African-Native Americans and Afro-Latinos

Being a person of both African-Native American and Afro-Latino descent, I am very excited to take a course that integrates studies of both cultures into the curriculum. I have always been a strong advocate for learning the history of your roots and in the past, unfortunately, I have only vaguely studied these cultures but I look forward to learning more. I believe that this course will successfully help me to understand the struggles that my ancestors have been through, and to be more appreciative of where we are today.

During my time in this course, I would like to gain a broader understanding of each culture. I have many questions about each groups, such as: How and when did African-Native Americans and Afro-Latino come into existence? What are some of the significant contributions that each culture has made to society? What are similarities and differences between the African-Native American, Afro-Latino, and African American experience in America? Do either of these groups struggle with the inevitable burden of being negatively stereotyped, as other minorities in America do? What are some triumphs and downfalls of both cultures? Do the descendants of each group experience a higher role in society when compared to their purebred counterparts? Are they accepted into each parent-culture with open arms? Or are they outcasts and considered a contaminated version of the original?

I believe that at the conclusion of this Freshman Composition course, I will have gained familiarity with both cultures, have the answers to the aforementioned questions, and have a new perspective of African-Native Americans, Afro-Latinos, and myself. I look forward to learning more! :)