Afro-Latinos in NYC
Afro-Latino in New York City
Growing up in New York City is a very unique experience. You grow up surrounded by a diverse population of people packed tightly into one city. But with this kind of diversity come the questions of self-identification and how others view you. I was born and raised in the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights which is known for its mostly Dominican population. Moreover, growing up in the public school system and everyday New York living has exposed me to many different Latino and Black communities and culture. I have experienced racism; I have experienced the implementation of hegemonic ideals and I have been exposed to poverty. Even after all the civil rights movements and activism that have taken place we are still in a place where racism, although denied, still exists.
As a light skinned Dominican I have always considered myself to be Hispanic or Latina never really taking into account that Dominicans are decedents of multiple cultures such as the Tainos, Africans and Europeans. But after learning more about my culture it brought up more questions – am I considered Black? You take a look at me and you would answer my question – no, but does my bloodline speak otherwise. Carlos A. Cooks was a Dominican Garveyite living in Harlem known for his movement of Black unity. His views on Black Nationalism came from Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and activist. His movements included a “Buy Black” program that sought to empower Blacks/Latinos to seek financial independence. “Collectively, individuals as diverse as the Nation of Islam minister Malcom X, the congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the Black Power leader Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure), and even the contemporary critic John Henrik, were among the many who left verifiable testimony of how this “young Dominican” surpassed established feats of activism, worked tirelessly to carry Garvey’s program to its final consequences, and developed practical
Growing up in New York City is a very unique experience. You grow up surrounded by a diverse population of people packed tightly into one city. But with this kind of diversity come the questions of self-identification and how others view you. I was born and raised in the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights which is known for its mostly Dominican population. Moreover, growing up in the public school system and everyday New York living has exposed me to many different Latino and Black communities and culture. I have experienced racism; I have experienced the implementation of hegemonic ideals and I have been exposed to poverty. Even after all the civil rights movements and activism that have taken place we are still in a place where racism, although denied, still exists.
As a light skinned Dominican I have always considered myself to be Hispanic or Latina never really taking into account that Dominicans are decedents of multiple cultures such as the Tainos, Africans and Europeans. But after learning more about my culture it brought up more questions – am I considered Black? You take a look at me and you would answer my question – no, but does my bloodline speak otherwise. Carlos A. Cooks was a Dominican Garveyite living in Harlem known for his movement of Black unity. His views on Black Nationalism came from Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and activist. His movements included a “Buy Black” program that sought to empower Blacks/Latinos to seek financial independence. “Collectively, individuals as diverse as the Nation of Islam minister Malcom X, the congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the Black Power leader Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure), and even the contemporary critic John Henrik, were among the many who left verifiable testimony of how this “young Dominican” surpassed established feats of activism, worked tirelessly to carry Garvey’s program to its final consequences, and developed practical