19 I Latine/Afro-Latinx—What Do You Mean Black AND Latinx? Navigating Racial and Coloristic Oppression as an Afro-Latina (Sandra Huber)

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In this episode, we dive deep into the Afro-Latino Latinx identity, as experienced by Sandra Huber from Panama to the United States, where her identity shifted from being simply Panamanian to being labeled as Hispanic, Latina, and eventually Afro-Latina.

We discuss the challenges of navigating racial and coloristic oppression within Indian and Latin American communities, as well as within broader American society. We also touch on the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's blackness and the complex racial dynamics that exist within the community.

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:07) - Afro Latino Identity (17 Minutes)

In this podcast episode, we explore the Afro-Latino Latinx identity through the experiences of Sandra Solano Huer, who was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. Sandra discusses her journey from Panama to the United States, where her identity shifted from being simply Panamanian to being labeled as Hispanic, Latina, and eventually Afro-Latina. She shares her experiences with people asking "what are you?" and how she navigates these questions with patience and understanding.

(0:17:00) - Navigating Racial and Coloristic Oppression (9 Minutes)

In this part of the conversation, we delve into the impact of colorism and racial dynamics within the Indian and Latin American communities, as well as within broader American society. The discussion touches on personal experiences of feeling excluded or treated differently due to skin color, as well as the implications of marrying someone lighter-skinned for upward mobility and safety. We also explore how racism and colorism can affect mental and physical health, and the importance of being aware of these issues to make informed decisions about one's identity and life choices'

(0:25:49) - Navigating Discrimination (9 Minutes)

We discuss the challenges and intricacies of embracing black identity within the Latino community and the various terms used to describe mixed ancestry. We also touch on how black identity does not contradict Latino identity and how the Afro-Latino population faces higher rates of poverty and discrimination compared to other Latino groups. Through personal anecdotes, we explore the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's blackness and the complex racial dynamics that exist within the community

(0:35:12) - Acknowledging Afro-Latino Identity in Healthcare (16 Minutes)

In this portion of the episode, we examine the experiences of being Afro-Latina in predominantly white neighborhoods and the impact on mental health. Sandra shares her personal encounters with racial profiling and the assumptions made about her by some white community members. We also explore the Hispanic paradox, which does not apply to Afro-Latinos, and discuss the need for healthcare providers to be more culturally aware and curious about their patients' backgrounds. Sandra emphasizes the importance of asking questions and developing relationships with community members, as well as advocating for oneself within the healthcare system'