The weekend of the Afro- Latino Festival was filled with a positive and entertaining audience that enjoyed the festivities. Different Artists and key figures of the Afrolatino community came together on July 10th to celebrate Afrolatinidad. Many individuals overlook the aspect of the importance of this event and what it means to the Latino community.
Recognizable individuals who had attended were Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer; Natasha Williams, Executive Director of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, NYS Assembly; singer Irka Mateo, members of the band Cúltura Profética, Kafu Banton, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, and Les Nubians. Also present were honorees Robert J. Rodriguez, New York State Assemblyman 68th District; New York Times Bureau Chief for Mexico,Randal Archibold; Founder and Director of the Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega; prize-winning poet Willie Perdomo; and Tech Journalist/CEO, Janel Martinez who were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Afrolatino community.
Congresswoman Yvette Clark had some honorable words to say about the event; “I recognize the valued contributions that Afrolatinos have made in our civil society, and how their presence has been somewhat muted and has not been given the recognition and acknowledgment for all that they have contributed throughout our civil society .Whether it’s through cultural ethnic expression or “intellectual activists of our communities, Afrolatinos have been out front and a part of making things happen…It is very important, particularly given where we are in our civil society that we continue to support efforts like this.”
The evening included performances by diverse local and international acts, such as Los Hacheros, Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats, Conjunto Nuevo Milenio, Kalunga Neg Mawon, DJ Beto, and Cuban songstress Danay Suarez. A mixed media installation and exhibit by artists Esteban Morales, Mariona Lloreta, and Kadine Anckle added to the evening. Capping the night was the announcement of the official proclamation by the New York State Assembly recognizing the U.N. International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).
This event was recognize to the world and propose a message within the text of the event. The message was very simple; learn about the culture that has impacted a lot of individuals in a positive manner.