Introduction to Afro-Latino Artistic Heritage

Catherine Barrera, Afrolatinizamos Cohort 2023  

By combining poetry and visual arts, this four-unit lesson plan aims to provide high school students with a holistic understanding of the diverse and impactful contributions of Afro-Latino artists from Latin America and the Caribbean. Throughout the units, educators can integrate discussions on the cultural significance of themes such as resilience, resistance, and community within the context of Afro-Latino artistry. Connect these themes to broader discussions on social justice and activism.

Objective: Introduce students to the rich heritage of Afro-Latino artistic expression through poetry and visual arts.

Introduction (20 minutes):

1. Define Afro-Latino identity and its cultural significance.

2. Discuss the intersection of African and Latin American/Caribbean cultures.

Poetry Exploration (40 minutes):

Read and analyze poems by Afro-Latino poets. Assign poems from “Five Afro-Latinx Poets You Should Know” (OkayAfrica), or consider the suggestions below:

• • Nicolas Guillen: Known as the national poet of Cuba, Guillen's poetry often explores the experiences of Afro-Cubans and addresses issues of race and identity.

  • Frank Báez: A contemporary poet from the Dominican Republic, Báez's work often delves into the complexities of identity, migration, and Afro-Dominican culture.

  • Mayra Santos-Febres: A prominent Puerto Rican poet and novelist, Santos-Febres addresses themes of race, gender, and Caribbean identity in her work.

  • Juan Manuel Roca: A Colombian poet whose poetry reflects the rich cultural diversity of Colombia, including the Afro-Colombian experience.

  • Machado de Assis: Although not exclusively an Afro-Brazilian poet, Machado de Assis, a prominent Brazilian writer, addressed racial issues in his work, contributing to discussions on Afro-Brazilian identity.

  • Herminia García: A Mexican poet whose work explores the intersection of indigenous and African heritage in Mexico.

  • Vicente Gerbasi: An influential Venezuelan poet, Gerbasi's poetry often touches on themes of identity and the cultural diversity of Venezuela.

  • Nancy Morejón: A renowned Afro-Cuban poet who has also had a significant impact on Afro-Uruguayan literature, addressing themes of race, identity, and history.

  • John Antón Sánchez: An Ecuadorian poet and playwright whose work explores the African roots of Ecuadorian culture.

  • Nicomedes Santa Cruz: An Afro-Peruvian poet, musician, and folklorist, Santa Cruz's work often celebrates Afro-Peruvian culture and addresses social issues.

Remember to check the availability of translated works or bilingual editions to make the poetry accessible to students who may not be fluent in the poet's native language.

Visual Arts Exploration (30 minutes): Introduce Afro-Latino artists and their visual works.

Explore Afro-Latinx Artists (see, for example “9 Overlooked Black Latinx Artists,” UCSD), suggestions below:

• Wifredo Lam: A renowned Cuban painter known for his unique blend of Surrealism and Afro-Cuban symbolism.

• Tony Capellán: A contemporary artist from the Dominican Republic, Capellán's work often addresses social and political issues.

• Rafael Tufiño: A Puerto Rican painter known for his depictions of Afro-Caribbean and Puerto Rican life.

• Beatriz González: A Colombian artist whose work engages with social and political themes, often reflecting on Colombia's history and culture.

• Abdias do Nascimento: A Brazilian artist, playwright, and activist, Nascimento's work focuses on the celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture and the fight against racism.

• Francisco Zúñiga: A Mexican-Costa Rican sculptor and painter known for his depictions of the female form, often inspired by pre-Columbian and indigenous influences.

• Lola Mora: An Argentine sculptor known for her monumental works, challenging societal norms of her time.

Suggested assignment: Reflective Essay - In a one-page essay, students reflect on the themes of identity and culture in the selected poems and artworks.

Objective: Explore poems by Afro-Latino poets from different regions of Latin America.

Poetry Exploration (60 minutes):  Analyze poems by Afro-Caribbean poets.

