Exploring Afro-Latino Contributions: Biographies That Shaped History

Catherine Barrera, Afrolatinizamos Cohort 2023

Objective: Students will explore the rich contributions of Afro-Latino individuals to history, culture, and society through engaging online articles, videos, and readings. By the end of the lesson, students will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse Afro-Latino experience and its impact on various fields. 

Objective: Students dive deep into the concept of Afro-Latinidad and its significance in the broader context of Latin American and Caribbean history.

Introduction (15 minutes)

1. Start the lesson with a brief overview of Afro-Latinidad, explaining the intersection of African and Latin American/Caribbean cultures.

2. Show a short video clip: "Afro-Latinos: The Untaught Story" by PBS (10 minutes).

3. Discuss key points from the video and encourage students to share their initial thoughts on Afro-Latinidad.

Biographies Exploration (30 minutes)

1. Divide students into small groups and assign each group an Afro-Latino individual from the list below.

2. Instruct students to research their assigned individual using online articles, videos, and readings.

Afro-Latino Biographies**:

• Arturo Alfonso Schomburg

• Celia Cruz

• Juan Gualberto Gómez

• Soledad O’Brien

**Provide a list of suggested online sources, including articles, videos, and readings for each biography. Examples include:

• Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: “Did You Know About This Afro-Latino Who Dedicated His Life To Preserving Black Culture?” (Essence)

• Celia Cruz: "Celia Cruz Biography"

• Juan Gualberto Gómez: "Afro-Cuban Freedom Fighter & Journalist: Juan Gualberto Gomez” 

• Soledad O’Brien: "Soledad O’Brien: Journalist Born”

3. Each group should prepare a short presentation highlighting key aspects of their assigned individual's life, achievements, and contributions.

Class Discussion (15 minutes)

1. Each group presents an abbreviated version of their findings. (set time limit for each group)

2. Encourage class discussion on common themes, challenges, and triumphs faced by Afro-Latino individuals.

Assignment (Homework)

Reflective Essay: In a one-page essay, students will reflect on the importance of recognizing Afro-Latino contributions to history. Discuss the challenges faced by Afro-Latino individuals and how their stories contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Latin American and Caribbean history.

Objective: Explore the contemporary impact of Afro-Latino individuals on art, music, and activism.

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Briefly review key points from the previous lesson.

2. Introduce the focus on contemporary Afro-Latino contributions.

Biographies Exploration (40 minutes)

1. Assign each student a different Afro-Latino individual from the list below.

2. Instruct students to explore online articles, videos, and readings related to their assigned individual.

Afro-Latino Biographies**:

• Rosa Clemente

• Amara La Negra

• Junot Díaz

• Tego Calderón

**Provide a list of suggested online sources for each biography. For example:

• Rosa Clemente: Truth to Power

• Amara La Negra: “Amara La Negra: Too Black To Be Latina? Too Latina To Be Black?”

• Junot Díaz: "Here’s The Very Necessary Junot Diaz Interview About Being A Child Of Blackness, Product Of The African Diaspora”

• Tego Calderón: "Reggaeton Legends: Tego Calderón” 

Class Discussion (20 minutes):

1. Each student shares insights from their research.

2. Facilitate a discussion on how contemporary Afro-Latino figures impact and shape culture today.

Assignment (Homework):

Creative Expression: Students will create a short artistic piece (poem, song, artwork, etc.) inspired by the stories and contributions of the contemporary Afro-Latino individuals discussed in class. Present and discuss their creations in the next session.