Bra-freakin-zil

In three weeks, I will be getting on a plane for the first time in my life.

I will travel for an entire day, 24 hours, with nothing to enterntain myself.

I will leave my family, my friends for a total of 6 weeks.

For what you might ask?

For the Brazialian adventure of a lifetime!  Am I scared? Kinda.  Although the high engry and stressful times I’m experiencing have taken away from that excitment a bit, I am still in a state of disbelief.  Brazil is more of an abstract idea rather than a real place right now but in three weeks that all will change.

I will be thrust into a culture that is different, yet possibly the same.  My Professor Stephen Gerald compared his experience in Brazil to being in Africa.  After all Brazil has the second biggest population of Afro-descendents AKA Black folk in the world.  I wonder how I will feel.  As a Black women with a Spanish tongue, a multicutlural friend base who is JUST now becoming aware of the amazingness of her own Black culture.  Will our similar origins unite me with the Afro-Brazialians that I encounter or will the fact that I don’t speak portuguese pull us apart?  Only time will tell.

I’ve started learning some Portuguese survival phrases.  And I’ve even jammed out to Brazialian hip hop but the question still remains in my mind.  Why didn’t I pick a Spanish speaking country?  Although I am not completely fluent in Spanish, I usually understand.  I could have been comfortable.

All in all, I am excited, honored and scared.  Excited because this will be my first trip abroad.  Honored because I know this would not be possible with out the help of my friends, family and mentors.  I’ve waited for this opportunity for so long.  Scared but a little fear is good…it means I won’t do anything stupid.  God, I just want to give YOU praise for this…its all YOU.  Without you, it wouldn’t be possible.

Until next time,

Morena

DINGA Y MANDINGA by Fernando Fortunato Vizcarrondo

DINGA Y MANDINGA by Fernando Fortunato Vizcarrondo

¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Ayé me dijite negro
Y hoy te boy a contejtá:
Mi mai se sienta en la sala.
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Yo tengo el pelo’e caíyo:
El tuyo ej seda namá;
Tu pai lo tiene bien lasio,
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Tu coló te salió blanco
Y la mejiya rosá;
Loj lábioj loj tiénej finoj . . .
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

¿Disej que mi bemba ej grande
Y mi pasa colorá?
Pero dijme, por la binge,
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Como tu nena ej blanquita
La sacaj mucho a pasiá . . .
Y yo con ganae gritate
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

A ti te gujta el fojtrote,
Y a mi brujca maniguá.
Tú te laj tiraj de blanco
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Erej blanquito enchapao
Que dentraj en sosiedá,
Temiendo que se conojca
La mamá de tu mamá.

Aquí el que no tiene dinga
Tiene mandinga . . ¡ja, ja!
Por eso yo te pregunto
¿Y tu agüela, aonde ejtá?

Ayé me dijite negro
Queriéndome abochoná.
Mi agüela sale a la sala,
Y la tuya oculta ajtá.

La pobre se ejtá muriendo
Al belse tan maltratá.
Que hajta tu perro le ladra
Si acaso a la sala bá.

¡Y bien que yo la conojco!
Se ñama siña Tatá . . .
Tu la ejconde en la cosina,
Po’que ej prieta de a beldá.

 

DINGA AND MANDINGA by Fernando Fortunato Vizcarrondo

And your grandma, where is she?

Yesterday you called me Negro,
And today I will respond to thee:
My mom sits in the living room,
And your grandma, where is she?

My hair is kinky,
Yours is like silk,
Your father’s hair is straight,
And your grandma, where is she?

Your color came out white,
And your cheeks are pink;
Your lips are thin,
And your grandma, where is she?

You say that my lips are big
And they’re always red?
But tell me, in the name of the Virgin,
And your grandma, where is she?

Since your girl is white,
You take her out a lot…
And I feel like yelling to you:
And your grandma, where is she?

You like Foxtrot,
And I like ‘Bruca Manigua’,
You display yourself as white
And your grandma, where is she?

You are white on the outside
and got into High Society
Fearing that someone may get to know
The mother of your own mami.

