On Feb. 21, ARIEL hosted Celebración de Afro-Latinidad in collaboration with Drew African Students Association, La Casa Latina and Caribso. Students from all over the Drew community were able to gather together to enjoy some savory empanadas, salsa lessons and an exciting game of Kahoot featuring prizes from ARIEL. The Afro-Latinx identity embraces the rich cultural heritage and experiences of individuals of African descent in Latin American and Caribbean communities. Unique traditions, languages, meals and histories were formed with the blend of these cultures. Genres of music such as salsa, merengue, samba and cumbia are rooted in Afro-Latinx traditions with Indigenous and African rhythms.
ARIEL embodies the need to foster collaboration and a space for students who identify as Afro-Latino or those seeking to learn more about it to be a part of these spaces. There is no box to check that says “Afro-Latinx” when applying to jobs or the census. Without learning more about ourselves, we cannot fully embrace everything. Before Black History Month comes to a close, ARIEL wanted to push out the message that Afro-Latinx students have a place here. This multifaceted identity is one that numerous people question, with curiosity emerging from learning more about one’s culture.
The event also highlighted the importance of representation and visibility for Afro-Latinx communities. As attendees came and enjoyed the savory cheese and beef empanadas with the sweet melting taste of tres leches cake, it was clear from the full house that the space was welcoming. People can openly explore their heritage, learning facts from the Kahoot about the intersectionality of being Black and Latino. This event was more than just a celebration; it was a reminder that Afro-Latino voices need to be amplified and stories need to be shared from students identifying with this community.
Jodi Velez is a sophomore majoring in Media & Communications and minoring in Marketing.
