As an African-American who has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies, I clearly see the connection between African-Americans and Hispanics. Both minorities have a culture that is distinctly their own that cannot be changed. Both minorities also come from a similar background of being hard workers who come from very little or nothing and work to improve their lives and the lives of others. Both also have a history of being discriminated against or held back from various opportunities because of racial issues.
I believe that African-Americans and Hispanics should work together as minorities because we can be stronger and more powerful as a combined unit. In terms of numbers, there are more African-Americans and Hispanics than Caucasians, but there are significantly more Caucasians in power in the world of politics. If both minorities unified in some way, there is a considerably greater chance of there being more changes in the country that would benefit both. In terms of culture, both minorities have distinct cultures, but they can be combined to create a culture that can truly represent America, and through that, can address any issues that arise.
Because African-Americans and Hispanics have similar histories and backgrounds, their community issues are probably very comparable. If we work together, we can feed off each other and take the best we have to offer and improve the community around us. In terms of communication, African-Americans and Hispanics need to work together because a common language or alternate method of communication can eliminate many issues currently at hand.
In my opinion, not much can be done a large-scale to strengthen the relationship between African-Americans and Hispanics. Rather, in order to truly strengthen the relationship, things should be done on a local or smaller level. Things like neighborhood organizations or local/city-wide nonprofit organizations establishing community forums to address issues at hand, is one way to begin the process of reinforcing the relationship. After this step, taking these forums and organizations to a regional level, then statewide, and then national would be the best way to fortify the two communities.
As a recent graduate of a historically black university, I fully support HBCUs as a method of support for African-Americans. HBCUs create an environment, educational and otherwise, that encourage young African-Americans to strive for the best and achieve great things that could be and should be beneficial to the community. By having an education that is designed for African-Americans, we can go into the community or any other arena and truly create a sense of unity. HBCUs could support the Hispanic population by making it clear that an education at an HBCU is not restricted to only African-Americans. Education knows no race and should be available to those who want it. I encourage HBCUs in areas where there is a strong Hispanic population to encourage Hispanic students to attend an HBCU. Even if there is not a strong Hispanic presence, HBCUs should take the extra steps to recruit Hispanic students. In the long run, it would be positive for African-Americans because we would be placed in an environment that is more indicative of how the world really is (multiethnic and multiracial). It would also be advantageous to Hispanics because they would be receiving a unique and valuable education that can be used within and outside the Hispanic community.
