One thing about Panamanians, we always recognize our people as soon as we open our mouths. You don’t even have to see them. You just hear that distinct sound and you know it’s family. The same goes for when we find each other in these internet streets. If I see the Panama flag in that bio it’s an automatic follow. However, there’s something about being able to see, share and interact with people who share my culture that makes me feel a sense of belonging.
For as long as I can remember I’ve been answering questions about my race and ethnicity. In a world where people are constantly confused (yes even in the year 2021) about Black Latinos and where we come from. I am always making sure I leverage my platforms and influence to amplify Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women’s voices, more specifically Panamanian voices. So I want to share with you some of the Panamanians I have had the honor to know, either in real life or online life.
Diomara D
Singer/Songwriter from Brooklyn, NY.
DJ Bembona
Boricua-Panamanian, New York native known for spinning Afro-diasporic tracks. What started as a way to listen to songs she wanted to hear while entertaining friends at college house parties turned into a story of self-affirmation.
Reggaeton Con La Gata
Katelina Eccleston, creator of Reggaeton Con La Gata a multimedia platform dedicated to the history, and evolution of reggaetón. She started this platform in 2017 as a result of her interest to bridge academia and reggaetón.
Mai-Elka Prado Gil
Singer-songwriter, producer, curator and the creator of the Afro Latino Festival of New York.
Hashtagiamenough
Created by Jenay Wright, #Iamenough is a platform for Afro-Latinas to come and share their stories. Each story is crafted with passion to give Afro-Latinas a voice to express themselves and love the skin they are in.
Dez A La Mocha
Desireé aka Dez combined her love of travel and her love of her country and founded AfroLatinas Travel and Gems by Mocha.
Blactina Media
Created by filmmaker Nydia Simone, Blactina Media aims to amplify Afrolatinx and Caribbean stories with an emphasis on women through media and entertainment.
Iris Beilin
Freelance self-taught makeup artist. She went from working the Mac counter to becoming a popular Youtuber.
Chefdnyc
Darrell Alleyne is a private chef from NYC as well as the winner of the 2nd season of Food Network Supermarket Steakout
Mr. Erick Cedeno
He’s a cycling enthusiast, a model, as well as a brand new father!
Panamanians Are A Whole Vibe!
When you look through this list the main thing that should stand out is that we are all Black Latinos. I remember having conversations with people who had no idea Panamanians are also Black. However, I grew up around people who looked just like me. We would gather for “bingo” and listened to Spanish reggae. Afterward, we would enjoy a potluck which always included arroz con pollo.
While it may be true that Panamanians are loud and very expressive when you see us make sure to speak. A “wappin” or “que xopa” goes a long way.
Last but not least remember to follow me!
[…] had to do is remove toxic people and relationships from my life. I know I just did a post about “finding my mom tribe” so you are probably thinking “why would she be removing friends when she’s trying to make […]