Aquí, allí, allá (pronounced ah-key, ah-yee, ah-yah). That was the first set of Spanish words I learned as a freshman in high school. At the time I was more intrigued by how well the trio flowed when said aloud than their actual meanings. Translated in English they mean here, there, and over there. When I took the time to analyze them on a deeper level, I realized that they are a perfect description for the make-up of our nation. Many boast about how well we as Americans are united but the reality is that we have the Blacks here, the Hispanics there, and the Whites over there; aquí, allí, allá. We share the same space but are we doing more than co-existing? During my beginning years of learning Spanish, I appreciated it. I quickly realized that this was a device that could link one race to another, reach out to an overlooked community, and increase cultural awareness. When the time came for me to decide what to study in college, I was eager to declare America’s second language in my road to becoming bilingual. I also chose Public Relations because it is the track within Communications that constantly seeks to advocate change. Juntos (pronounced hoon-tose). I didn’t learn this word until my college years. The meaning is together. When put into action, its power is immeasurable. There is extreme power in numbers. We as a Black community have constantly been fighting for economic, political, and educational advancement. While we have accomplished many goals and broken many barriers, the fight continues. We’ve achieved so much independently that I imagine results would multiply if we joined forces with the Hispanic community. According to the 2006 Census, the Black population was 36,419,434 and the Hispanic population was 35,305,818. Even though math is not my best subject, I know when you add these together our resources will double. In turn, our chances of yielding positive results will double. Black people and Hispanics/Latinos have more in common than being “minorities”. We share similar struggles. We both have had an ongoing fight against structural racism. Recently there has been much controversy over the status of immigrants. Although people immigrate from all over the world, the only ones that are highlighted because for their illegal status are Mexicans, Guatemalans, and other Hispanics/Latinos. I have spoken to people that come from a range of countries, some being Germany, Armenia, and Mexico. The common denominator within those that have green cards is that they are mainly European although the process to gain legal status is said to be unbiased. I compare this situation with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Before that time we were technically permitted to vote but with Jim Crow alive and eager to hold us back, the likelihood of a Black person voting was slim. The Voting Rights Act was a blessing. As we overcome trial after trial, it is our duty to pay it forward to the next race. Working as one to address political, cultural, and economic issues empowers both races and shows decision-makers that we are unstoppable. Moreover, we can create multiple opportunities within ourselves. Before the Hispanic/Latino community and Black community become a unified powerhouse, we must strengthen the relationship between the two communities. The best way to do so is exposure. The proper exposure amongst the two will eliminate prejudices and start our growth. I am a prime example of the positive effects of exposure. Once upon a time, I would not hesitate to join a joke session with Mexicans as the main focus. The jokes quickly ended after I spent time with them through volunteer work and even lived with a family in Mexico with as an exchange program. I gained a deep admiration for their culture. They have incredible work ethics, strong family values, and have a collective society. I would have never knew the depth of their humility if I hadn’t challenged my own prejudices. If Black people saw the best of Hispanics and Hispanics saw the best of Blacks, growing and building together would be simple. We would be arm’s length away from strong unity. Once a level of unity is achieved, we need a constant support system. Historically Black Colleges & Universities are the strongest outlets and means of support as they continually breed leaders. In order to sustain the needs of a Black-Hispanic alliance, a possible step would be in the classroom. Including math, English, and science into the core curriculum is definitely a must. However, including classes dealing with cross-cultural growth would be even better. We have to learn how to tolerate and work with people outside of our comfort zone. If a class like this is required, students would be more prone to want to further any such dealings and development. I love the idea of a movement from aquí, allí, allá to juntos. Working together to achieve a common goal is common in our history. Then and only then do the benefits of unity manifest. Hispanics and Blacks have a great deal in common and a great potential to achieve excellence together. When we uplift each other, we create an internal power that cannot be broken. As a result, our strength turns into ongoing success. Unidos!