Here, who does not have Dinga has Mandinga ha ha ha haaa!
So again, I ask you,
And your grandma, where is she?

Yesterday you called me Negro,
Wanting to embarrass me.
My grandma steps out to the living room,
And yours hidden from everybody.

The poor woman is dying
Seeing herself so abused.
Even your dog barks at her
If she ever steps out to the living room.

And I know her very well!
Her name is Mrs. Tata
You hide her in the kitchen,
Because Negro is really… she.

Black In Latin America

quick note: I’m absolutely in love with this film.  You can watch it here.  This episode talks about the black roots of Mexico.

 

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/featured/full-episode-mexico-peru/227/

Con Amor,

La Morena

African American and African Diaspora Minor

When I wake up on thursdays I get excited!  Not because it’s one day closer to friday, (although that does help), but because I get to go to my Black Power Movement class taught by Dr. Moore.  Because of taking that class I have an extended pride in who I am, my culture, and my roots.  I realize that I was not given this position of having an education, just for the sack of having it.  It is my duty to help others as well.  Reading about Robert Williams, a black leader of the NAACP in Monore, NC during the 1950s taught me about the persistence of my people.  Mi gente!  It also further drilled the drive in my heart to be an advocate for Afro-Latinos and Indigenous communities that don’t get the justice they deserve.

Now, in addition to doing a Bridging Disciplines program, and a double major, I want to minor in African American and African Diasporic Studies.  I want to learn about not just my brother and sister in the US, but in other parts of the world.  Hooked on reading, learning and life.  I strive to be the best, and to help others become the best as well.  Black Power Movement has enlightened my spirit. 

Another note: Black women are some of the most beautiful, and fashionable women on earth.  I noticed how some sistas can make a plain skirt, and blouse look like something from Elle.  I felt proud to be apart of such a goregous race of women.

Con Amor,

La Morena

El Poder De Los Negros

I came across an incredible blog about a young woman who found out her Grandma was a Black Mexican. I found her dedication to finding the black roots in latin culture to be awesome!  Not many people take on those role and they simply see things a Black and White. 

 I’m taking Black Power Movement this semester and may I say it’s an inspiring class.  It’s part of the reason I feel so compelled to teach.  Dr.  Moore is an incredible professor, who tells the truth.  His voice is boisterous, and his stories are real.  I am more proud of being a person of African descent than I have ever been in my life.  Not only do I learn about how this movement affected us in the North, but I learned how it can be applied to the situation of Afro-Latinos in Latin American countries. 

 It has strengthened my resolve and passion for this issue.  It has made my pride in who I am and what I want to do. Now, Black Latinos are getting the recognicition they need, especially on the UT campus. In a few weeks, there will be an event called Somos Latinos where they will show a documentary called “Black In Latin America”.  Im really excited about this, because it will open the doors for more dialogue about the issue.  Today is the day for change, and I am overly enthusiatic about everything that is going on.

A “Colored” Spiderman: Breaking Barriers!

When I was growing up in the 90s, there was a wealth of Black entertainment.  Not only was there a wealth of entertainment, there was a wealth of quality entertainment that showed Blacks in a positive light.  In the 2000s, Hispanic-oriented shows began to surface on the mainstream market.  However, there was never really a show that mixed the two, races/ethnic groups…until now 

Marvel has announced that it’s new Spiderman will be Miles Morales, a half Hispanic, half black teenager from New York City.  Wow, they not only kill two birds with one stone with this (capturing both black and Hispanic audiences), but they also highlight the growing population of interracial daters and marriages between Black and Brown communities.  

I’m super stoked that this character of color is finally here.  All I can say is…it’s about time!

Why You Should Take Language Classes Seriously!

Once you get a taste of Spanish, it’s addicting.  At least for me it was.  It opened up a new world of understanding, friends, and opportunities.  Learning another language has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.  Why?  Well, for one, it’s made life all that much more interesting.  I can communicate (not perfectly or fully) with an entire different audience.  As an actor, and artist, linguistic diversity is important.  I hope to become near native/advanced in Spanish, advanced in Portuguese, and intermiedate in Italian (just because it’s a gorgeous language). 

