Afro-Latin American and Afro-Caribbean women honored during Council meeting

During a Council meeting held on August 1, 2018, Councilors Janey, Pressley, Campbell and Edwards recognized and honored Afro-Latin American and Afro-Caribbean women for their many significant contributions to the City of Boston.

La Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribenas y de la Diaspora (The Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women) was founded in 1992, in order to create a space for women from Latin America and the Caribbean to empower women of African descent and develop the Afro-woman. The Network seeks to preserve a place without racism, racial discrimination, sexism and/or exclusion. It is active in 30 other countries around the world and has more than 450 members.

“Today we want to lift up Black Afro-Latina women who are doing so much in our community," said Councilor Janey. "I think it’s really important to lift up these women, not just for their contributions, but because they oftentimes face unique challenges.”

Women, and particularly women of color, have historically lacked sufficient recognition for their work, accomplishments and contributions. On July 25, 2018, the City Council established as International Afro-Latin American and Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women’s Day for women of African descent to claim their existence, struggles, contributions and aspirations.