Afro-Latino Identity and Musical Expression

Catherine Barrera, Afrolatinizamos Cohort 2023

Objective: Deep dive with students about Afro-Latinos and their cultural identity.

Activities

1. Brief discussion about Afro-Latinos and their significance in Latin American culture. 

2. Show the video Afro-Latinos: An Untaught Story by AfroPride TV to provide an overview of the history and identity of Afro-Latinos. 

Objective: Explore the historical background of the African diaspora in Latin America.

Activities

1. Watch segments from Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s Black in Latin America. 

2. Discuss critical points from the video, emphasizing the impact of slavery and the legacy of African culture in Latin America.

Objective: Investigate the challenges faced by Afro-Latinos in Latin America.

Activities

1. Watch segments from Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s Black in Latin America, focusing on Afro-Latinos' experiences and the challenges they encounter.

2. Discuss the video and encourage students to identify common themes and experiences.

Objective: Explore poetry to express Afro-Latino experiences and identity.

Activities

1. Introduce students to the poem "Mulata" by Nicolás Guillén, a prominent Afro-Cuban poet.

2. Have students read and analyze the poem, discussing how it reflects identity, race, and heritage themes.

Objective: Highlight contemporary Afro-Latino voices and movements for empowerment.

Activities:

1. Watch the video "Afro-Mexicans: Dancing Their Way Back totTheir Roots" by AJ+ to learn about Afro-Mexicans' experiences and their efforts to reclaim their identity. Also consider a video self-produced by Casa Coyolillo about their African-style dance troupe Afrobalele. 

2. Discuss the significance of Afro-Latino activism and how social media platforms contribute to raising awareness.

Reflective Writing: Have students write a reflection on what they've learned about Afro-Latinos and their challenges in Latin America.

Group Discussion: Engage students in a group discussion where they share their thoughts on the videos and poems.

Creative Expression: Assign a creative project where students create a poem, artwork, or short video that captures the essence of the Afro-Latino experience.

Extension

Research Project: Assign a research project where students explore a specific Afro-Latino activist, artist, or historical figure and present their findings to the class. 

Objective: Introduce students to the cultural significance of Afro-Latinos in the music landscape.

Activities:

1. Begin with a discussion about the diversity of Afro-Latino cultures and their impact on music genres.

2. Show segments from “Afro-Latino Influence in Music, Culture and Politics”  by Basic Black to provide an overview of Afro-Latino musical traditions.

3. Play songs from the Putymayo album Afro-Latino to illustrate connections between African music and Latin American musical traditions

Objective: Explore the influence of Afro-Latin rhythms on genres like Salsa.

Activities:

1. Introduce students to the song "Oye Como Va" by Tito Puente or Santana, showcasing Afro-Latin

rhythms in Salsa.

2. Discuss Salsa's African and indigenous influences and how they contribute to its unique sound. 

Objective: Examine how Afro-Latinos express their identity through contemporary genres like Reggaeton.

Activities:

1. Show the video "As Reggaeton Goes Pop, Never Forget the Genre’s Black Roots" by Remezcla to explore the

representation of Afro-Latinos in Reggaeton.

2. Analyze the lyrics and themes of a Reggaeton song by an Afro-Latino singer or poet, such as "Gasolina" by

Daddy Yankee or “Me gritaron Negra” by Victoria Santa Cruz

Objective: Investigate the presence of African rhythms in traditional folk genres like Cumbia.

Activities:

1. Introduce students to the song "La Cumbia de los Aburridos" by Calle 13, which infuses Cumbia with

contemporary elements (English lyrics here).

2. Discuss the fusion of African, Indigenous, and European influences in Cumbia and its role in cultural

celebrations.

Song Analysis: Have students choose a song** by an Afro-Latino artist and analyze its lyrics, musical elements, and cultural context.

Reflective Journaling: Assign journal entries where students reflect on what they've learned about Afro-Latino music and its cultural diaspora.

Class Discussion: Engage students in a discussion about the impact of African rhythms on different Latin American music genres.

Extension:

Musical Showcase: Organize a mini-concert or presentation where students perform a song related to Afro-Latino culture.

Comparative Analysis: Ask students to compare the musical styles of Afro-Latinos with those of African-American artists, discussing similarities and differences.

**Preview the selected songs to ensure they are appropriate for the classroom environment and align with the intended learning outcomes.