The Resilient Voices: Nine Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean Women Standing Strong for Justice

Amnesty International Recognizes Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean Women Defenders

Today, on International Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women’s Day, Amnesty International is highlighting the incredible work of nine defenders and collectives who have dedicated their lives to promoting equality, justice, and a dignified life for all people. These women are just a few examples of the thousands of Afro-Latina and Caribbean women who are leading and participating in various struggles for justice, freedom of expression, anti-racism, and other important causes.

Rede Vozes Negras pelo Clima, Brazil

One of the highlighted initiatives is Rede Vozes Negras pelo Clima, an organization comprised of 11 Black Brazilian women. These women, who belong to traditional quilombola communities, are actively working to protect human rights, confront climate racism, and promote anti-racist socio-environmental justice. They are advocating for the inclusion of those most affected by the climate crisis in the decision-making processes related to adaptation, mitigation, compensation, and reparation policies. Their fight for anti-racist adaptation policies and a just energy transition emphasizes the importance of incorporating the ancestral knowledge and wisdom of traditional peoples and communities in tackling climate change.

Dayana Blanco Acendra, Colombia

Dayana Blanco is a renowned Colombian lawyer and the head of ILEX Acción Jurídica, an Afro-Colombian and Afro-LGBTQI+ organization committed to racial justice in Colombia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Blanco emphasizes the need to address social and economic inequality in order to achieve racial justice in the country. Through legal mobilization, research, and strategic communications, she and her team have become a reference for promoting the rights of the Afro-descendant population. Their notable victories include defending Afro-Colombian midwifery and overcoming the statistical invisibility of the Afro-descendant population. Blanco’s commitment to equality and justice serves as an inspiration for the whole of society to unite in the struggle for a more equitable future.

Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Cuba

Donaida Pérez Paseiro, a Black activist and religious leader, is the president of the Asociación Yorubas Libres de Cuba. She has been a vocal critic of the Cuban government’s restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Along with her husband, Loreto Hernández García, she was unfairly sentenced to several years in prison for demanding respect for human rights during the July 2021 demonstrations. Donaida’s activism spans various domains, including journalism and opposition coalition membership. Her courage and perseverance in the face of repression make her an example to others who seek a Cuba without limitations on basic freedoms.

Guerline M. Jozef, Haiti

Guerline M. Jozef is the founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a Black and Haitian women-led organization that advocates for just and humane immigration policies and provides support to migrants and immigrants, with a special focus on marginalized groups. Her work highlights the specific issues faced by Black migrants, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and human rights abuses. Jozef’s dedication to solidarity and collective action has earned her recognition as one of the most influential people in 2021 on racial issues. Her efforts remind us that together, we can lighten the load and bring about meaningful policy changes.

Miriam Miranda, Honduras

Miriam Miranda, an Afro-indigenous Garífuna leader from Honduras, has been a steadfast defender of human and environmental rights. As the coordinator of the Organización Fraternal Negra Hondureña (OFRANEH), she has worked tirelessly to protect and advocate for the rights of the Garífuna people. Miranda’s deep connection to her community and her ability to mobilize support make her a highly respected thinker and leader within the social movement. Her commitment to preserving the natural assets of the Garífuna territory and her unwavering courage inspire others to join the fight for freedom and justice.

Shackelia Jackson, Jamaica

The extrajudicial killing of her brother in 2014 propelled Shackelia Jackson into a life of activism. She has since become a powerful voice against practices that violate human rights in Jamaica. Jackson’s grassroots organizing efforts have focused on supporting educational initiatives and empowering the younger generation. Her work extends beyond her local community, as she has become a global force in advocating for accountability and justice. Jackson believes that change starts with each individual and encourages others to join her in using their words as weapons against injustice.

Ivana C. Fred Millán, Puerto Rico

Ivana Fred is a prominent Black and transgender activist from Puerto Rico who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of transgender people in her country. Her activism has contributed to greater visibility and understanding of transgender experiences in Puerto Rican society. As one of the directors of Trans Goofy Games, Fred continues to lead and support initiatives that promote transgender inclusion and empowerment. Through her courage and determination, Fred has become a visible leader and an inspiration for a more inclusive and respectful future.

Elena Lorac, Dominican Republic

Elena Lorac is a prominent activist and advocate for human rights in the Dominican Republic, particularly for Dominicans of Haitian descent. As the national coordinator of the Movimiento Reconoci.do, she has been at the forefront of the fight for the right to nationality and full integration of this community into Dominican society. Lorac’s work has focused on strengthening community leadership, empowering Black women, and raising awareness of discriminatory policies. Her tireless efforts have played a significant role in promoting human rights and achieving the inclusion of the Dominican-Haitian community.

Aracelis Sánchez, Venezuela

Aracelis Sánchez is a human rights defender and the founder of Organización de Familiares de Víctimas de Violación de Derechos Humanos (Orfavideh) in Venezuela. She has been fighting for more than a decade to seek justice for victims of extrajudicial executions committed by Venezuelan state security forces. Through Orfavideh, Sánchez provides training workshops and support to mothers of victims, enabling them to demand justice and use the mechanisms of the legal system. Her emphasis on empowerment and support has transformed grief into positive action and created a pathway to justice for victims and their families.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

These brave Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women embody resilience in their persistent dedication to fighting for justice and equality. Despite facing numerous challenges and often being targets of repression, they continue to uplift their communities, advocate for marginalized groups, and demand accountability from those in power.

Their work serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for a more just and inclusive world is ongoing. It requires the recognition, visibility, protection, and resources necessary for the voices of marginalized communities to be heard and their demands addressed. To achieve a fair and inclusive global response to pressing issues like climate change, social and economic inequality, and human rights violations, it is crucial to involve the most affected communities in decision-making processes.

Editorial: Amplifying Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean Voices

The recognition of the work of these Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women defenders is an important step towards amplifying their voices and ensuring that their invaluable contributions are acknowledged. Their struggles and achievements need global visibility to inspire others and drive meaningful change. It is the responsibility of the media, civil society, governments, and individuals to support and uplift these voices through increased representation, platforming their stories, and advocating for their protection.

Moreover, the recognition of these women must go hand in hand with action. It is not enough to applaud their efforts; they must be provided with the necessary resources and support to continue their work. Governments and international organizations should allocate funding and create programs specifically designed to empower and protect these defenders.

Advice: How Can We Support Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean Women Defenders?

There are several ways individuals and communities can support Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women defenders:

• Amplify their voices: Share their stories, initiatives, and achievements on social media and within your networks to ensure their voices reach a wider audience.
• Donate: Contribute to organizations that support and empower Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women defenders. Your financial support can make a significant difference in enabling them to continue their vital work.
• Advocate for their protection: Call on governments and international organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of these defenders. Demand accountability for human rights violations against them and advocate for comprehensive protection mechanisms.
• Support their initiatives: Participate in or promote events, campaigns, and initiatives led by Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women defenders. Engage in discussions related to their causes and raise awareness about the issues they are fighting against.
• Reflect on your own biases: Examine your own prejudices and biases and challenge them. Educate yourself about the experiences and struggles of Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean communities to foster greater understanding and empathy.

By actively supporting and standing in solidarity with Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean women defenders, we can contribute to a more just and equitable world for all.

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