It is currently Hispanic Heritage Month, so I wanted to talk to you a little bit about where your family is from, when they arrived in this country, and what this month means to you. When did your parents first come to the United States?
My parents migrated to the States in 1991 from Panama. They grew up there, they were both born and raised there. Though they both migrated in the same year, they did not know each other. They met here in the States, some years after they migrated here.
Do you know the reasons why they decided to leave?
One thing that my mother told me is that there were so many different opportunities that they were able to access here in the States. And even though the education in Panama was great education, there were opportunities for work and for growth here that were easier or a little bit less difficult to attain, especially for people of their skin complexion. Because there is still a level of colorism that they experienced [in Panama].
A common story I have noticed for many Afro-Latinos is that when they come to the U.S. they feel that they have to shed some of the aspects of their “latinidad” to kind of fit in and be something more acceptable to American culture. Do you think that affected your parents when they came to this country?
Yes, definitely. One thing they experienced was not being able to fit into a specific category and being stuck in that kind of in-between space. They came here and they were too Hispanic for the black people and too black for the Hispanic people––and then they're also not white. So, they didn’t really know where to put themselves. When they came here, you know, this whole Afro-Latino grouping really wasn’t a thing and not everybody is thinking “where do we put these people?”
Did you or your parents find a Panamanian community or maybe another community of Afro-Latinos here in the states?
Definitely, I have a lot of family friends who are not blood family but have Panamanian or Dominican roots, and who have some of those same experiences that come from Hispanic and black culture.
It was a blessing to have a big loving family. Of course, some still in Panama, but as well as some who also migrated here. So I have a lot of aunts who are always over at the house.
There were also people who my parents met here, or who went to school with my parents. and ended up all being in the same area. So we all get together when the parades come up or when they have festivals. It's definitely nice to have that community, and even the conversation that I'm having with you right now, these are the same kinds of conversations that you often see with my family at home; they're just reflecting on the experience which is so unique to our culture.
What are some of your favorite things about being Panamanian?
The food. Having an Afro-Latina as my mother, she is able to not only bring in such great African-American style food from being here, but she also has the key into Panamanian food and that rich culture, so she can do it all. Also the dress, like the pollera, and tembleques. The art as well, like molas. And then like every time we have little events at the house, or sometimes you might just turn the music on and dance, hearing all the stories from my parents of different things they did while they were there.
So, there's this saying I’ve heard here that “Panama es el puente del mundo y el corazón del universo,” which is basically, “Panama is the bridge of the world and the heart of the universe.” Because of its unique position in terms of its geography and such. How do you think that where Panama is located geographically has helped form its culture?
I definitely think the Panama Canal is so significant. My mother told me about how it is such an essential shipping route as it saves tremendous time for ships going between so many different places. And how the history of the canal brought tons of people to Panama from all around the world.
As the quote puts it, “the heart of the universe,” when people talk about Panama, sometimes they separate it from the other regions of Latin America, which really just kind of speaks to the uniqueness and the strength that Panama has as a nation. I think that also shaped the culture of the people in terms of them being so strong. The idea of being the heart of the universe was able to ingrain itself into the culture of the people and the pride that we have for Panama.
What are some things that you think are unique and special about Panamanian culture?
A lot of the folklore and the outfits. Also, I've been able to travel with my family to go to visit some of the indigenous villages and I was just really able to see the richness of the culture, even how it was years before things were modernized. There you're able to see how much of the native culture and traditions of the people are transferred into modern day Panamanian culture.
I think that's one thing that separates us, just still keeping up with those roots, along with the European and African traditions that make up our culture.
What are some ways that you think being Panamanian influences the way you see the world the way you interact with other cultures?
One thing that I think is big in Panama is respect. Respect for your elders specifically but also in your community. My parents raised me with that same mindset. I think it also comes into play when I'm learning about other cultures and it teaches me to have the respect for them and an understanding of where they come from. Also, one thing I think is emphasized especially with regard to being Afro Latina is understanding people on both sides of that in-between space that we are in. I think it allows me to see a lot, and my mindset also is shaped to have concern for more than just one group.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.