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June 19, 2008

Black Power: Afro-Latin Style

Afro-Brazilian girls during a Candomblé ceremony.

The leading edge of today's "black power" movement isn't at the front door of Barack Obama's campaign headquarters. It's a little further south, as in the countries of Central and South America. These days it's the Afro-descendientes (people of African descent) in Latin countries who are stepping up. The Afro-Latins are experiencing a newfound pride in their African heritage and demanding their fair share of recognition and rights from society and government.

"Soy negro Y orgulloso, " "I'm black and proud" could be the anthem of this awakened constituency. Swap out locations and these Afro-Latin struggles and successes sound like what American black people dealt with in the 60's and 70's – minus the murders, lynchings and violence. source

3 comments:

achoiceofweapons said...

Hey EI,
If you get a chance to watch the series City of Men, The Afro Brazilian actress who plays Ponderosa,(Power Girl) is a first in Brazil. She is the first Dark Skin Actress to play in a major role and then not a demeaning role. Her name is Roberta Rodriguez. Just dropping a line from LB, CA, USA
Jaycee

Beauty Is Diverse said...

Thanks, I will check it out..

Divalocity said...

We probably can thank President Obama as being a source of inspiration to our family of the Diaspora.

Some people don't know how hard it is living in these countries. The poverty here in the U.S. is nothing compared to our people who live in these countries.

President Obama has become an inspiration to millions of people all over the world and especially to Africans and their descendents.

He has galvanized those that have been marginalized and excluded to only a life of undeserving servitude the dream of inclusion and possible prosperity.

They may have been of African heritage but their descendents have just as much rights as their mestizo, blanco and indigenous counterparts.

It was upon the backs of our ancestors that these countries were built, the wealth that they created and the quality of life that has been only afforded to a few, only excluding them just because of their African ancestry.

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