About Us
Our history
The Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective, a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying and celebrating Afro-Latino voices, is a testament to the power of grassroots action and the strength of community vision.
Our journey commenced with the inception of the Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbean Community of California aka AfroCalifornia Facebook page in 2020. A call to action that emerged amidst a global backdrop of heightened social awareness, AfroCalifornia embodied the spirit of community, unity, and cultural pride. It served as an online platform designed to address the invisibility and marginalization of the Afro-Latino community in California, particularly in education and arts sectors.
However, the vision was greater than the confines of a digital platform. The initial spark lit by AfroCalifornia caught fire, galvanizing a community to rally around the shared desire for visibility, equality, and celebration of Afro-Latino heritage. Our founders, moved by the energy, passion, and determination of this united front, recognized the need to build upon the initial momentum and expand the reach of AfroCalifornia beyond the digital realm.
The start of AfroCalifornia marked the beginning of our collective's journey, its flame igniting the founding of the Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective. We set out to bridge the gap between education and arts for Afro-Latinos, aiming to foster cultural pride, empower our community, and inspire the next generation of Afro-Latino leaders.
The collective was formally launched as a non-profit organization, with an expanded mission to uplift the Afro-Latino community not only in California, but across the nation and beyond. Our core initiatives include cultural education programs, art workshops, mentorship programs, and scholarships to ensure equitable opportunities and resources for Afro-Latinos.
Today, the Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective stands as a beacon of hope and strength for our community. We are proud to be part of a movement that has been shaped by the power of grassroots activism, collective vision, and unwavering commitment to our cause. Our story is not just about a non-profit organization; it is a testament to the strength of community, the power of shared vision, and the indomitable spirit of the Afro-Latino people.
Our staff & volunteers
We are incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional team of dedicated individuals at Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective. From our passionate volunteers to our committed staff members, each person brings their unique talents and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their collective expertise, creativity, and drive empower us to make a lasting impact in the Afro-Latino community and beyond.
Our volunteers embody the spirit of selflessness and community upliftment. They generously offer their time, skills, and energy to support our initiatives, whether it's organizing events, mentoring youth, or providing invaluable assistance behind the scenes. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspire us every day, reminding us of the power of grassroots efforts.
Behind the scenes, our staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their professionalism, expertise, and tireless efforts ensure that our programs and initiatives run smoothly and effectively. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, enabling us to deliver high-quality educational and artistic experiences that celebrate Afro-Latino culture and promote social change.
Together, our team creates a collaborative and inclusive environment that nurtures creativity, fosters learning, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for the amazing people who contribute their time and talents to Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective, as they are the driving force behind our success.
Our mission
At Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective, we strive to ignite, inspire, and invigorate our community and beyond by promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation for the richly diverse, vibrant, and resilient Afro-Latino culture. We are unshakable in our belief that education and the arts can serve as potent tools for societal transformation, fostering dialogue, and eradicating longstanding barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice.
We envision a world where every individual can recognize and embrace the intertwined histories, shared experiences, and boundless creativity within the Afro-Latino community. Our mission is to inform and educate, shedding light on the myriad contributions of Afro-Latinos in shaping the world's social, cultural, and political landscapes. We are committed to illuminating the extraordinary tapestry that is Afro-Latino history and its ongoing relevance to contemporary society.
Our work doesn't stop there. We are deeply invested in the pursuit of social equity for the broader Black and Latino communities. We advocate for equal access to resources, opportunities, and the tools necessary to succeed, nurturing a climate of justice, respect, and inclusivity. We believe in uplifting the voices that have long been overlooked, empowering our communities to claim their rightful place in the narrative of our collective future.
We seek to promote unity, inspire self-identity, and amplify the power of storytelling. Our efforts are dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of education and the arts, encouraging our communities to learn, express, connect, and grow. We believe in the power of representation, in the beauty of diversity, and in the vital importance of cultural preservation.
In this vibrant collective, we believe in the strength of unity. We celebrate the beauty of diversity and the resilience of our ancestors. We strive to create a world where every Afro-Latino child can see their heritage reflected in the arts and in educational materials, understanding their past and envisioning a future full of potential.
Join us as we champion the history, culture, and experiences of the Afro-Latino community. Let's work together to uplift and educate, transforming our society through the boundless power of knowledge and art. Our journey is far from over, and we invite you to walk with us as we continue to shape a more equitable, inclusive, and enlightened world. Together, we can change the narrative. Together, we rise.