The “Afro in Afrolatinidad”: Examining Afrolatinx Experiences of Blackness Through and Afrolatin Critical Theory of Race

Author

Celine Maria Ayala Ph.D, University of New MexicoFollow

Publication Date

Spring 5-13-2023

Abstract

Scholars of Afrolatinidad across disciplines often use their work to highlight the diversity of the Latinx community (Cahuas, 2019). Those who highlight Blackness in Latinidad tend to do so by merging Chicanx, and other Latinx theories with theories of Blackness that are centered on African American experiences. Although important, these works only tell one side of a multivariant story. Using a critical, diasporic, intersectional theoretical approach, which I call an Afrolatin Critical Theory of Race (ACTR), along with 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews, I find that Afrolatinx folk navigate Blackness, educational attainment and language in ways that debunk the myth of monolithic Blackness in the United States. This dissertation focuses on the “Afro” in Afrolatinidad and demonstrates that Blackness and experiences of Blackness are not monolithic and vary based on multiple intersecting social and institutional factors. This dissertation concludes by urging scholars use critical diasporic intersectional theories when studying diverse Black groups globally.

Degree Name

Sociology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Sociology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Nancy López, The University of New Mexico

Second Committee Member

Dr. Georgiann Davis, The University of New Mexico

Third Committee Member

Dr. Ranita Ray, The University of New Mexico

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Tanya K. Hernandez, Fordham University

Keywords

Blackness, Afrolatinidad, Critical Race Theory, Race and Ethnicity

Document Type

Dissertation

Recommended Citation

Ayala, Celine Maria Ph.D. "The “Afro in Afrolatinidad”: Examining Afrolatinx Experiences of Blackness Through and Afrolatin Critical Theory of Race." (2023). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/soc_etds/99