Jul 26

LatinoLEAD Celebrates AfroLatinidad: Vibras de la Diaspora 5th Anniversary

Updated: Aug 5

This past Saturday, July 20th 2024, LatinoLEAD marked a significant milestone with the 5th anniversary of AfroLatinidad: Vibras de la Diaspora. Held at Metro State University, the event gathered community members, artists, and leaders to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of the AfroLatine community. The day was filled with powerful performances, insightful discussions, and a profound sense of unity and pride.

The festivities began early in the morning with a land recognition statement by Carrie M. Carroll, Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment at Metro State University. And then the program continued with a heartfelt welcome from Omar G. Correa, the event’s MC and Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of St. Thomas. As an AfroLatino himself, Omar set a resonant tone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and uplifting AfroLatine identities. "Today, we come together not just to celebrate our heritage but to strengthen our community through our shared stories and vibrant culture," Omar stated.

Elsie Carmona Quiterio, an Afro-Mexican woman born and raised in Minneapolis, delivered the first highlight of the day with her spoken word performance, "The Skin I'm In." Her poignant words touched on themes of identity, pride, and resilience, striking a chord with the audience and earning a resounding applause.

Following Elsie’s performance, the audience was treated to a powerful vocal and drum performance by singer, songwriter, producer, and of course, the one and only rapper and State Representative, María Isa Pérez-Vega, where she engaged the audience with intercultural story-telling that wove together cultural motifs, struggles and joys from the Latine, Afro-Latine-Indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities. The #RepWhoRaps leader also shared the stage with La Reyna Y La Real, comprised of Reyna Mercedes Hernadez Sandoval and Yadira Pintado Lazcano, respectively, are an Afro-Cuban musician duo that wowed the audience with reggaeton-esque cyphers and melodies.

One of the most anticipated segments was the film screening of "Daughter of the Sea," directed by award-winning filmmaker, director, and producer Alexis C. Garcia. This Oscar-qualified short delved into the Afro-Puerto Rican experience, weaving a narrative that was both personal and universal. In the lively Q&A session that followed, Alexis shared insights about her creative process and the importance of representation in media. "My aim with 'Daughter of the Sea' was to create a story that honors our heritage and speaks to the resilience of our community," she explained.

The event transitioned into lunch catered by Little Brazil Market and Cafe, proudly named one of the 5 best sandwiches in the Twin Cities region by Startribune, graced our taste buds with handheld sub-style sandwiches and a variety of other Brazilian lunchtime treats. For many folks, it was their first time trying Guaraná Antarctica – the Brazilian original Guaraná soda! During the picnic-style lunch time, attendees had the opportunity to connect and reflect on the morning’s activities. The sense of community was palpable, with conversations flowing and new connections being made. Irma Márquez Trapero, CEO of LatinoLEAD, expressed her gratitude during her closing remarks. "At LatinoLEAD, we know the importance of intersectionality and we are dedicated to continue to elevating and centering issues of equity and anti-blackness that are prevalent within our own comunidad. This commitment led us to the creation of AfroLatinidad five years ago! Thank you all for continuing to be part of this amazing celebration." she said.

The afternoon sessions featured dance performances by Baila Venezuela and Colombia Live, showcasing AfroLatine identity and cultural preservation. The event concluded on a high-energy note after the performances that left everyone inspired and energized.

Reflecting on the success of the event, LatinoLEAD’s Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Melissa Gonzalez Vazquez, shared her thoughts: "Seeing our community come together to celebrate and honor our AfroLatine heritage was incredibly moving. Events like this are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and pride. Especially in light of recent events, it’s more important than ever to show solidarity and uplift us and our Afro-descendant community. We are excited to continue building on this momentum and creating more opportunities for our community to shine."

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with LatinoLEAD on this important event. Irma, Karen, Brenda, and Melissa are delightful to work with and are very intentional about creating a welcoming and vibrant space for the community to gather. We hope that this is just the beginning of a partnership that is focused on celebrating Latine cultures and promoting equity in our community,” shares Carrie Carroll, Associate Vice President at Metro State University.

The 5th anniversary of AfroLatinidad: Vibras de la Diaspora was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of the AfroLatine community. LatinoLEAD is committed to continuing its work in promoting cultural pride, advocating for equity, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we carry this vibrant spirit forward.

The event's timing was particularly poignant given the bolstering civil rights movements following the tragic death of George Floyd, there has been a renewed focus on racial justice and solidarity among communities. Celebrating our Afro-descendant community is not only a recognition of their contributions but also an affirmation of our commitment to equity and justice. LatinoLEAD’s celebration of AfroLatinidad serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity, healing, and the acknowledgment of our shared struggles and triumphs.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event. And a huge shoutout to our volunteers recruited by our Operations Intern, Belginy Lopez, and organized by our Chief Operations Officer, Karen Velez Barron! Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to uplift and celebrate our rich cultural heritage. We would love to hear from you via our survey and tell us how you liked this event!

For more updates and to get involved, sign up for LatinoLEAD’s monthly Nuestra Fuerza Newsletter and follow us on social media.