I graduated from college with a BA in Communications (PR) and later went on to earn an MA in Strategic Communications. During this time I was working at an advertising agency and was very unsatisfied. It wasn’t until I decided to take a freelance writing course that I learned how to make a living as a writer. It was then that I decided to change my career path and follow my passion. I moved to NYC in the fall of 2012 for a fresh start and to pursue freelance writing.

In doing so, I knew I wanted to write from a personal standpoint. I wanted to inspire and help others. So I decided I would write personal essays, sharing my life and difficult situations for others to learn and gain encouragement from.

Writing about my Afro-Latino identity just came about, as I wanted to share my stories for other Afro-Latinas to relate to. When I was growing up I didn’t have/didn’t know of any Afro-Latinas in the media whose story was like mine. Other than family, I had no one to identify with. I hope my writing can bring some sort of comfort to an Afro-Latina that might be struggling with her identity. I want her to read my writing and not feel alone in whatever she may be going through with trying to fit in or understanding her culture.

How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe yourself?

I consider myself Afro-Latina. I feel the term completely identifies me. Afro: for my African descent. Latina: because my family is from a Latin American country.

What is your earliest memory of identifying as Afro-Latina? How did you come to identify as Afro-Latina?

I’d never heard of the term Afro-Latina until 2011. My dad sent me an email from one of his friends about a documentary featuring Afro-Latinos who discussed being underrepresented in the media. After watching it, I went on to research the term and watch additional videos of the same topic on YouTube. After grasping the concept and realizing the term described me I started referring to myself as such.

Who inspires you?

My parents inspire me. They came to this country and started their lives over. They came here and accomplished more than a lot of people who were born here. My parents worked hard to give me and my brother opportunities that they never imagined for themselves while growing up in Panamá. By them pursuing the ‘American Dream,’ they helped me realize and pursue mine. Their work ethic has inspired me in numerous situations and has encouraged me to keep going and keep striving to accomplish my goals.

Which Latina matriarch do you most identify with and why?

I would have to say all the women in my family (my mom, tías, and abuelas). Whether from my dad’s side or my mom’s; all these women are strong willed and have no problem standing up for themselves. They are all confident and that is what I identify with most.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You are unique and different for a reason. Always stay true to yourself and what you believe. Stand for something so you won’t fall for anything.

You can follow Tamika on Twitter at @TameeksB. Check back next week for our next “Everyday Chica” profile. If you’d like to nominate an Afro-Latina to be featured in this section, email aintilatina@gmail.com or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.

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