Imagination’ with Special Guests MXKA, Julian Laro, and Claudia Forestieri | Blacktinidad

In the latest episode of Blacktinidad, hosts Eliana, Kyo, and Francia explore the topic of imagination and its impact on their lives and careers. The conversation begins with each host sharing their personal experiences and challenges related to maintaining their imaginative spirit.

Kyo opens up about his journey as a queer person and the struggles he faced growing up. He recalls, “I was at a place where I had trouble fitting in, and that was kind of where my imagination died.” This admission highlights the significant impact societal acceptance and visibility have on one’s creative expression and sense of self. Kyo’s story resonates with many who have felt unseen or marginalized, showing how such experiences can hurt one’s imaginative potential.

‘Blacktinidad’ hosts open up about imagination and self awareness

Eliana shares her experience of being criticized for her weight while aspiring to be a dancer. Despite the negativity, this criticism fueled her determination to push harder. However, she reveals that it wasn’t until she entered the workforce as an adult that her imagination was truly stifled. The pressures and constraints of the professional world can often dampen the creative spirit especially as a woman of color in a predominately white male space, a challenge Eliana bravely navigated. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of criticism and societal expectations.

Guest host Elijah joined the discussion, reflecting on the moment his imagination began to wane. He remembers how discovering the truth about childhood myths like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy marked the end of an era of boundless creativity and wonder for him. Elijah’s story is a reminder of the fragile nature of imagination and how pivotal moments in childhood can have lasting effects on our creative capacities.

The episode continues with guest singer MXKA, who discusses the importance of representation in the Afro-Latino community. “Growing up, I didn’t have many Afro-Latinos to look up to, so it feels great to be a part of that,” MXKA shares. Her journey highlights the significance of seeing oneself reflected in the media and arts, and how this visibility can inspire and ignite the imagination of future generations. MXKA’s presence in the industry is a beacon for young Afro-Latinos, affirming the power of representation.

Viral dancer Julian Laro joins the conversation, recalling his path to becoming a dancer and the initial apprehension his family felt about his career choice. Their concerns went away after he booked his first commercial for Airheads. Julian describes the euphoric clarity he experiences when dancing: “The feeling I get is everything is just clear, it’s a way to escape, it makes dancing feel so invigorating.” His story is a testament to the liberating power of the arts and the vital role of support from Family in nurturing one’s creative dreams.

Claudia Forestieri, creator and writer of “The Gordita Chronicles,” concludes the episode with insights into transforming her life experiences into a successful script. She discusses the challenges of writing from personal experience and the pivotal advice she received: “Write a script that only you can write.” She said. Claudia’s inspiration partly stemmed from a desire to counteract ignorant remarks about immigrants, notably those made by Former President Donald Trump. Her work is a powerful response to such misconceptions, offering an authentic narrative that celebrates the immigrant experience.

This episode of “Blacktinidad” is a heartfelt exploration of imagination, featuring diverse voices and stories. Each guest brought a unique perspective, highlighting the varied ways in which imagination can be nurtured or hindered. The conversations showed the resilience of the creative spirit and the importance of representation, visibility, and support in fostering a vibrant, imaginative world.

Catch the full episode featuring Claudia Forestieri and Julian Laro on the LatiNation app!