world language instruction, highlighting four powerful ways it can transform both teaching practices and student engagement. From deepening cultural fluency to fostering empathy and dismantling stereotypes, these stories will show why prioritizing Afro-Latino voices isn’t just impactful—it’s necessary.
By the end, you’ll discover how including these perspectives empowers students—and if you’re wondering how to take that next step, my course, Celebrating Afro-Latinx Heritage: Meaningful Lessons for Every Classroom, provides the tools and resources to bring these lessons to life with confidence. 🔗Click here for more information.
Where Are the Afro-Latino Voices?
Early in my teaching career, I would walk through the hallways during Black History Month, noticing the vibrant displays in the English and Social Studies wings while the World Language walls remained bare. Didn’t the school community realize that Afrodescendientes—members of the African diaspora—are an integral part of the Hispanic world too?
When I asked my students about it, most admitted they had never heard of a “Black Latino” and often confused race and ethnicity as being the same thing. I captured this data in 2023 to gauge their knowledge of Afro-Latinidad—45.5% knew nothing about the topic.
Sparking Curiosity—Even in the Hallways
This had to change. After completing a graduate course at Middlebury College on Afro-Latinos for my Master’s in 2017, I created a 🔗research-based project designed to educate both my students and the school community about Afro-Latino cultures. The project included a pre-lesson on Afro-Latino identity, a research essay on a chosen Afro-Latino figure, and a poster presentation displayed in the hallway.
Every year that I have done this project, the World Language hallway comes alive with beautiful student-made posters celebrating Afro-Latino musicians, journalists, leaders, and more. These displays not only educate my students but also inspire curiosity in everyone who passes by.
How Did Students Respond?
During passing periods, you’ll often find students and teachers stopping to read the posters, engaging with the stories and supplementary materials. Some focus on favorite celebrities, while others explore deeper stories of resistance and resilience. Here are some of the many ways I’ve seen representation transform my students:
1. Representation Deepens Student Connection:
- A neurodiverse student who was passionate about athletics bonded with a famous Afro-Latino athlete, buying their biography, reading it cover to cover, and sharing it with the class. This project made her feel seen and valued.
2. Representation Causes Self-Reflection:
- One student, previously unaware of the intersection of race and ethnicity, asked if it was possible to be both White and Latino. He explained that his mother was Hispanic and his father was White, but since he was White passing, he never felt comfortable with his Hispanic heritage. After learning more about race and ethnicity, he asked the class to call him by his Spanish middle name, proudly embracing his culture for the first time.
3. Representation Challenges Harmful Stereotypes:
- Many students had previously believed that enslaved Africans had “immigrated” to the Americas. Researching the lives of Afro-Latinos helped dismantle such misconceptions by providing accurate historical context, and building a foundation for critical thinking.
4. Representation Builds Empathy and Global Awareness:
- A student who claimed to be “not artistic” was inspired by an Afro-Latina painter. With encouragement, she recreated a famous piece and felt both pride and personal growth, proving that art and culture can inspire in unexpected ways.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
At the end of each year, I survey my students on their favorite classroom experiences. Consistently, the Afro-Latino project ranks as a highlight. Additionally, in 2024, students reported:
- 79.8% felt a stronger cultural connection to the Spanish-speaking world by the end of the year.
- 100% of students were able to identify and explain cultural diversity and interculturality with at least 70% accuracy in assessments aligned with our curriculum.
- 100% of students were able to identify some aspect of afro-latinidad and its impact on Latin America. (Data from one of my class periods, 2023)
The Impact Is Clear
Students aren’t just learning names—they’re making personal connections. They’re pausing in the hallways to engage with untold stories. They’re asking thoughtful questions about identity, culture, and history. And most importantly, they’re leaving my classroom with a deeper sense of empathy and a more nuanced understanding of the diverse Spanish-speaking world.
Want to Bring This Impact Into Your Classroom?
If you’re ready to:
- Grow your knowledge base and expand Afro-Latino representation beyond Black History Month.
- Empower your students with meaningful, engaging lessons.
- Save time with plug-and-play mini-lessons designed for busy teachers.
Enroll in my Celebrating Afro-Latino Heritage Mini-Course today! This three-module mini-course is packed with adaptable lesson ideas, strategies for highlighting Afro-Latino contributions, and everything you need to create impactful lessons during Black History Month—and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate diversity and bring cultural relevance into your classroom.
➡️ Click here to enroll in the Celebrating Afro-Latino Heritage Mini-Course now!
🌟 Let’s make your classroom a space where culture, connection, and compassion thrive! 🌟