Aquí, allí, allá (pronounced ah-key, ah-yee, ah-yah). That was the first set of Spanish words I learned as a freshman in high school. At the time I was more intrigued by how well the trio flowed when said aloud than their actual meanings. Translated in English they mean here, there, and over there. When I took the time to analyze them on a deeper level, I realized that they are a perfect description for the make-up of our nation. Many boast about how well we as Americans are united but the reality is that we have the Blacks here, the Hispanics there, and the Whites over there; aquí, allí, allá. We share the same space but are we doing more than co-existing?During my beginning years of learning Spanish, I appreciated it. I quickly realized that this was a device that could link one race to another, reach out to an overlooked community, and increase cultural awareness. When the time came for me to decide what to study in college, I was eager to declare America’s second language in my road to becoming bilingual. I also chose Public Relations because it is the track within Communications that constantly seeks to advocate change.Juntos (pronounced hoon-tose). I didn’t learn this word until my college years. The meaning is together. When put into action, its power is immeasurable. There is extreme power in numbers. We as a Black community have constantly been fighting for economic, political, and educational advancement. While we have accomplished many goals and broken many barriers, the fight continues. We’ve achieved so much independently that I imagine results would multiply if we joined forces with the Hispanic community. According to the 2006 Census, the Black population was 36,419,434 and the Hispanic population was 35,305,818. Even though math is not my best subject, I know when you add these together our resources will double. In turn, our chances of yielding positive results will double. Black people and Hispanics/Latinos have more in common than being “minorities”. We share similar struggles. We both have had an ongoing fight against structural racism. Recently there has been much controversy over the status of immigrants. Although people immigrate from all over the world, the only ones that are highlighted because for their illegal status are Mexicans, Guatemalans, and other Hispanics/Latinos. I have spoken to people that come from a range of countries, some being Germany, Armenia, and Mexico. The common denominator within those that have green cards is that they are mainly European although the process to gain legal status is said to be unbiased. I compare this situation with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Before that time we were technically permitted to vote but with Jim Crow alive and eager to hold us back, the likelihood of a Black person voting was slim. The Voting Rights Act was a blessing. As we overcome trial after trial, it is our duty to pay it forward to the next race. Working as one to address political, cultural, and economic issues empowers both races and shows decision-makers that we are unstoppable. Moreover, we can create multiple opportunities within ourselves. Before the Hispanic/Latino community and Black community become a unified powerhouse, we must strengthen the relationship between the two communities. The best way to do so is exposure. The proper exposure amongst the two will eliminate prejudices and start our growth. I am a prime example of the positive effects of exposure. Once upon a time, I would not hesitate to join a joke session with Mexicans as the main focus. The jokes quickly ended after I spent time with them through volunteer work and even lived with a family in Mexico as an exchange program. I gained a deep admiration for their culture. They have incredible work ethics, strong family values, and have a collective society. I would have never knew the depth of their humility if I hadn’t challenged my own prejudices. If Black people saw the best of Hispanics and Hispanics saw the best of Blacks, growing and building together would be simple. We would be arm’s length away from strong unity.Once a level of unity is achieved, we need a constant support system. Historically Black Colleges & Universities are the strongest outlets and means of support as they continually breed leaders. In order to sustain the needs of a Black-Hispanic alliance, a possible step would be in the classroom. Including math, English, and science into the core curriculum is definitely a must. However, including classes dealing with cross-cultural growth would be even better. We have to learn how to tolerate and work with people outside of our comfort zone. If a class like this is required, students would be more prone to want to further any such dealings and development. I love the idea of a movement from aquí, allí, allá to juntos. Working together to achieve a common goal is common in our history. Then and only then do the benefits of unity manifest. Hispanics and Blacks have a great deal in common and a great potential to achieve excellence together. When we uplift each other, we create an internal power that cannot be broken. As a result, our strength turns into ongoing success. Unidos!
