As Little Bill, the main character from Bill Cosby’s popular animated kid show would say at the beginning of each episode, “HELLO FRIENDS!”

I am a proud Afro-Latina of Panamanian and West Indian descent. I hail from New York City but now live in the Southwest, which I must say, presents some interesting challenges for me and my multi-ethnic family, some of which I hope to share with you here in this forum. Despite the myths perpetuated by the media, Latinos come in all colors and all sizes. There are people of African ancestry living in most, if not all of Latin America; we do exist. I may not speak for all, but I know that I speak for many, who like me, hate our underrepresentation in the Latino/Hispanic community, especially in the media. We are tired of having to justify and “splain (said in my favorite Spanish accent)” to others our ethnic and cultural affiliations. I created this space to share with you some of my thoughts regarding a variety of topics, but it’s more of a place for me to get some things off my chest. I welcome your input and insight. I hope that we can learn from one another through mutually respectful, enriching, and engaging interactions.

Our discussion should never be mean-spirited or hateful. It‘s okay to disagree, but let’s agree that we will not minimize, or disregard the experiences of others.

Welcome aboard!

-The Afro-Latina Girl