Black Latino Unity

This piece celebrates a groundbreaking Black and Latino Summit that took place in Los Angeles in 2008, organized by the groundbreaking organization, Policy Link. The images depict the parallels between the social injustices faced by Latine and Black communities in the United States. Both communities face structural racism, family separation, economic inequity, and mass incarceration. Despite these monolithic challenges, both communities are resilient and are organizing around their self-determination. The piece serves as a call for unity and solidarity among all people of color.

Additionally, many Latine people are also Black, yet this truth is not always embraced due to colonization and racism. The slave trade was prevalent throughout Latin America, even more so than in the United States. Yet many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have moved slowly—or failed entirely—to recognize the deep impacts of racism and continue to promote a white-centric culture. This piece also serves as a call for Latine people to recognize their African roots and engage in anti-racism work.