Faculty - Information Science Division
Credit: Courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways
Afro-Latino identity is a distinct one, with deep roots in colonial Latin America. It can often exist alongside a person’s Hispanic, racial or national origin identities1. The life experiences of Afro-Latinos are shaped by race, skin tone and other factors, in ways that differ from other Hispanics1.
In 2020, there were about 6 million Afro-Latino adults in the United States, and they made up about 2% of the U.S. adult population and 12% of the adult Latino population1. About one-in-seven Afro-Latinos – or an estimated 800,000 adults – do not identify as Hispanic1.
The multiple dimensions of Latino identity reflect the long colonial history of Latin America, during which mixing occurred among indigenous Americans, White Europeans, Asians and enslaved people from Africa1.
However, it’s important to note that in Latino culture, different phrases are still used today that diminish and continue to marginalize the Black community and Latinos with Black features2. The Spanish phrase “mejorar la raza,” improve the race, is a concept used to imply that you should marry or have children with a lighter skinned person2.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Afro-Latinos in Connecticut celebrate and remember their unique and empowering contributions to Latino history and culture3.
Learn more: 1. pewresearch.org 2. indianapolisrecorder.com 3. ctpublic.org 4. msn.com 5. oprahdaily.com