I’d like to thank Yurixi, my fifth grade friend, for giving my my first taste of espanol.  A taste that would lead me to consume more and more the language for years to come.  You see in fifth grade, Ms. Hagger’s class, I was exposed to the strange sounds of Spanish.  This lead to a life long love of the romantic sounds, and quite a few Hispanic romantic interests.  It also lead me to find myself in the culture and research the African presence in Latin culture.  

I guess I’m writing this interest to encourage the study of other languages.  In a rainbow society where every creed, color, and language exists, it’s important for us to know what’s out there. Speaking in another language not only helps you socially, but it can help your job search as well.  

Sitting for 3 hours in Spanish 610D sucks…I know.  I’ve been there.  However, I encourage you to study a language that you find interesting.  Spanish is a great choice since we live in Texas, but what about Chinese, Arabic, Ibo, and Portuguese.  There are so many choices, and each can contribute to your greater understanding of the world you live in.  

If you just want to dive into a new language, I’d recommend going to language circle, befriending native/learned speakers, and listening to music, watching television in your target language.  I have a favorite Spanish telenovela, Mi Corazon Insiste with JenCarlos Canela. Also consider study aboard.  I hope to spend a semester of my senior in either Spain or the Dominican Republic. 

Whatever language you decide to study, don’t forget your goals and passions.  The only thing that keeps me studying Spanish is the goal of one day being able to listen to a Spanish speaking stranger and understand 90 percent of what they are saying without actively, on-purpose translating.  Whatever I set my mind to I can do.  You just have to have that attitude. 

Happy language learning.

It’s like listening to hiphop, only in spanish-Los Rakas

“Yo si soy, yo si soy, yo si soy RAKA…” I don’t even know what a RAKA is but I am captured by the sound and rhythms of my latest obession rap group, Los Rakas.  I grew up around old school hip hop from my dad, and eventually became a fan of the stuff that came out in the 90′s, when music was real.  So, when I ventured into my “I can only listen to spanish music phase, it was natural that I wanted something that mirrored the music I grew up with.  I grew tired of listenign to Juanes, Luis Fonsi, and Luis Miguel.  I wanted some hip hop. 

After surfing the website tumblr, I came across a Los Rakas video.  I had no idea who they were or what they were bout, so I clicked.  “Soy Raka” played, and replayed, and replayed until I knew the lyrics by heart.  I was caturped by the infectious sounds of reggae, spanish, and hiphop tied together into a “Raka music” bow.  No, long would I have to sacrifice my love for hip hop, because Los Rakas came and saved the day.

Bay Area City residents by way of Panama, these two rappers have a way of capturing their audience without the catchy pop verses.  They just got down to the get down and create good music.  Songs like “Kalle” showcase their hard edge.  While love songs like “Abrazame”, make girls like me swoon. 

If you are looking for a bouncy reggae riddim, some sexy spanish lyrics, and music that will make you move, Los Rakas is the way to go. 

Check out their website:http://losrakas.com/

Dos Mundos Diferentes son los mismos:La Mano Negro y La Mano Marron

I am captured by the beauty of all people.  As a firm believer in God, I realize that everything he made is grand.  The variety of hair textures, skin tones, and physical phenotypes is a testament to God’s appreciation of beauty.  In the world, we have an exquisite rainbow of traits, coupled with an array of languages, and a variety of perspectives.  However, what treads us all together is our quest for happiness, and contentment in life.  We may go about it in different ways but we all want the same things.

Two Communities, One Voice

When thinking about the two communities I work with, I ponder ideas of how to bring them together.  At UT, I am involved in two organizations, Innervisions Gospel Choir and LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens).  IVGC has impacted my life in more ways than one.  While it is a diverse organization, the membership is mostly black, african-descent, or Caribbean.  Singing in the choir has allowed me to practice my faith, while learning about the Black experience in the US.  The choir members have become a family, and I beam with pride because I am apart of something so beautiful.  LULAC is my second home. It is diverse as well, with a majority Hispanic-identified membership. I feel like I represent two communities within the organization: Black Allies of the Latino community, and Afro-Latinos.  I am working with my member to host an event that educates the public about Afro-Latinos, and African roots in the Latino community.

