‘Latino spaces have always been the most violent’: Afro-Latino collegians’ perceptions of colorism and Latino intragroup marginalization

Abstract

This study centers on the racialized experiences of Afro-Latino undergraduates at historically White institutions. Of particular interest, I examine how six Afro-Latino collegains experience intragroup marginalization due to colorism. The research design is undergirded by critical race theory and a critical race methodology. Participants’ narratives reflect how colorism manifests in the lives of Afro-Latino collegians. In drawing attention to a population that has been rendered invisible in higher education, findings from this study guide implications for future research and practice for higher education and student affairs leaders.

Keywords:

• Afro-Latino
• colorism
• higher education
• critical race theory

Notes

1. While Latino is a masculine identifier in the Spanish language, for the purposes of this article, I will use the term(s) Latino(s) as a gender-inclusive word that is inclusive of Latinas, Latinos, and those with non-binary, non-conforming, and gender fluid gender identities. I do not use the term Latinx because it does not adequately address the homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic rhetoric within the Latino community.