Utilize poems listed by “Caribbean Poetry” (Wikipedia) or “11 Black and Afro-Latina Poets to Follow” (weallgrowlatina) or those included below:

• Derek Walcott (Saint Lucia):A Nobel Prize-winning poet, playwright, and essayist, Derek Walcott's poetry often explores the complexities of Caribbean identity, history, and cultural heritage.

• Lorna Goodison (Jamaica): A Jamaican poet and essayist, Lorna Goodison's work is known for its vivid imagery and exploration of Caribbean life, culture, and history.

• Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados): A Barbadian poet and academic, Kamau Brathwaite is a leading figure in Caribbean literature, known for his innovative use of language and exploration of the African diasporic experience.

• Grace Nichols (Guyana): A Guyanese poet, Grace Nichols often incorporates Caribbean folklore and the experiences of migration in her poetry, providing a unique perspective on Caribbean identity.

• Edward Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados): The late Edward Kamau Brathwaite, a Barbadian poet and historian, was a significant figure in Caribbean literature, known for his contribution to postcolonial theory and his exploration of Caribbean culture.

• Kwame Dawes (Ghana/Jamaica): A Ghanaian Jamaican poet and playwright, Kwame Dawes' poetry reflects on themes of identity, migration, and the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

• Linton Kwesi Johnson (Jamaica): A Jamaican-British poet and reggae artist, Linton Kwesi Johnson is known for his powerful poetry that addresses social and political issues in the Caribbean and beyond.

• Jean "Binta" Breeze (Jamaica): A Jamaican dub poet and storyteller, Binta Breeze's work often focuses on issues of gender, race, and Caribbean identity.

• Mervyn Morris (Jamaica): A Jamaican poet, professor, and former Poet Laureate of Jamaica, Mervyn Morris' poetry reflects on Jamaican culture, language, and the legacy of colonialism.

• Olive Senior (Jamaica): A Jamaican poet and fiction writer, Olive Senior's poetry explores themes of Caribbean folklore, history, and the experiences of women in the region.

These poets represent a diverse range of styles and perspectives within the Afro-Caribbean literary tradition. Exploring their works can provide insight into the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and identities that make up the Caribbean region.

Assignment: Creative Writing - Students write their poems inspired by the Caribbean rhythms discussed in class.

Objective: Expose students to the diversity of Afro-Latino visual arts and the cultural contexts that influence them.

Visual Arts Exploration (60 minutes): Analyze visual artworks by Afro-Latino artists. 

Use artworks from Afro-Latinx Artists whose work reflects the Diaspora", for example those exhibited at NYU’s Afro Syncretic exhibition, or those listed below:

• Amara La Negra (Dominican-American): A singer, dancer, and reality TV personality, Amara La Negra is known for her advocacy for Afro-Latinx visibility and her music that celebrates her Dominican heritage.

• Princess Nokia (Puerto Rican): A rapper, singer, and songwriter, Princess Nokia incorporates themes of identity, feminism, and Afro-Latinx pride in her music.

• Rafael Casal (Spanish and Cuban-American): A spoken word artist, rapper, and actor, Rafael Casal explores themes of race, identity, and social justice in his work.

• Ibeyi (Cuban-French): Ibeyi is a musical duo consisting of twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz. Their music blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern influences, creating a unique and soulful sound.

• Janel Martinez (Dominican-American): Janel Martinez is a multimedia storyteller, journalist, and founder of "Ain't I Latina?"—an online platform celebrating Afro-Latinx culture.

• Edel Rodriguez (Cuban-American): Edel Rodriguez is a Cuban-American artist known for his powerful illustrations, including his iconic cover art for TIME Magazine.

• Maluca Mala (Dominican-American): A musician known for her fusion of electronic, hip-hop, and Caribbean influences, Maluca Mala's work often explores themes of empowerment and cultural pride.

• Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (Ecuadorian and Afro-Iranian): A visual artist and muralist, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh addresses social and political issues, including race and gender, in her art.

• Miguel Luciano (Puerto Rican): A visual artist, Miguel Luciano's work often explores themes of identity, migration, and the intersection of Caribbean and African-American cultures.

• Raquel Cepeda (Dominican-American): An award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and author, Raquel Cepeda explores themes of identity, race, and culture in her work, including the documentary "Some Girls."

