AfroLatino forum

Expanding
visibility & inclusion 

The afrolatin@ forum envisions a world where Black Latinidad is affirmed, and the contributions of the African Diaspora are embraced as central within Latinidad and essential in the world. We work to ensure that  AfroLatines improve their quality of life by actively combatting the effects of white
supremacy. This includes centering Blackness within Latinidad and embedding AfroLatines in policy frameworks. The ultimate outcome of these equity efforts would be social, economic and overall wellbeing for AfroLatines because wellbeing is the impact of equity.

AfroLatines are excluded from critical conversations that directly shape their lived realities. This diminished visibility leaves them without a voice within policy-making, government, and in society. Visibility within both the Latine community and the greater US society is crucial because AfroLatines are disproportionately impacted by climate change, police brutality, over policing and unequal treatment within the judicial system. These interconnected problems further compound the challenges that the AfroLatine community faces. 

Centering AfroLatine experiences

We focus on the lived experiences of AfroLatines and ensure that these experiences are accurately represented through research and data. Research about Latinidad should be representative of all aspects of Latine culture, including AfroLatines. We believe that all people have the right to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage, and we are committed to providing resources that facilitate that process. 

This organization was founded by Miriam E. Jiménez Román and Juan Flores, who served as trailblazers of the comprehensive framework of AfroLatinidad from both an academic and community perspective. The significance of their work is evident by the continued utilization of the literature in academic research and coursework. Our organization was founded and continues to be led by those who carry this movement forward and ensure it remains relevant and reflective of the community it serves.

We are comprised of a collective of prominent thinkers in the field, including policy experts, academics and artists who have united in our shared mission.
Through these leaders we take a unique approach to policy that is rooted in academia but remains accessible, grounded in our lived experiences. With this approach we open conversations around policy that address the specific needs of AfroLatines.

Providing a bridge for understanding 

The afrolatin@ forum is a research and resource center that centers Blackness within Latinidad. We support the struggle for racial and social justice through dialogue and action by engaging communities, forging coalitions, creating accessible educational materials, and organizing public events.

Focusing on research & education  

The afrolatin@ forum provides educational resources and programs to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of AfroLatinidad. For example, we authored a 12-unit curriculum for secondary school students in New York City.

Highlighting the need for inclusion in policy & advocacy 

We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable policy creation process by raising awareness about the concerns and perspectives of AfroLatines in the U.S. and abroad. We believe that effective advocacy and policy implementation can improve the daily lived
experiences of AfroLatines. 

Connecting with community through action 

To center Blackness and uplift the AfroLatine community, we support other organizations, independent activists, and scholars working towards these goals.
We are committed to working with other organizations and individuals to create a world where Black Latinidad is affirmed and celebrated.

Join us in ensuring AfroLatinidad is seen and centered so that we can continue to advocate for and uplift Black Latin@ communities. 

Together, we can:

• Increase public presence through community-based thought leadership.
• Expand research on AfroLatinidad, yielding more data and enhancing the accessibility
  of educational materials.
• Have a national impact via the growth of campaigns and an increase in advocacy
  through coalitions and collaborations.