Afro-Latino Week celebrates the blending of African and Latin cultures | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tuesday kicks off Afro-Latino Week in the Mid-South, a celebration of the rich and diverse blended culture of African and Latin heritage.

The events have been hosted every year since 2018 by Cazateatro, a bilingual theatre group in Memphis. It’s all about recognizing people with Latin American heritage — those from places like Columbia or Puerto Rico — who have African Roots.

“This is a celebration and also is a way to educate the community, to let them know that we share part of the history,” said Monica Sanchez, Artistic Director at Cazateatro. “Things that happened here. It happened all around Latin America. We have more things in common that everybody wants to acknowledge.”

The lineup this year starts Tuesday night with a free panel discussion about the African Diaspora called “Voices of the Future: Young Afro-Latinos Redefining Identity Through the Arts.” It happens from 6-9 p.m. at the National Civil Rights Museum in Downtown Memphis.

The panel’s theme spotlights the rising generation of Afro-Latinos using art, music, film and other creative outlets to express their identities, challenge stereotypes and shape the cultural narrative. It emphasizes the innovative contributions of young voices and their role in bridging heritage and modern expression.

“We want the people to know about Roberto Clemente, about the Music of Celia Cruz, Zoe Saldana,” said Sanchez. “I think it is important for them to be celebrated and more than anything to acknowledge how much they’ve been doing. And in this moment that we’re living right now, it’s really important to see how much we have in common and how much we need each other, and we need to support each other. And in learning about this, through the voices of these young artists, it will help you to understand the little things that are happening.”

On Wednesday, Cazateatro will host a free virtual “Storytime with Abuela Tomasa.” It will be streamed on the group’s Facebook page from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

From 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, the group will host a Dance Class at the Cazateatro Office located at 5104 Stage Road in Memphis. It’s described as a high-energy dance class that explores the African roots of popular Latin rhythms like salsa, merengue and bachata, highlighting the dynamic fusion of cultures through movement and music. It is the only event that has a fee, which is $10.

Afro-Latino Week wraps up Friday with a “Relaxing Evening of Poetry and Latin Jazz.” Attendees can enjoy the vibrant sounds of Latin jazz performed by the talented Memphis Jazz ensemble, and enjoy a poetic performance by Dr. Andrea Jacobo, a proud member of Cazateatro. The event will take place at the Harriet Performing Arts Center from 6-8 p.m. While the event is free, you’re asked to RSVP.

For more information visit cazateatro.org or call 662-469-6095.