These artists contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Afro-Latinx culture, using their platforms to celebrate heritage, challenge stereotypes, and bring visibility to the diversity within the diaspora.

Discussion (30 minutes): Discuss the influence of cultural heritage on Afro-Latino visual arts. Explore how themes of identity and history are portrayed in the artworks.

Assignment: Art Critique - Students choose one artwork and write a critique analyzing its cultural significance and the artist's message.

Objective: Engage with contemporary Afro-Latino voices and explore how they address current issues.

Poetry Exploration (60 minutes): Analyze poems by contemporary Afro-Latino poets. Utilize poems from "13 Contemporary Latina Poets to Read for National Poetry Month” (HipLatina), or: 

• Elizabeth Acevedo (Dominican-American): Award-winning poet and author, Elizabeth Acevedo explores themes of identity, family, and womanhood in her poetry. Her collection "Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths" is highly acclaimed.

• Carlos Andrés Gómez (Colombian-American): A poet, actor, and speaker, Carlos Andrés Gómez addresses issues of masculinity, race, and identity in his work. His collection "Fractures" is a powerful exploration of personal and societal fractures.

• Natalie Diaz (Mojave and Gila River Indian): While Natalie Diaz is not strictly Afro-Latina, her poetry often engages with themes of intersectionality and identity. Her collection "When My Brother Was an Aztec" delves into the complexities of family and heritage.

• Aracelis Girmay (Eritrean and Puerto Rican): Aracelis Girmay's poetry explores themes of migration, displacement, and the African diaspora. Her collection "The Black Maria" is known for its evocative and poignant language.

• Willie Perdomo (Dominican-American): A poet and children's book author, Willie Perdomo's work often reflects on the urban experience, identity, and the Afro-Latino diaspora. His collection "The Crazy Bunch" is a notable work.

• Raina J. León (Afro-Puerto Rican): Raina J. León is a poet, educator, and editor whose work delves into Afro-Latina identity, history, and social justice. Her collection "Canticle of Idols" is well-regarded.

• Jon Sands (Afro-Latino and Jewish-American): Jon Sands' poetry explores issues of race, family, and societal expectations. His collection "The New Clean" has received acclaim for its thoughtful and engaging verses.

• Denice Frohman (Peruvian and Jewish-American): A poet, performer, and educator, Denice Frohman's work often tackles issues of identity, love, and social justice. Her poetry has been featured in various anthologies and platforms.

• Dan Vera (Cuban-American): Dan Vera is a poet and editor known for his exploration of identity, culture, and the LGBTQ+ experience. His collection "Speaking Wiri Wiri" reflects on his Cuban heritage.

• Angel Nafis (Afro-Puerto Rican and Sicilian): Angel Nafis is a poet and educator whose work delves into themes of love, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. Her collection "BlackGirl Mansion" is celebrated for its powerful narratives.

These contemporary Afro-Latino poets contribute to the ongoing dialogue about identity, culture, and social justice, adding their unique voices to the broader world of poetry.

Visual Arts Exploration (60 minutes): Explore recent artworks by Afro-Latino artists addressing contemporary issues. 

Utilize resources from #Iamenough or the resources below:

• Remezcla: Remezcla is an online magazine that covers Latinx culture, including art and social justice. They often feature articles on Afro-Latinx artists and their contributions. Visit their website.

• The Center for Art and Advocacy: Introduction to the work of Faylita Hicks. View Website. 

• National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): While not specific to Afro-Latinx artists, the NMAAHC often covers African diasporic experiences, including those within Latin America. Explore their resources on their website.

• The Afro-Latinx Project at Princeton University: Princeton University has a project focused on Afro-Latinx studies. While it may not be art-specific, it could provide valuable insights into the intersection of Afro-Latinidad and social justice. Visit the project's website: The Afro-Latinx Project - https://perla.princeton.edu/

Discussion (30 minutes):

1. Discuss how contemporary Afro-Latino artists address social and political issues.

2. Explore the power of art and poetry as vehicles for social change.

Assignment: Group Project - Students collaborate to create a visual or poetic representation addressing a contemporary social issue relevant to their community.