Affirming My Blackness

I am Jose Manuel Berrios Santos and Blackness runs through my veins. I am blessed to be born of the world's decent. I am the inheritor of those who gave life to the human species. With the Spanish inquisition, Puerto Rico was brushed with the Black brush of love, heat, and passion. When I dance my hips speak of the tribes that give me "sabor." My conscious is at ease with the Maestro, Bob. The oppression my veins have endured, have fomented strength of endurance. My Black blood has a strong soul which disseminates honesty and love of humanity. My strong hair protects my me from the elements and hate. My intellectualism is reflected on my coarse hands. Africa speaks to me. It says never to forget my roots. I am but a branch which spreads its Black seeds and proud.

We have a saying in Puerto Rico. "Y tu abuela donde esta?" Which roughly translates to "yea, and where is your grandma at?" If there ever is an instance of real hate towards our Blackness as Puerto Ricans, we are quick to reiterate where we come from. But the truth is that we all come from the world's Heart, Africa.

So to you who does not affirm your roots. Where yo grandma at?