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https://blackgirlnerds.com/heres-what-you-need-to-learn-about-afro-nicaraguans/
You may already know that Latin America is decorated with Afro-culture. Afro-Brazilians invented dynamic and eye-catching dance moves with the creation of Capoeira and Samba. Afro-Cubans gave the world flavorful music and dance by creating Rumba, Son, and Salsa. Let’s not forget the Afro-Colombians who rebelled to create the first free town in the Americas.
Throughout the history of Latin America, Afro-Latinos have been a crucial part of Black history. The Afro-descendants in Nicaragua are no different. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. Within its dynamic landscape, this country nestled between Honduras and Costa Rica has a rich history involving an overlooked culture. Here are some things you should know about Afro-Nicaraguans.
Demographics of Afro-Nicaraguans
There are approximately 500,000 Afro-Nicaraguans, who make up about 9% of the total population. The majority live in the Región Autónoma del Caribe Sur (RACS) and Región Autónoma Caribe Norte, which are twice the size of Maryland. Although large and filled with white beaches, geographically these regions have been isolated compared to the Central and Pacific regions of the country.
Because these regions have been separated from the main areas, some Nicaraguans view Afro-Nicaraguans as outsiders, and unfortunately, their traditions and culture are often perceived as “un-Nicaraguan.” Despite the negative opinions, Afro-Nicaraguans are embedded within the fabric of the nation.
History of Afro-Nicaraguans
One of the key components of Afro-Nicaraguan history is their activism for social change. A crucial point for Afro-Nicaraguans came after the Sandinista victory in 1979. The Sandinista victory refers to the successful overthrow of the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) on July 19, 1979.
Afro-Nicaraguan activists, intellectuals, and local leaders pushed for greater recognition of their culture and rights. June Gloria Beer, an Afro-Nicaraguan artist and activist, was known as a leader among many Afro-Nicaraguans. Her efforts were instrumental in pushing the Nicaraguan government to recognize regional languages, such as Creole and Indigenous languages, as co-official languages, helping to preserve cultural heritage. As an artist, she used her platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Afro-Nicaraguans, promoting social change and community empowerment. Beer’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for racial and cultural equality in Nicaragua and beyond.
Even though progress was made, tensions between the Sandinista government and Afro-Indigenous groups simmered. Afro-Nicaraguans and Indigenous groups wanted their autonomy, traditions, and land rights to be respected. Yet, the ruling government forces wanted to expand into Afro-Nicaraguan areas. This ignited a resistance movement, and some groups, particularly among the Miskito people, aligned with the U.S.-backed Contra rebels, leading to violent clashes.
As a result, the Sandinistas forced thousands of Miskito people to relocate in 1981 and 1982, which led to international accusations of human rights violations. Victory was finally claimed in 1987 when the Sandinista government introduced autonomy statutes, granting the Caribbean coast greater self-governance. This was a victory for Afro-Nicaraguans, allowing them to have more control over their education, land rights, and cultural preservation.
Unfortunately economic disparities and social challenges persist in the region today. Yet Afro-Nicaraguans continue to make their impact on society.
Key Elements of Afro-Nicaraguan Culture
Many languages are exchanged within Afro-Nicaraguan culture. The the two main languages are Spanish, which is the official language of Nicaragua. There’s also Creole English, which is influenced by British English and African languages. Miskito and Garifuna are some of the Indigenous languages also spoken within the region.
Dance and Music
Like Black people around the world, music and dance are pillars of the culture. Blending African drumming, reggae, and calypso, popular dances like Palo de Mayo have emerged. This dance and music style consists of energetic movements and rhythmic footwork performed to traditional instruments such as the marimbas and drums. The dance often includes movements that mimic the gestures of planting and harvesting, reflecting the agricultural roots of the celebration. Dancers often wear vibrant costumes decorated with flowers to symbolize fertility and the beauty of nature.
Palo de Mayo is not just a performance but an inclusive event that involves the entire community, with people of all ages participating in the dances and celebrations. This fosters a sense of unity and collective identity among Afro-Nicaraguans.
Food
Coconut is a staple ingredient in Afro-Nicaraguan cuisine. Many popular dishes include a rich coconut-based seafood stew and pan de coco, a traditional coconut bread. Seafood, plantains, and cassava are often key elements in the region’s gastronomy.
