As Latine History Month begins, it is important to recognize the contributions of Afro-Latines to our cultura and the global African Diaspora.

Earlier this year, the University of Pennsylvania hosted Designing Blackness: Future of the Museum, a workshop bringing together artists and scholars to challenge Eurocentric narratives and rethink how Black art and identity are represented in cultural institutions.

Dr. Vanicleia Silva Santos, one of the organizers, highlighted the importance of this moment:

“There is a Black Renaissance in Brazil, the world’s largest Black Diaspora. Our role is crucial in transforming how Black art is exhibited.”

The event was organized by Dr. Tukufu Zuberi (Department of Sociology and Africana Studies, UPenn), Dr. Vanicleia Silva Santos, and Professor Fernando Lara (Department of Architecture, UPenn).

This initiative reflects an urgent and ongoing conversation about how cultural institutions represent Blackness, Afro-Latine identities, and the African Diaspora.

Centering Black and Afro-Latine perspectives in museum spaces is essential to honoring their art, history, and cultural impact.

Filmed and edited by: Lucero CoronadoProduction supervision by: Gabriela Watson-Burkett