The history of the Afro-Latinx/e/o community in LA | Blacktinidad

Get to know the Afro-Latino Education & Arts Collective, a dynamic non-profit organization that’s creating actual change. Founded by Sharon Cruz, a native of Los Angeles, this collective is rewriting the narrative, celebrating Afro-Latino voices, culture and creativity.

Sharon is the brains behind the Afro Latino Education & Arts Collective, as well as the Afro Latino Culture Fest in the heart of Compton. We had the privilege of sitting down with Sharon, herself, for an episode of our show Blacktinidad. This episode promises promises to educate about the roots of Afro-Latinidad in Los Angeles.

Sharon began by taking us back to her roots, painting a vivid picture of Afro Latinidad in Los Angeles. “When we think of Afro Latinidad, usually we don’t think of Los Angeles,” she said. Sharon, being African American and Puerto Rican, emphasized the rich migration history of Afro-Latinos to LA, from Puerto Ricans and Caribbean folks to Afro Panamanians and Belizeans. “Los Angeles itself originated with Afro Latinos,” she proudly declared, highlighting the often overlooked historical contributions of Afro-Latinos to the city.

She seamlessly weaved together Afro-Latinidad and Afro-Caribbean cultures, emphasizing the shared roots and influences that bind these communities together. “Somos primos. We’re the same tribe, one family,” she said about unifying the cultures.

The conversation took a personal turn as we delved into Sharon’s childhood. Growing up on the East side of South Central LA, she navigated the complexities of being both African American and Puerto Rican. “There’s a book. There’s a book to come,” she chuckled. Sharon shared stories of racial identity struggles, recounting instances where her unique background left others puzzled.

The Afro Latino Culture Fest became the centerpiece of our discussion, a testament to Sharon’s commitment to unity. Why Compton, though? Sharon elaborated on the historical and cultural significance, aiming to bridge gaps and foster racial harmony in a community that mixes African-American and Afro-Latino Culture.

WATCH: Sharon Cruz on the Roots of LA’s Afrolatinidad

Our host commended Sharon’s efforts to create a space for the next generation, a space that she herself longed for during her youth. Sharon explained, “We’re not just doing festivals. We’re not just bringing together artists, but there’s an educational component.” From creating curriculum for Afro-Latino ethnic studies to presenting in schools, the collective is leaving its mark on education. To learn more about the work that Sharon is doing visit https://afrolatinoeducation.org/

Sharon then presented AfroCalifornia. A call to action page in 2020, AfroCalifornia evolved into a full-fledged movement, igniting a flame that birthed the Afro-Latino Education & Arts Collective. From cultural education programs to scholarships, the collective aims to empower the Afro-Latino community nationwide.

To conclude, Sharon painted a vivid picture of what to expect at the Afro Latino Culture Fest – a feast for the senses with traditional folklore, performances, cultural booths, and delectable Afro-Latino cuisine. “You will see nothing you’ve ever seen before,” she promised. “We’ve got all the traditional folklore, dancers and musicians that are all African influences. We’ve brought people, you’ll see the people that we brought in from New York, some of our Afro Dominicanos, Afro Peruvians, Afro Panamanians, Afro Colombianos, you name it.”

Afro-Latino Education & Arts Collective is not just an organization; it’s a movement, a force for change. Sharon and her team envision a world where Afro-Latino history is celebrated, understood, and integrated into the fabric of society. The collective aims to promote unity, inspire self-identity, and amplify the power of storytelling, believing in the strength of unity and the beauty of diversity.