Red Table Talk: The Estefans Talk Colorism in Latin Families

Latin people are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., and the number of people who identify as Afro-Latino on the 2020 Census numbered more than 1.3 million. Each state and the District of Columbia reported growth among the demographic, and for the first time in the country, births and not immigration was the driver for the increased numbers.

Unfortunately, some who identify as both Black and Latinx say that while the community is growing, overall feelings of acceptance are not. In fact, many feel as if they are between cultures, and not invited to either cookout. Speaking Spanish, especially in the home, gives reason for some people to feel as if they aren’t “really Black.” Then when these same individuals are among Spanish-speaking people, the anti-Blackness, even if not malicious, can be hurtful. Jokes about being dark-skinned and comments about lightening the blood line through marriage to provide a better chance at social mobility are common, but no less unwanted by the people forced to endure such “advice.”

RELATED: Afro-Latinos Who Changed US History and Culture

In the latest episode of Red Table Talk: The Estefans , premiering on Thursday (October 14) at 9amPT/12pm ET on Facebook Watch, things get heated when the topic of colorism in the Latinx community comes up and panel of guests aren’t afraid to go there.

Grammy-winning superstar Gloria Estefan leads the conversation with her daughter, Emily Estefan; and Gloria’s niece and Daytime Emmy Award-winning TV host, Lili Estefan. The hosts welcomed Love & Hip Hop: Miami star Amara La Negra and Queer Eye star and FAMU Rattler, Karamo Brown, to the red table to give honest insight into the hurt they felt growing up as a Black child in a Latin family.

RELATED: Black Latinos Who Made US History, Impacted Popular Culture

La Negra has been extremely vocal about her experiences, especially the racism she felt as a child star on the set of Sábado Gigante, a popular Spanish language variety show. Today, she will happily educate anyone who will listen about what it’s like to be an Afro-Latina while Brown only just recently felt comfortable in his acceptance of his Latinx roots because of the negative responses he once encountered from a cherished family member as a child.

In this exclusive clip of today’s show, watch La Negra explain why she does not believe those who profess to be above the ideals of colorism or racism. 

RELATED: Rosie Perez Says Afro-Latinos Separating Themselves Within The Latinx Community Is ‘Dangerous

 Dr. Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, an expert in colorism in Latin American countries, is also invited to the conversation and helps the panel further understand the differences between race, nationality and ethnicity.

In the wake of recent events that have challenged racism and white privilege across the country and the world, the Latinx community is just one group in which members are beginning to confront the anti-Black racism amongst themselves and within their families. 

“Black and Latin: Racism Within” premieres Thursday, October 14 at 9amPT /12pmET exclusively on Facebook Watch.