Voices of Resilience: 

Exploring Afro-latino Poets

Cueponi Cihuatl, Afrolatinizamos Cohort 2023

Content objectives: 

• Students will be able to identify key elements of Afro-Latino poetry

• Students will be able to describe the historical context and significance of Afro-latino poetry

• Students will be able to identify and define key vocabulary related to Afro-latino poetry

Student Outcome(s):

• Students will be able to compare and contrast different Afro-latino poets and their works

• Students will be able to analyze the themes and messages present in Afro-latino poetry

• Students will be able to explain how Afro-latino poetry contributes to discussions of race and identity in Latin America 

• Students will be able to write their own Afro-latino inspired poem

• Students will be able to perform a spoken word piece inspired by Afro-latino poetry

• Students will be able to collaborate on a group project that incorporates Afro-latino poetry

Opening Activities/Bellringers: 

Have a discussion about expression and poetry. 

• • What does self-love mean to you? How do you practice self-love in your daily life?

  • How does self-love influence our ability to express ourselves authentically?

  • Have you ever used poetry or writing as a form of self-expression? If so, how has it helped you understand and appreciate yourself better?

  • How do you think poetry can promote self-love and empowerment? Can you think of any examples from poems you've read or written?

  • In what ways can poetry serve as a tool for healing and self-acceptance?

  • How does sharing our personal experiences through poetry create a sense of community and connection?

  • Are there any specific poets or poems that have inspired you to embrace self-love and express yourself more freely? Why do they resonate with you?

  • What role does vulnerability play in the process of self-expression? How does it contribute to self-love?

  • How can poetry be used as a means to challenge societal expectations, stereotypes, or negative self-perceptions?

  • How can poetry help us appreciate the beauty of our individuality and celebrate our unique qualities?

Poemas

• Lucia Dominga Molina (Argentinian)

• Balada de los dos abuelos Nicolas Guillen (Cubano)

• Mujer Negra por Nancy Morejon (Cubana) *Assignment attached

• Afrolatina por Elizabeth Acevedo (Dominicana) 

• 21 poetas afrocolombianas en ¡Negras Somos! 

Engage students in a discussion about the poems, asking questions such as:

• What themes or emotions do you notice in the poem?

• How does the poet use language and imagery to convey their message?

• Do you see any cultural influences or references in the poem? How do they contribute to the overall meaning?

• What impact do you think these poems have on promoting Afro-latino identity and representation in literature?

Group Activity: Poetry Reflection and Discussion (25 minutes):

• Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different Afro-latino poet and their respective poems.

• Instruct the groups to read and analyze the assigned poems, paying attention to themes, poetic devices, and cultural elements.

• Ask each group to create a visual representation (e.g., a poster or infographic) or a written reflection that captures the essence of the poet's work.

• Allow each group to present their findings, discussing their interpretations and reflections on the assigned poems.

• Encourage a class discussion where students can compare and contrast the different poets and their contributions to Afro-latino poetry.

Afro Latino Poet Presentation: 

Assign students to present on a specific Afro-latino poet or poem. They can use visual aids to help illustrate their findings. 

Assignment and Rubric

Poetry Portfolio: Have students compile a portfolio of their own poems inspired by Afro-latino poetry.

Assignment and Rubric

• Poetry Analysis: Assign students to analyze a specific Afro-latino poem and identify key themes and messages present in the work.

• Poetry Writing: Have students write their own poem inspired by Afro-latino poetry. They can use the themes and messages they identified in the previous activity as inspiration.

• Spoken Word Performance: Assign students to perform a spoken word piece inspired by a specific Afro-latino poem or poet. They can perform individually or in pairs.

Creative Writing: Voices of Resilience (1-2 class periods):

Explain to students that they will have an opportunity to express their own voices through poetry inspired by the Afro-latino experience. Provide the following writing prompts that encourage students to explore themes such as identity, heritage, resilience, or social justice, while incorporating elements of Afro-latino culture.

1. "Write a poem that celebrates your Afro-Latino heritage. Incorporate vivid descriptions of cultural traditions, music, food, or language that reflect your unique identity."

2. "Imagine you are a historical figure who played a significant role in the Afro-Latino community's fight for social justice. Write a letter to future generations, sharing your experiences, struggles, and the lessons you've learned."

3. "Write a short story about a young Afro-Latino individual who discovers their ancestral roots and how it influences their sense of self and place in society. Explore the challenges they face and the resilience they develop."

4. "Compose a persuasive essay advocating for greater representation of Afro-Latino history, culture, and contributions in school curricula. Discuss the importance of inclusivity and the impact it can have on fostering understanding and equality."

5. "Create a dialogue between two Afro-Latino artists, one from the past and one from the present. Explore how their art forms (such as music, dance, visual arts, or literature) have been influenced by their cultural heritage and the role they play in expressing social justice messages."

6. "Write a spoken word poem addressing the intersections of Afro-Latino identity and social justice. Use powerful metaphors and rhythmic language to convey the importance of unity, resilience, and fighting against systemic oppression."

7. "Compose a personal narrative that explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up Afro-Latino in a society that often perpetuates stereotypes and discrimination. Reflect on the ways in which your culture and heritage have shaped your identity and empowered you to overcome obstacles."

8. "Imagine you are organizing a community event to celebrate Afro-Latino culture and raise awareness about social justice issues. Write a detailed proposal outlining the activities, performances, and discussions that would take place, and explain how this event would promote inclusivity and inspire positive change."

9. "Write a series of haikus or short poems that capture the essence of Afro-Latino culture and its contributions to society. Focus on themes such as unity, resistance, ancestral wisdom, or cultural pride."

10. "Compose a reflective essay discussing the importance of preserving and honoring Afro-Latino traditions, languages, and folklore. Explore how these cultural elements can serve as sources of strength, resilience, and identity in the face of adversity."

After students have finished,  provide space for them to share their poems, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for sharing their creative work.

Reflection Questions:

• How has learning about Afro-latino poetry helped you better understand issues of race and identity in Latin America?

• What themes and messages present in Afro-latino poetry do you find most impactful and why?

• How can you apply what you've learned about Afro-latino poetry in your own creative work?

• Why is it important to explore the voices of marginalized communities through art and literature?

• How can we use Afro-latino poetry to build empathy and understanding across cultural and racial divides?