AfroLatinidad 2025 Recap
- LatinoLEAD
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
We're still buzzing from the incredible energy of our 6th Annual AfroLatinidad: Vibras de la Diáspora, held on Saturday, July 12th, at Cleary Lake Regional Park! It was truly a day of pure magic, a vibrant testament to the rich tapestry of the Afro-Diaspora within Latinidad, celebrating Black freedom, resilience, and joy.
A Day Filled with Vibras & Connection
From the moment the doors opened, the park came alive! Attendees enjoyed a bustling Resource Fair featuring amazing organizations like Huellas Latinas, Metro State University, AfroFest MN, Fiol Family Foundation, HACER MN, COPAL MN, La Doña Cervecería, Centro Tyrone Guzman, Telemundo MSP, and African Contemporary Dance (Afrocontigbo).
We want to extend a huge shout-out to the incredible vendors who shared their amazing products and artistry with us at AfroLatinidad 2025! We're so thankful that BrazilianfunkyAmores Design, La Chiva Colombian Creations, Sb Artisan Jewelry, Luchybijoux, Mexico Lindo Corazon Clothing, and Angel's Touch handmade soaps and candles could join us, adding so much vibrancy to our celebration.
Powerful Voices & Moving Performances
The heart of AfroLatinidad truly shone through our incredible program, beautifully emceed by Dr. Sandy Morán Pulles. She opened with a heartfelt welcome and a land acknowledgment, setting a tone of respect and shared understanding.
We heard from inspiring speakers who illuminated the vital threads of Afro-Latine identity and community:
Jasmira Colon shared insights into her compelling Bomba documentary project, celebrating those vibrant roots that connect us.
Jennifer Nieto highlighted our crucial partnership with Three Rivers Park District, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Wara from AfroFest Minnesota energized us with details about their fantastic event, a full day of cultural richness celebrating African and Afro-diaspora cultures (mark your calendars for September 20th at Becker Park!).
Elsie Carmona Quiterio delivered a powerful prose presentation about her resounding Afro-Mexican identity that resonated deeply.
Ian Oundo from Empower Diaspora shared an uplifting empowerment message that left us all inspired.
The park was then filled with the captivating rhythms of live performances! We danced and celebrated with the incredible:
Celebrating Our Roots, Rhythms, and Resistance
As Dr. Sandy Morán Pulles beautifully stated in her closing remarks, AfroLatinidad is "more than a one-day event. It’s a reflection of our histories, our cultures, and our ongoing fight for visibility, joy, and liberation." Guests enjoyed delicious food from Chef Owner Rolando Diaz of Marna's Eatery, discovered valuable community resources, and had fun with outdoor games. The day culminated in an open dance floor where families, friends, and guests celebrated freely to the sounds of bomba, reggaetón, and afrobeat!
A Heartfelt Thank You!
A huge ¡gracias! to our amazing AfroLatinidad Planning Committee, our incredible volunteers, all our partners, and everyone who attended and made this year unforgettable! AfroLatinidad is a growing movement rooted in comunidad, visibility, and the beautiful affirmation of Afro-Diasporic identity.
A special thank you also goes out to our incredible host partners, Three Rivers Park District, for welcoming us to the beautiful Cleary Lake Regional Park Pavilion and providing such a wonderful setting for our celebration!
Relive the Moment!
Couldn't make it or just want to bask in the glow again? Event pictures are available now! Click the link below to see all the vibrant moments from AfroLatinidad 2025:
And as you relive those amazing memories, we'd truly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to fill out our event survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us make future events even better! Share your thoughts here: (link to survey).
Stay involved, stay proud, and celebrate Afro-Latine joy — every single day!