Afro-Nicaraguans, like many across the African diaspora, have endured discrimination and hatred. Despite the circumstances they’ve faced, this vibrant group continues to celebrate and preserve their traditions. Through festivals, storytelling, music, and activism, they ensure that their rich cultural identity remains an integral part of Nicaragua’s diverse heritage.
The post Here’s What You Need to Learn about Afro-Nicaraguans appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
You may already know that Latin America is decorated with Afro-culture. Afro-Brazilians invented dynamic and eye-catching dance moves with the creation of Capoeira and Samba. Afro-Cubans gave the world flavorful music and dance by creating Rumba, Son, and Salsa. Let’s not forget the Afro-Colombians who rebelled to create the first free town in the Americas.
Throughout the history of Latin America, Afro-Latinos have been a crucial part of Black history. The Afro-descendants in Nicaragua are no different. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. Within its dynamic landscape, this country nestled between Honduras and Costa Rica has a rich history involving an overlooked culture. Here are some things you should know about Afro-Nicaraguans.
Demographics of Afro-Nicaraguans
There are approximately 500,000 Afro-Nicaraguans, who make up about 9% of the total population. The majority live in the Región Autónoma del Caribe Sur (RACS) and Región Autónoma Caribe Norte, which are twice the size of Maryland. Although large and filled with white beaches, geographically these regions have been isolated compared to the Central and Pacific regions of the country.
Because these regions have been separated from the main areas, some Nicaraguans view Afro-Nicaraguans as outsiders, and unfortunately, their traditions and culture are often perceived as “un-Nicaraguan.” Despite the negative opinions, Afro-Nicaraguans are embedded within the fabric of the nation.
History of Afro-Nicaraguans
One of the key components of Afro-Nicaraguan history is their activism for social change. A crucial point for Afro-Nicaraguans came after the Sandinista victory in 1979. The Sandinista victory refers to the successful overthrow of the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) on July 19, 1979.
Afro-Nicaraguan activists, intellectuals, and local leaders pushed for greater recognition of their culture and rights. June Gloria Beer, an Afro-Nicaraguan artist and activist, was known as a leader among many Afro-Nicaraguans. Her efforts were instrumental in pushing the Nicaraguan government to recognize regional languages, such as Creole and Indigenous languages, as co-official languages, helping to preserve cultural heritage. As an artist, she used her platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Afro-Nicaraguans, promoting social change and community empowerment. Beer’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for racial and cultural equality in Nicaragua and beyond.
Even though progress was made, tensions between the Sandinista government and Afro-Indigenous groups simmered. Afro-Nicaraguans and Indigenous groups wanted their autonomy, traditions, and land rights to be respected. Yet, the ruling government forces wanted to expand into Afro-Nicaraguan areas. This ignited a resistance movement, and some groups, particularly among the Miskito people, aligned with the U.S.-backed Contra rebels, leading to violent clashes.
As a result, the Sandinistas forced thousands of Miskito people to relocate in 1981 and 1982, which led to international accusations of human rights violations. Victory was finally claimed in 1987 when the Sandinista government introduced autonomy statutes, granting the Caribbean coast greater self-governance. This was a victory for Afro-Nicaraguans, allowing them to have more control over their education, land rights, and cultural preservation.
Unfortunately economic disparities and social challenges persist in the region today. Yet Afro-Nicaraguans continue to make their impact on society.
Key Elements of Afro-Nicaraguan Culture
Many languages are exchanged within Afro-Nicaraguan culture. The the two main languages are Spanish, which is the official language of Nicaragua. There’s also Creole English, which is influenced by British English and African languages. Miskito and Garifuna are some of the Indigenous languages also spoken within the region.
Dance and Music
Like Black people around the world, music and dance are pillars of the culture. Blending African drumming, reggae, and calypso, popular dances like Palo de Mayo have emerged. This dance and music style consists of energetic movements and rhythmic footwork performed to traditional instruments such as the marimbas and drums. The dance often includes movements that mimic the gestures of planting and harvesting, reflecting the agricultural roots of the celebration. Dancers often wear vibrant costumes decorated with flowers to symbolize fertility and the beauty of nature.
