Afro‑Latinx heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history, resistance, and cultural creativity. Across Latin America and the Caribbean, communities of African descent have not only endured the brutal legacy of the transatlantic slave trade but have also forged unique identities that blend African, Indigenous, and European traditions.

An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz. Paul Ortiz draws on rich narratives and primary source documents to share a history of the US told from the interconnecting points of view of Latinos and African Americans and offer a way forward in the ongoing struggle for universal civil rights. Read the Book

Afro-Latino identity has deep roots in colonial Latin America and encompasses a rich blend of racial and cultural influences. According to Pew Research, Afro-Latino cultures include the fusion of Indigenous Americans, White Europeans, Asians, and enslaved Africans.

As we honor Black History Month, we recognize that the story of Black America is a mosaic of resilience and brilliance, with Afro-Latino experiences forming an integral part of its tapestry. According to UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute, the Afro-Latino population increased 121% from 2000 to 2019, which is almost twice the rate of non-Black Latinos over the same period.

To make a single blog post would end up as a dissertation. So, to celebrate Black Latinxs and the often forgotten contributions they’ve made throughout American history, here is a short list of resources that explore just that: Rutgers University Libraries: Afro-Latinidad. Yale University: Blackness in Latinx and Latin America