“You can’t have your fried chicken and tacos too.”
That was a comment I once received on an Afro-Latino-themed ad I ran on Facebook….
…I deleted it…
…But I haven’t forgotten it. Unfortunately, it lives rent-free in my head.
Because it reminded me of a painful truth in the work that I do and the life that I live: there are still so many people (educators included) who don’t understand the deep, undeniable connections between Black and Latino identities.
Afro-Latino Representation: A Non-Negotiable in the Spanish Classroom
Sometimes, I wonder if I’m naive. Naive to think that, of course, everyone wants to ensure diverse and authentic representation in the classroom. Of course, everyone wants to teach history in a way that acknowledges biases and prevents repeating the mistakes of our ancestors. And of course, every educator would want to welcome and uplift all voices—especially those that have long been marginalized.
Yet every year, during Black History Month, I face resistance—not just from the dominant culture, but from within the diaspora itself.
I’ve heard the argument time and time again:
“Afro-Latinos aren’t Black in the same way African Americans are.”
“This month is about African Americans, not Latinos.”
“We should keep the focus on our own people.”
“Don’t Latinos have their own month?” 🤦🏽♀️
But how can we ignore the fact that many of us only ended up in different places because of where that slave ship docked? That our histories—our struggles, our victories, our contributions—are deeply intertwined?
As the great Afro-Peruvian poet Victoria Santa Cruz powerfully declared, “Negra soy.”
Afro-Latinos are Black. They deserve a seat at the table for Black History Month. And in the world language classroom, where culture is at the heart of everything we teach, we have a responsibility to highlight these connections.
Why Afro-Latinos Must Be Included in Black History Month
The purpose of Black History Month is to honor the struggles, contributions, and triumphs of Black people—particularly in the United States. But here’s what many don’t realize: Afro-Latinos have always been part of that story.
In fact, research from the Pew Research Center shows that many Afro-Latinos self-identify as African American. They have fought in our wars, contributed to our culture, and shaped the very fabric of the U.S. Here are just a few figures that prove this point:
➡️ Esteban Hotesse (1919–1945) – A Black Dominican American Tuskegee Airman, one of the first African American pilots in World War II.
➡️ Amara La Negra (b. 1990) – A Dominican-American singer and activist who brought national attention to Afro-Latino identity through reality TV.
➡️ Victor Cruz (b. 1986) – A Puerto Rican and Black NFL player who celebrated his heritage by salsa dancing after every touchdown.
And the list goes on. From Celia Cruz to Arturo Schomburg, from Junot Díaz to Elizabeth Acevedo—Afro-Latinos have made lasting contributions to both Latino and African American history.
So why do we erase them from Black History Month?
How to Integrate Afro-Latino Voices in the World Language Classroom
Afro-Latinos belong in the Spanish classroom all year long—but Black History Month offers a dedicated opportunity to explore the intersectionality of Black and Latino identities. Here are a few ways to highlight them in class:
✅ Teach about historical Afro-Latino figures – Assign research projects on figures like José Celso Barbosa (Puerto Rico’s first Black political leader) or Francia Márquez (the first Black Vice President of Colombia).
✅ Explore the African influence on Latin American culture – From music genres like salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia to religious traditions like Santería, African heritage is deeply woven into Latin America.
✅ Discuss shared struggles and triumphs – The fight for civil rights didn’t stop at the U.S. border. The anti-Black struggles faced by Afro-Latinos mirror those of African Americans—use these stories to spark deeper conversations.
✅ Incorporate literature and poetry by Afro-Latino authors – Writers like Nancy Morejón, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Julia de Burgos provide powerful narratives that bridge Black and Latino identities.
✅ Highlight contemporary Afro-Latino voices – Show students how figures like Victor Cruz, Zoe Saldana, and Ibeyi continue to challenge racial narratives in entertainment and media.
Let’s Do Better—For Our Students
When we exclude Afro-Latinos from Black History Month, we send a message—intentional or not—that their Blackness is less than. And that Blackness doesn’t exist in the Spanish classroom. That their contributions don’t count. That their struggles don’t matter.
For the Afro-Latino students (and dare I say all students of the diaspora) sitting in our classrooms, that message is loud and clear.
But we have the power to change that.
This month, I challenge you to dig beneath the surface of the cultural iceberg. To highlight the voices of Afro-Latinos. To make space for all of Black history—including Afrolatinidad.
Because in the end, our students deserve to see the full, beautiful, complicated, interconnected truth.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Explore the Afro-Latino Mini-Course–gain deeper insight, confidence, and the knowledge necessary to respectfully teach this important content matter to your students. Trust me, they are eager to learn!
