Tell us how you identify yourself racially.
I identify as Afro-Latino. I am of Puerto Rican and African American descent.
Tell us about your racial experiences.
I’ve always struggled with identifying as Puerto Rican because I didn’t grow up with that side of my family. So, becoming more comfortable and involved with Hispanic culture was a big step for me, especially here in Elizabeth.
Have others rejected how you identify racially?
Yes, especially if you do not speak Spanish. I feel like that’s the culture cut, not speaking the language is strongly rejected by others.
Can you tell us briefly about your experiences with your racial identity professionally and personally? Please tell us briefly about an experience you may have had where you were discriminated against within the Latino community.
I think I have always used my racial identity as an advantage professionally. Most of my platform is about embracing myself and asking others to do the same. I get good feedback with that. But, when it comes to Hispanic Heritage month, I feel like I sometimes get sidelined and excluded from topics that seem to not involve me. I feel like it’s ignorant that some people don’t consider me as Hispanic because I am also Black.
How has being racially true to yourself helped you thrive in life?
I think that, when you can be true to yourself and your identity, it can make it better professionally, especially in politics. If you are not able to personally identify your culture and values, how can you define your ethics and how to connect to people? Understanding my racial and cultural background and connection to it has definitely helped me thrive in being able to stand in these rooms and be strong when it comes to who I am and what exactly I stand for.
Comments