Washington, D.C., September 25, 2024 — Who is Black? Who is Latino? Who is Hispanic? And, most importantly, can you be both?
Six years ago, actor Laz Alonso, known for his Afro-Cuban heritage, appeared on Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored. During the interview, media personality Melyssa Ford questioned Alonso about his use of “we” to express solidarity with the Black community, despite Alonso being of Cuban descent. He responded firmly, saying, “I’m Black first.” Ford, along with co-host Jason Lee, seemed to misunderstand that one can indeed be both Black and Latino. Alonso elaborated, “We get caught up in where the ship dropped us off versus where the ship picked us up. The same boat that picked up your ancestors picked up my ancestors, only they made a pit stop in the Caribbean and dropped mine off.”
This conversation highlights an ongoing debate—especially in Washington, D.C.—about the complexities of racial and ethnic identity, particularly for Afro-Latinos who navigate both Black and Latino cultures.
The Politics of Race and Ethnicity: A National Struggle
In the years since Alonso’s interview, the issue of racial identity has been further complicated by political battles. Following the 2020 U.S. Census, Republican state officials in Alabama and Louisiana attempted to redefine what it means to be Black for purposes of drawing congressional voting districts. Their goal was clear: to increase the number of white Republican-majority districts and decrease those dominated by Black Democratic voters.
In Alabama, Republican leaders argued that Black and Latino identities should be treated separately in the Census, asserting that one cannot be both. Similarly, in Louisiana, officials contended that someone is only considered Black if they check the “Black” or “Black and White” option on the Census. This viewpoint disregarded the reality of Afro-Latinos—people of African descent who identify as both Black and Latino. Ultimately, these efforts were dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the rhetoric surrounding them persists, highlighting the challenges Afro-Latinos continue to face.
Afro-Latinos in Washington, D.C.: Between Two Worlds
The Afro-Latino community in Washington, D.C., faces similar challenges at the intersection of race and ethnicity. In a city renowned for its diversity, many Afro-Latinos report feeling marginalized within both African American and Latino communities. As Alonso expressed, individuals from both groups may struggle to understand that it is possible to be both Black and Latino. Additionally, Afro-Latinos often find themselves negotiating a delicate balance between the pride they feel for their countries of origin or their ancestral roots and the need for inclusion in D.C.’s predominantly non-Black and non-Latino political establishment.
Randy Franklin, a graduate of Norwich University, is an Atlanta-based businessman and community organizer with strong business ties to D.C. As an Afro-Panamanian, he reflects on the complexities of Afro-Latino identity: “Growing up in New York, attending a private military college in Vermont, and then working in Atlanta, D.C., and cities across the U.S., I’ve always had to navigate between two worlds. The African American community sometimes struggles to fully recognize my Afro-Latino identity, while the Latino community often overlooks my Blackness. But for me, both identities are equally vital to who I am. I’m not here to choose between them—I’m here to celebrate both, as they are fundamental parts of my history and my identity.”
According to a 2020 Pew Research Center report, around six million adults in the U.S. self-identify as Afro-Latino. In D.C., an estimated 10 percent of the population identifies as Afro-Latinx. Despite their significant presence, Afro-Latinos in the District face ongoing struggles to reconcile their dual identities, especially as race often overshadows cultural heritage in the city’s politics. Scholars Miriam Jiménez Román and Juan Flores note that Afro-Latinos, who “fall between the cracks of prevailing classifications,” hold a crucial role in bridging the gap between increasingly divided social and racial communities in the U.S.
The Invisibility of Afro-Latinos
One of the most significant challenges Afro-Latinos face in D.C. is the widespread invisibility of their Blackness within the Latino community. Despite sharing language and culture with other Latinos, many Afro-Latinos report feeling excluded from conversations about Latino identity, where their African heritage is often disregarded. This lack of recognition has left many Afro-Latinos feeling isolated and marginalized, particularly in cultural and political spaces that prioritize the experiences of white Latinos.
Pedro Alfonso, a Howard University School of Business graduate and the Chairman and CEO of D.C.-based Dynamic Concepts, Inc., is proud of his Afro-Cuban heritage. Reflecting on the challenges of representation, he shares: “Being Afro-Latino in D.C. and beyond often feels like being invisible. We’re not always included in Latino celebrations. Yet, we have so much to offer, and our stories deserve to be told. I hope that as we continue to speak out, we become more visible—not just in art and culture, but also in business, politics, education, and every facet of life where our voices have been silenced.”
Kayla Cason, a former president of Howard University’s Afro-Latine Student Association, Changó, explained in a 2023 interview with The Hilltop, “There are Afro-Latine people from our past and in our present who’ve made amazing contributions to society, yet are not regarded as Latin people.”
In the political sphere, Afro-Latinos in D.C. also face underrepresentation. Despite a large Latino population, Afro-Latinos remain scarce in leadership positions or media roles. Eduardo Perdomo, originally from the Dominican Republic, made history as the first Afro-Latino to lead the Mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs in 47 years, demonstrating how rare it is to see Afro-Latinos in positions of influence.
Searching for Recognition in Politics
Despite these challenges, Afro-Latinos in Washington, D.C., are increasingly vocal in demanding greater representation. They are pushing for their voices to be heard in critical discussions about racial justice, immigrant rights, and economic equity. Activist groups like the DC Afro Latino Caucus and the Afro-Latino DC Coalition are working tirelessly to ensure Afro-Latinos have a seat at the table when it comes to important decisions about immigration reform, education, and economic justice. Their efforts highlight the need for more inclusive cultural celebrations, as well. For instance, events like Fiesta DC! and Hispanic Heritage Month are often criticized for overlooking the African roots in many Latino cultures, an issue Afro-Latino advocates are working to address.
Manuel Mendez, president of the DC AfroLatino Caucus discusses the challenges of political engagement: “For too long, Afro-Latinos have been ignored in D.C. politics. In some circles, we are seen as outsiders in both the Black and Latino communities. As a community, we must push for our inclusion in conversations about immigration, justice, and equity. The future of D.C.’s politics needs to reflect the diversity of our city, and that includes the Afro-Latino experience.”
Moving Forward: A Call for Unity
The Afro-Latino community in Washington, D.C. is more than ready to shape the city’s cultural and political future. However, for that to happen, Washingtonians—Black, Latino, and white alike—must confront their biases and prejudices within their communities. Afro-Latinos do not want to be forced to choose between their Black and Latino identities. Instead, they seek recognition and celebration of all that they are. As Zhané Gomes-Bravo, a former Howard University student, once stated, “There is nothing more important than celebrating your culture, celebrating who you’ve come from, who you’ve been, and who you will be. A celebration of being authentically you.”
Alphonso also highlights the importance of Afro-Latino visibility in politics, stating, “Afro-Latinos bridge cultural and racial divides. Our voices are essential not only for the Latino community but also for the Black community, as we fight for common causes like racial justice, economic equality, and human rights.”
Leave a Reply