Palo de Mayo is not just a performance but an inclusive event that involves the entire community, with people of all ages participating in the dances and celebrations. This fosters a sense of unity and collective identity among Afro-Nicaraguans.
Food
Coconut is a staple ingredient in Afro-Nicaraguan cuisine. Many popular dishes include a rich coconut-based seafood stew and pan de coco, a traditional coconut bread. Seafood, plantains, and cassava are often key elements in the region’s gastronomy.
Afro-Nicaraguans, like many across the African diaspora, have endured discrimination and hatred. Despite the circumstances they’ve faced, this vibrant group continues to celebrate and preserve their traditions. Through festivals, storytelling, music, and activism, they ensure that their rich cultural identity remains an integral part of Nicaragua’s diverse heritage.
The post Here’s What You Need to Learn about Afro-Nicaraguans appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
The old saying states that behind every successful man is a woman, but we’d like to adjust that saying to better fit modern times by saying that next to every successful man is a successful, unwavering woman. Rachel Robinson, who just recently turned 102, is far more than just the widow of a successful man — the baseball legend Jackie Robinson — she is a trailblazer in her own right whose life is defined by her own extraordinary contributions to the field of medicine, racial equality, and philanthropic work.
By being born in Los Angeles, California, in 1922, Rachel Robinson, born Rachel Isum, came to a world that’s very different from today’s — it was a time when opportunities for women, particularly Black women, were severely limited. Yet, that didn’t stop her from pursuing a career in nursing. She attended Manual Arts High School and the University of California (UCLA), where she met the baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 1941 before his baseball eligibility at the university ran out.
In 1945, Rachel graduated from UCLA with a degree in nursing, which is an impressive feat. Back then, societal norms greatly stifled women’s academic and professional ambitions, and things were even harder for women of color, as they also had to fight systemic racism. However, Rachel’s determination allowed her to shatter all the limitations imposed upon her by said societal norms. Following her graduation, Rachel married Jackie Robinson in 1946, one year before he broke into the big leagues as the first Black baseball player to play in the MLB.
She and Jackie had three children, Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David, the latter of whom now has ten kids of his own. After Jackie Robinson — portrayed masterfully by Chadwick Boseman in the movie 42 — retired from professional baseball in 1956, Rachel, having established herself as a capable nurse, decided to pursue her education even further. She went on to earn a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from New York University (NYU) in 1959. This not only enhanced her professional credentials but also expanded her understanding of the human condition.
Her advanced studies laid solid groundwork for her future contributions to the field of mental health and a place at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she worked as a researcher and clinician at the College’s Department of Social and Community Psychiatry. After spending five years there, she became an assistant professor at the Yale School of Nursing and later the director of nursing at Connecticut Mental Health Center. Her work was based on the belief in the importance of treating the whole person, both physically and psychically — a belief that continues to influence modern practices to this day.
Yet, perhaps one of Rachel’s most enduring legacies are her roles as a civil rights activist and philanthropist. Beginning in 1963, Rachel and Jackie Robinson would regularly host legendary jazz concerts at their come in Connecticut. These events served as fundraisers for jailed civil rights activists who tirelessly fought against racial discrimination. She contributed to the fight against racial inequalities in her own way, though she didn’t just protest against injustice. Her approach to activism was about creating lasting structures that would support minority communities, which is something she later realized through her philanthropic work.
Following the premature death of Jackie Robinson due to a heart attack in 1972 (just 53 years old), Rachel Robinson incorporated the Jackie Robinson Development Corporation. This real estate development company focused on funding and developing housing for low- to moderate-income families. A year later, in 1973, she also founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and leadership opportunities to Black students, with a clear mission to tear down barriers that hinder their academic and professional success.
Over the decades, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has supported over a thousand minority students, boasting an impressive 97% graduation rate among its scholars. This foundation allowed Rachel Robinson, who has been an ardent crusader for opportunity through education, to invest in the future of countless young individuals coming from communities that have historically been marginalized. However, it’s also important to recognize that Rachel Robinson’s contributions go well beyond her professional and descriptive titles of a nurse, an activist, and a philanthropist.
