A Shared Heritage: Afro-Latin@s and Black History

TLDR

The growing Latin@ population in the U.S. and worldwide includes many Afro‑Latin s, yet their history and cultural contributions are often overlooked or misrepresented in media and social‑studies curricula. The authors advocate incorporating Afro‑Latin s into social‑studies curricula to acknowledge their historical and societal contributions and to broaden the understanding of Black history beyond U.S. borders.

Abstract

As the Latin@Footnote1 population continues to grow in the United States, it is imperative that social studies teachers are aware of the rich history and sociocultural complexities of Latin@ identity. In particular, there is a large population of Latin@s of African descent throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. However, Afro-Latin@s typically go unrecognized in the media and, concomitantly, the social studies curriculum. Portrayals of Latin@s are often inaccurate or stereotypical, advancing the idea that most Latin@s are solely of European or indigenous descent. The authors call for the inclusion of Afro-Latin@s in historical narratives as well as portrayals of Latin@s in social studies curricula. Understanding and incorporating the historical and societal complexities and contributions of Afro-Latin@s are crucial to establishing a conceptual understanding of Black history as it exists within, and extends beyond, the borders of the United States. In this article a brief history of Afro-Latin@s is presented, along with attendant challenges and possibilities for the social studies curriculum. Appropriate pedagogy is discussed and resources (both print and online) for incorporating Afro-Latin@s into the American history curriculum are also provided.