Kariela.
Uneducated people will argue you down simply because the history they learned about African-American culture had very little focus on Hispanic and LatinX culture and history. So when I was explaining to someone why I support BLM, their response was, “Shut up! Hispanics aren’t really black.” So then I just stopped for a second and realized some people would rather argue than educate themselves. The ancestors of lots of Hispanic and LatinX countries have African roots! So how can someone’s brain be so closed off to the fact that we are also part black!? On top of that, a lot of Hispanics and Latinos look black physically, which results in us being labeled as “black” unless we clarify otherwise. I truly was shocked at their ignorance but I am so happy I get to represent 4 different ethnic groups through my blood. I was born and raised in Dominican Republic so I am Dominican through and through. However, my great-grandparents come from Spain, France, Haiti, and the native Indians (Tainos) that lived on the island before Columbus killed them… Oops, sorry not sorry. Also, on that same island, Haiti has the strongest African roots, so they’re also black! The French colonizers brought Africans into the Island and so did Columbus! Dominicans are a huge mix of African roots every way you look. So yeah, we are also black! And we should be proud as hek!
