Afro-Latina: How Systemic Racism Followed Me | Ednin Martinez | TEDxUnionTownshipWomen

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Published 2022-01-07
Human beings are not born racist. Implicit bias, racism and colorism are learned behavior. As an Afro-Latina immigrant from D.R. who moved to the U.S. I've witnessed colorism and systemic racism both in my home and adoptive lands. Do the work, get educated, challenge yourselves, it is really up to us to affect change. Ednin D. Martinez an Afro-Latina attorney and writer who at a young age discovered a strong desire to effect change through social justice, leading to a career in the law. In her career, she represented low-income and disenfranchised individuals as a non-profit and government attorney.
Simultaneously, Ednin pursued her passion for creative writing by participating in prestigious writing workshops like Kweli, VONA Voices and Writing Our Lives. Most recently, she published a non-fiction personal essay titled “When I Was Brave” in Harvard University’s Palabritas.
Through her writing, she aspires to shed light on the racial and economic disparities in the Dominican Republic as well as systemic racism in educational and legal institutions in the U.S. She is currently working on a memoir entitled “Every Little Girl From San Pedro,” highlighting these same themes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @jalpurniatrader5864
    Thank you so much for this TED talk. I just came back from the DR for my son's wedding. I could not believe the rudeness and racism I experienced at the resort I stayed. I was unaware of this mindset of some natives and never experienced it in other Latino countries I've visited. I was ignored in the restaurant, I left the bar tender a $5 dollar tip and he put his head down, never acknowledged me nor said thank you. I never felt so unwelcomed while on vacation . Thank you for being a positive change maker and sharing your story. SALUTE!
  • @Mamafaeria
    We need more Dominican activists like this ❤️❤️ made me feel so seen, thank you
  • @Heirgloom
    This is why I was born…my Abuela taught her children that they MUST marry white, blonde, blue eyed people so that they have “beautiful white babies”. The internal racism is so bad :( especially hearing my dark dad talk about being compared to a Haitian as a bad thing, and I was absolutely flabbergasted
  • @AnaMart1n
    A necessary conversation! Loved it!!
  • @gy8764
    Thank you Ednin for being real. Great job!
  • @intheuniversekey
    Skin is nothing more then the biggest organ on our body that we wear outside. People are so weird to judge eachother for it lol!
  • @ruthcaceres5268
    This was amazing. Thank you for sharing and using your voice. I honor you!
  • @ashleybaez8085
    I see myself in your story. Thanks so much for sharing and helping other Dominicans like me articulate our social identity better
  • @panaarts11
    Thank you for the AREPA SHOUT OUT ❤
  • @darynadixon8759
    The topic of colorism and the exception of Afro-Latina, Afro-Asiain, and all Afro-ethnicities is such an emotional topic. I agree educating yourself, your children, and their children is the best way to teach belonging. I had tears coming down my face. I can relate. 💦🤍❤💛🧡💙💚💜🖤🤎
  • @auralilareid9683
    Soooo proud of you! Thanks for sharing your experience and advocacy!!!
  • @withlovemeaa719
    I loved this! Thank you for sharing your experience with us 💕
  • @andreamarinescu3823
    Love this Ednin! Thank you for sharing and bringing awareness to this <3 You go girl
  • @arlinborjas3896
    Wow, Ednin! This was great. Happy to have come across this, and to see you doing well <3
  • @jasengriffin485
    Very good and thought provoking speech. I hope she continues to have success. Also I just have to say she is very intelligent and beautiful.
  • @collinseow721
    Great speech Ednin Martinez, very proud of you and thanks for sharing your views and experiences.