Yesterday was the official start to Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a month that honors the people of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. These people have helped in making the United States what it is today. Whether it be in Entertainment, Politics, Healthcare, or just the everyday working person, they are all included.
Now many people who identify as Hispanic have African roots and here’s how. The Transatlantic Slave Trade took place between1526 and 1867. Our African ancestors were stolen and shipped to different lands in the western hemisphere. Many ended up in the U.S., but most landed in the Caribbean islands, Central America, and South American. This is why you see a mix of lighter and darker skin tones across the lands. Here in the U.S. when we are asked about our race, what’s listed usually include Black/African American and Hispanic, Not Black. But in the end why the separation when there are many who identify as both. This separates us even more from the history and ties we have to our roots in Africa.
With this, I would like to honor some of the Afro-Latino people who have influenced the world and have contributed so much to make the U.S. great. They include…
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: The son of a Puerto Rican German father and an Afro-Caribbean mother. He was a leader in the history of the African Diaspora. Schomburg collected information and artifacts that are still around today. He was even a member of the Negro Society for Historical Research and the American Negro Academy while living in 1920’s Harlem, NY. Today in Harlem, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a location that exists because of his interest in teaching our history.
Roberto Clemente: An Afro-Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Famer. He played 18 seasons in MLB and won two World Series titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the 1971 win, he was named the MVP. Sadly, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1972 at the age of 38 while doing charity work in the off season.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: Born to an African American father and Puerto Rican mother. deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and cosmic author who continues to educate the world on all that their is to know about the universe.
Esteban Hotesse: An Afro-Dominican who was the only Afro-Latino member of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all Black unit that served our country in World War II. He experienced racism during time along with the other Black men and he fought for rights alongside them as well. Sadly, in 1945, he died while on his aircraft at the young age of 26.
Celia Cruz: Known as the ‘Queen of Salsa’ this Afro-Cuban woman is a legend. She is known for her colorful outfits and unique hair and accessories. She has been the recipient of a few Grammy and Latin Grammy awards in her lifetime. Just recently, she became the first Afro-Latina to be featured on U.S. currency on the quarter.
Crescenia ‘Joyce’ Garcia: An Afro-Puerto Rican woman who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. She joined after the Pearl Harbor attacks as a nurse and she was part of the 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women’s unit. They were the only all-Black unit to serve overseas helping the many wounded members of the military. She passed away in 2023 at the age of 103.
So, you have until October 15th to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Be sure to learn information about some notable people and engage with their works. I only mentioned a few people above, but there are more from the past and those who are currently active in our society. There’s Mariah Carey, Rosie Perez, MJ Rodriguez, Gwen Ifill, and Soledad O’Brien, just to name a few more. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to all!