What is "Black"?

 

     In a world of stereotypes and heavy judgement what does it truly mean to be Black? Is it about a state of mind or is it about our physical appearances and actions? Is there a specific way to "act black"? As African Americans are we expected to only speak and carry ourselves in ways that reflect the Black stereotypes in order to be seen as true Blacks? Why should we have to do things that don't embody our true personalities in order to appease others and prove true to our race?
     In Stuart Hall's essay, "What Is This "Black" In Popular Culture?" each of these questions are brought up and discussed. He questions what exactly is it to "act black" and the stereotypes that go along with that action. In America the African American race has been confined to a certain way of carrying themselves which doesn't always allow us to reach our full potential. If a black person exceeds these expectations by for example speaking with any sort of extensive amount of intelligence, you are labeled as "fake" or "acting white." The stereotypes have been drilled into the minds of the black community and the saddest part is that some of us are starting to believe them. Some African Americans truly believe that they can't be or do anything better than what America expects of them. This pressure is unnecessary and often causes African Americans to stop trying to be the best that they can be. Why can't being black be something positive? Why can it be more than nappy hair and hip hop?'
     The black race is strong. When we start believing that black is beautiful,powerful, and intelligent others will follow.

Afro-Latinos

 
  Prior to being assigned the task of researching Afro-Latinos I didn't know much about the race. After a little research I now know that an Afro-Latino, also referred to as Afro- Latin Americans, is a race of people who are Latin American with a Black African descent. The term "Afro- Latino" does not only refer to the race, but it refers to any aspect of the ethnicity such as religion, music, language, and art. Afro-Latinos originate in South America, Central America, and North America.
    I was surprised to find out how many of America's favorite celebrities were of Afro-Latino descent. Previous to my research the only famous Afro-Latino I could name off the top of my head was Celia Cruz. However, according to my research Afro-Latinos are a large percentage of our athletes, actors, singers, and artists in America. Zoe Saldana, Tatyana Ali, Carmelo Anthony, Christina Milian, Rosaio Dawson, Juelz Santana, Mariah Carey, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Irv Gotti, and Sammy Davis Jr. among other celebrities are of Afro- Latino descent.  Other well known celebrities are Stacy Dash, Maxwell, Eva Marcille, Antonio Fargas, Irene Cara, Shar Jackson, Lala Vasquez, Kelis, Sheila E, and Megan Good.
     My research left me in awe of how many celebrities that I believed were African American are actually Afro-Latino. I think that the Afro-Latino race is very interesting and quite beautiful. The vast number of  small races that make up this huge ethnicity is amazing to think about. This brings a diversity to America that is necessary and cores us to learn and respect Afro-Latinos. They bring a great contribution to the world of entertainment and politics.