Women's History Month: Nuestras hermanas

In honor of Women's History Month, this latest excerpt is from the essay/article "Reflections of Me: The Need For More Mirrors".  I highlight, and give reverence to, several strong women that I know who are working as activists in the media field to highlight and promotes Afro Latino/a issues from a woman's perspective; voice that is very much needed.


"I support and applaud the efforts of Dr. Marta Moreno-Vega, co-founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, or CCCADI for short (www.cccadi,org).  I remember hearing about one of her books, "The Alter to my Soul" when I was a bit younger.  I also became aware of her film, "When the Spirits Dance Mambo", speaking on the spiritual practice of Santeria and Macumbre in Afro Cuban culture.  This strong activist sister does so much to express our African heritage throughout the Diaspora.  I wish that I could travel back home to New York, where CCCADI is based, to attend more of their events.  They consistently have film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and so many other cultural events.

I would also like to give the spotlight to Crystal S. Roman and Apryl Lopez, the sisters behind the Black Latina Movement. (www.BlackLatinaMovement.com) They write and produce their own films and stage plays expressing Afro Latino culture, especially from a feminine perspective (a much needed voice, at that).  They have produced a documentary titled, "Memoirs of a Black Latina", and it has been successfully shown at a number of black film festivals, and independent screenings.  The documentary speaks to race and identity from the perspective of a Black Latina, told by four different emotions.  Their plays have appeared both on and off-Broadway, and have been successfully well received.  Their most recent stage play (that I am aware of) is titled, "Colors of Love", a love story revolving around four Afro Latino couples at different stages of the relationship.  We need more of our hermanos y hermanas telling our stories like these sisters are doing.

I also must represent for the ladies at Sister Outsider Entertainment (www.sistersoutsider.biz), co-founded by Julia Carias and authoress Sofia Quintero (aka Black Artemis).  They are also representing Latina voices in film, literature, and poetic verse.  They help to promote the works of Latina artists, giving voice and exposure to our authoresses and filmmakers.  A number of documentary films have been produced through this sisterly collective, and have held various screenings throughout the New York area of these films.    

The following excerpt if from my book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino".  It is available online through my publisher Outskirts Press, Amazon.com, BooksAMillion.com, and Barnes & Nobles website.  You may also go to your local bookstore to have them order a copy.