Afro-Latinas and Why Blatina is Beautiful

Lauren Velez of Showtime's "Dexter"
Lauren Velez of Showtime's "Dexter"

Black is Beautiful: A Celebration of Afro-Latinas

by Mariela Rosario, Latina Magazine

In honor of Black History Month, we (Latina Magazine) decided to tackle a subject that comes up again and again in our community; the issue of racism. It has long caused controversy among Latinos, and it’s important to illuminate what it really means to be Afro-Latina. We will shine a spotlight on some beautiful Afro-Latinas in the process.

Wondering what the term “Afro-Latina” means? Miriam Muley, an Afro-Puerto Rican and CEO of The 85% Niche, says being Afro-Latina is, “Not just defined by skin color, because the Afro-Latino experience is such a mixture of different ethnicities. I see being an Afro-Latina as someone whose roots are primarily of African descendant.” On the question of racism Muley adds, “There’s an undercurrent of racism, there’s no question about that. There is definitely a ranking that occurs in our community based on skin tone, as well as our hair type and our facial features.”

Read More: Latina

Related content:

The “Mi Pobre Hijo” Syndrome

What is the Colour of Beauty?

Culture: Latina Beauties

Censored Census: Latino Isn’t a Race

3 thoughts on “Afro-Latinas and Why Blatina is Beautiful

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.