Dos Mundos, Una Mision

Despite the cultural differences like language, African Americans and Hispanic Americans share a common goal.  That is to better there current state.  Alot of times we share the same schools, churches, and social spots.  I think it’s about time we put aside our differences and start banding together.  Especially when it comes to the issues of Afro-Latinos.  Unlike majority Latinos, and African Americans, Afro-Latinos have to struggle to be recognized.  For example, the lack of knowledge about Afro Mexicans in the Costa Chica region has lead to lack of government help, poor education, and poverty.  Getting Black and Latino communities to work together on this issue would be ideal, after all, these are OUR people.

What we can do?

I guess the question now is “What can we do?”  Even if you have limited funds, there is always something one can do.  The first step is to talk about it.  Get together with your church groups, co-workers, and research the current issues that Afro-Latinos in Latin America face.  If you are a film director, make a documentary.  If you volunteer organize a project.  The first and easiest step would be to create a dialouge about it.  This is blog is my way of informing the public of these issues and trying to find a way to help.

Works Cited

http://www.heavymentalist.com/2010/07/chad-ochocinco-black-mexicans-afro-latino-identity/

I love all flavors of guys, but latino is my favorite.

This has nothing to do with serious matters.  It’s more of just for fun.

I remember walking into my fifth grade classroom, nervous, excited, anxoius.  Like many students, I was going to another school to continue my education, leaving old friends behind, and meeting new ones.  Decked in khaki uniform pants, and a forest green polo shirt, took my seat in the last row of Ms. Hagger’s fifth grade science class.  I was eager to learn (I’m a bit of a nerd always have been), but more eager to get home, finish my homework, and watch Arthur on channel eight (yes, I was in the fifth grade, but I loved Arthur! I still do). 

And then it happened…He walked in

And then it happened…he walked in.  Now that I look back I don’t understand why I thought he was so cute back then, but he was.  Short.  Adorable. Confident. The perfect vanilla-ish contrast to my brown sugar skin.  His accent, a little different than anything I had ever heard before.  He was Omar Barcenes.  For the first few months, instead of trying to learn biology of mammals, I was trying to learn the biology of Omar.  Eventually, we became friends, and I had to hide the giant koolaid smile.  I hoped he would like me, but that dream failed when he started dating my hispanic best friend.  So, I moved on the Jaime with the chilli bowl head, his cousin Carlos with the hazel eyes, Miguel, a black culture enthusiast, and so on and so forth. 

Diversity is great…but it’s just something about Latino men:Black, Brown, White…that gets me

Oh, yeah…it’s the Spanish.  During my younger years it was uncommon for me to see Black women with Latino men, but that recently has changed.  People are starting to realize that love knows no color, and that their much more important things to worry about than someones cultural background.  I think that that is the beauty of my generation.  While there are apprehensions, and still scars from racism, there is progress. Love is love.  I believe that everyone should realize that we are all the same.  There is no biological difference between us, and race is a social construct.  I believe that culture is worth being cautious about when choosing a mate.  It’s important to see if their customs are something you can either embrace, or tolerate. 

Tyler Perry’s film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” shows a cross cultural relationship between a Black women (played by Taraji P. Henson, my favorite actress) and a hispanic man (played by Adam Rodriguez).  It’s films like this that show the growing reality of the partnership between the black and brown hand. One of my favorite books, Romiete and Julio by Sharon M. Draper, also addresses issues of interracial dating between the two groups. I am writing a play entitled “Complicado” that tells the love story of a Black woman and Hispanic man.  I am working on producing it at the University of Texas in Austin because this is a story that needs to be told.  I will keep you all posted on the progress of that project.

Using my art to break down, or at least get people to think about social barriers is what makes me happy.  If my play can encourage someone to love, respect, and appreciate a culture other than their own, my work here is done.

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