Her contributions to our society have resonated through the decades and continue to resonate still, illustrating the amount of impact a single individual can have on a society. So, while history often casts her into the shadows of her husband’s monumental achievements on the baseball field, it’s clear that Rachel’s own achievements are equally if not even more important. Now, at 102 years old, Rachel remains a living testament that the true measure of success or a life well-lived often isn’t found in accolades and public recognition but in the countless lives that have been influenced by our own actions.
The post Let’s Take a Moment to Celebrate Jackie Robinson’s Wife, Rachel Robinson, Who Just Turned 102 appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
It had all the makings of a great Gundam series between epic fights…
Political commentary…
And opening and ending themes that’d make you cry every time and also tear your hair out at the implications of the imagery.
It was also hella and unapologetically gay in the best way possible. It was very much baked into the text from the pilot, and it was one of the many ways that distinguished Witch from Mercury from its predecessors.
Now, my first exposure to the Gundam franchise was actually the least Gundam of all: Mobile Fighter G Gundam that bares more resemblances to a stock shonen anime than the complex spatial political drama that it takes its iconic mecha design from, but I still in fact loved it.
And up until February 26th, I only ever had passing knowledge of the Universal Century timeline outside of enjoying the Hathaway movie on Netflix. I knew some things like the difference between Zakus and Gundams, Minovsky particles, the concept of Newtypes and the ubiquity of the character archetype that originated with Char.
I bring all of this up because what the trailer for Gundam GQuuuuuuX neglected to mention a very key bit of information: it takes place in an alternate timeline.
When I went to the special early IMAX showing of GQuuuuuuX (pronounced G-Quacks if you were wondering), I was expecting about three episodes worth of content, and I did in fact get that. It just so happened that the first episode’s worth of anime was a brilliantly streamlined revision of the story.
I had to look this up, but in the original series, Amuro Ray became a Gundam pilot after getting into the mecha to defend his home from Zakus sent on the order of one Char Aznable. In the world of GQuuuuuuX though, Char personally investigates this mysterious Gundam, and things spiral from there. The opening episode is drawn in a style that perfectly replicates the original 1980’s animation style to a T. Even without a complete knowledge, the episode, which is essentially a prologue, moves swiftly and efficiently and conveys all of the key plots with ease. We see how the world is shaped by Char’s actions. We see the consequences of war. We set the stage for the series I was actually expecting to watch.
GQuuuuuuX proper is the story about Amate (who later goes by Machu), our red-headed protagonist, who was simply going about her day before being trampled by a random passerby and then gets implicated in an underground fight ring, Clan Battles. I don’t want to spoil much past that because in lieu of watching the series on an IMAX, the best thing you can do is watch the series fresh.
Everything about the series works. The character designs pop. The mecha designs are cool. The animation is phenomenal. The music is ethereal. The opening theme gets you hyped (by the by, Kenshi Yonezu, having a very good year in terms of anime OPs, since he’s also responsible for Bow and Arrow for Medalist.).
This collaboration with Sunrise (the company that owns Gundam) and Studio Khara (the minds behind Neon Genesis Evangelion) is yet another breath of fresh air, and not just for the Gundam franchise. In a media landscape that constantly attempts to use “What Ifs” to extend the longevity of the franchise, we get a series of mixed results whether it is the soft reboot of Digimon Adventures and Code Geass (which are in fact examples of mixed results). GQuuuuuuX is a shining example of an alternate reality story that is just unequivocally good. A simple change that results in a cascade of consequences that is contained within an episode’s worth of run time that perfectly sets up a new story that is accessible to all. Old fans get to bask in call backs and easter eggs. New fans get to enjoy the ride without having to watch several hours of content to have a baseline understanding.
I was excited from the moment the trailer dropped, and I am chomping at the bit for the rest of the series after that preview. This is everything I love about Gundam: political drama in space and giant robots. Is it as unabashedly gay as its direct predecessor? To be determined. It gives bi-energy if nothing else. But if this is the only time you hear me gush about this series, it’s because I have voluntarily put my critic hat away so I can keep my happy fan cap on because I adore what I have.
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The post ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX’ – The Hype is in Fact Porportional to the Number of Us in GQuuuuuuX appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.