The Afrolatino Festival, arranged at Bed Stuy’s Restoration Plaza, held its fifth-year event on July 7 and 8 to embrace the cultural assets and roots that cultivate being Afrolatinx. Initiating discourse on varying subjects addressing blackness among Latinx cultures, displaying the artistic facets of these cultures and promoting solidarity and activism among Afrolatinx individuals were some of the primary goals that the organizers sought after.
African histories are often stifled when examining the culmination of Latinx heritage—the Afrolatino Festival shed light and amplification for marginalized voices to stimulate dialogue and a safe space for those who wish to clasp their black roots.
This year’s lineup was comprised of a commemoration to the women of the African diaspora—paying tribute to their feats through the mediums of art, music, innovation and activism. An AfrolatinTalks symposium was held in order to prompt dialogue on subjects such as black spirituality and personhood, resistance, the Black Lives Matter movement, entrepreneurship, urban/rural displacement and climate change. Forums included panelists such as Ayanna Legros and co-host Zahira Kelly. Also included were culinary presentations, showcases, art installations, spoken word performances and a broad array of attractions that captured the vital element of Afrolatinidad through which individuals could feel closely connected to.
The Liberación Film Festival was held in correlation with the festival, featuring documentaries that epitomized cultural heritage in locations such as Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras and Curacao.
An awards ceremony commended writers Elizabeth Acevedo and Shirley Campbell, activist and artist Zahira Kelly, former Miss Universe Gloria Karamanities, AfroCrowd founder Alice Backer, leader and educator Nadia Lopez and musician and Peru’s ex-Minister of Culture Susana Baca.
Latin Grammy winner Milly Quezada made an appearance alongside Amara La Negra, Alison Hinds, Calma Carmona and many others. They depicted the rhythmic and stylistic beauty of reggae, salsa, merengue and Baile Funk—sporting a cultural display of their ancestral roots and native homelands. Vendors were stationed among the area in Brooklyn, displaying crafts from their varying backgrounds and heritage—Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Peru among others—ranging from portraits, jewelry, food and music.
The festival itself sought to affirm a portion of our being and identity as Afrolatinx. It is an approach to acknowledge, examine, and interact with the fine threads that frame Afrolatinx’s cultural heritage. It’s vital to directly strengthen the relationship between our cultures, as they are essential in enriching and refining our autonomy.
Events such as the Afrolatino Festival are extremely important, particularly in today’s political warfare. It’s imperative that we continuously embrace the constituents that mold our culture. Every single day.
