Fighting Erasure: 5 Afro-Latino Cultural Contributions

Afro-Latinos have left a mark on music

Did you know that many of the Latino music genres you probably enjoy have Afro-Latino roots? Afro-Latino music is an eclectic mix that includes genres like salsa, merengue, samba, and reggaeton. Take salsa, for instance—it originated from Cuban son music, which is heavily influenced by African rhythms and percussion. If you’re looking for something more traditional, listen to the beats of Afro-Cuban rumba or the lively sounds of Brazilian samba. Afro-Latinos have blessed the music world in many ways, no matter how hard the industry tries to hide their influence.

Afro-Latinos have made great contributions to art

The art produced by Afro-Latino communities is as diverse as it is vibrant. From the colorful murals of Brazilian favelas to the intricate beadwork in Afro-Colombian crafts, the creativity and storytelling of the art pieces Afro-Latinos offer to the world are deeply rooted in cultural identity and history. Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, who had Puerto Rican and Haitian roots, have made significant contributions to the art world, blending their Afro-Latino heritage with contemporary themes. With contemporary Afro-Latino artists like Tiffany Alfonseca, with pieces that celebrate Afro-Latino and Black culture, there’s no corner of the art world that isn’t touched and improved by the Afro-Latino influence.

Afro-Latinos have contributed greatly to sports

There’s no denying that Afro-Latinos have made incredible contributions to the world of sports. Baseball stars like Roberto Clemente from Puerto Rico and soccer legends like Pelé from Brazil are celebrated for their extraordinary talents and achievements, marking a before and after. Their legacies go beyond sports, inspiring generations, and advocating for racial equality and social justice. Today, Afro-Latino athletes continue to break barriers and set records, including Afro-Latinas like Catarina Macario, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Yulimar Rojas, and more.

Afro-Latinos have left their mark in the literary world

Afro-Latino writers have made significant contributions to literature, highlighting the complexities of identity, race, and heritage. Authors like Nicolás Guillén from Cuba and Piri Thomas from Puerto Rico have explored Afro-Latino experiences through their powerful poetry and prose. Their works offer insight into the struggles and triumphs of living at the intersection of African and Latin American cultures, amplifying Afro-Latino experiences. Afro-Latina authors like Ariana Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, Melania Luisa Marte, and more have been empowering readers and the Afro-Latino community with their impactful stories.

The Afro-Latino cultural impact is a testament to the creativity of its people and the richness of their experiences. By learning about and celebrating their influence in art, music, literature, cuisine, and more, as well as uplifting that influence and supporting their contributions, we can lend a hand in the fight against erasure.

Afro-Latinos have birthed rich spiritual traditions

Many Afro-Latinos practice religions that blend African spiritual traditions with Catholicism, such as Santería in Cuba, Candomblé in Brazil, and Voodoo in Haiti. These religions incorporate African deities, rituals, and ceremonies, providing a unique and profound spiritual experience. The way Afro-Latinos approach spirituality and religion is a fascinating mix of ancestral worship, nature reverence, and community celebration.