When we arrive in the United States we are not identified as black or white, we are classified as Latino/Hispanic. However, the dark-skinned Latino is discriminated against by race and ethnicity. The white-skinned Latino, although he is discriminated against, they have more opportunities, especially if they do not have an accent when speaking English. The dark-skinned Latino has to prove himself and pay double the toll to achieve his goals. On many occasions they are not accepted by minorities and the discrimination is stronger.
Even in our countries of origin there is discrimination based on race. It is an evil that has not been able to be eradicated even in countries where the vast majority have ancestors from Africa. The African heritage in our countries is vast and is full of pain and struggles to achieve human rights. Many fought to educate and have the contributions of Afro-Latinos in the United States recognized. One of them was Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. This was dedicated to collecting documents related to the history and achievements of African descendants in the United States. These studies formed the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Each one of us must contribute to the fight to eradicate this evil that corrodes our society.
We must continue fighting for the equality and well-being of the only race that is the human race.
Maria M. Garcia-Santiago, BA, MA
