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Congressional Hispanic Caucus Celebrates Contributions of Afro-Latinos in Recognition of Black History Month

February 28, 2022

For Immediate Release

Monday, February 28, 2022

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Sebastian Roa

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) held a virtual event to mark the end of Black History Month, shed light on the unique lived experiences of the Afro-Latino community, and celebrate their contributions to Hispanic communities around the globe. CHC Chair Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), and CHC Members Reps. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) shared the following statements on the event:

"Every day, Afro-Latinos accomplish incredible achievements that inspire Hispanic communities here in the U.S. and abroad," said Chair Dr. Raul Ruiz. "The CHC proudly embraces our diversity and cultural heritage during Black History Month and celebrates CHC Members Congressmen Ritchie Torres, Adriano Espaillat, and Antonio Delgado who make the CHC even stronger and more vibrant as leaders for their communities on Capitol Hill."

"As an Afro-Dominican, I take great pride in my roots and those of my ancestors and celebrate my identity, because I know it matters for current and future generations," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican American elected to Congress. "Representation matters and understanding its impact on each of us helps ensure a more equitable society. That is what tonight is about-- sharing our Afro-Latinx experiences, discussing the history of Black Latinidad, and engaging in an important conversation of black identities within the Latinx community."

"As one of the first Afro-Latino Members of Congress, I cannot help but feel an immense sense of gratitude, but also the weight of history on my shoulders. This kind of representation matters because it means diversity of lived experience. My Afro-Latino identity enables me to see racism inter-sectionally, within multiple cultures and across multiple spheres," saidRep. Ritchie Torres. "Conversations like today's with the CHC leave us with a better appreciation and understanding of racial diversity, representation, and intersectionality across the US and beyond. Membership in both the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus allows me to bring greater visibility to the multiracial community that is the Hispanic community and engage my colleagues in meaningful conversations to legislate more effectively. I am grateful for the efforts of the CHC and Chair Ruiz in supporting this inclusive and thoughtful event during Black History Month."

"There is so much to learn from the Afro-Latino leaders who have come before us and contributed to our culture, music, literature, politics, sports, and beyond," said Rep. Antonio Delgado. "While it is the last day of Black History Month, we must continue lifting up voices and sharing these stories."

The following distinguished Afro-Latinos attended as honored guest speakers:

  • Remysell Salas, Professor for the Department of Ethnic and Race Studies at CUNY
  • Anthony Stevens-Acevedo, M.A., Associate Researcher and Former Assistant Director at the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute
  • Tanya K. Hernández, Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.