We are not only celebrating Latina motherhood, but the start of a new connection and new collection of resources for both African American and Latina women!

The Mocha Manual Company Celebrates Hispanic Awareness Month
 By Tamika Y. Richeson
 
            There was a time when African Americans made up the largest minority in the United States. Today, the racial backdrop of America reveals a transtition towards a growing population of Latino Americans. Designated as Hispanic Awareness Month, October is a celebration of culture, history and promise.
 
  Those who identify as "hispanic" on the US Census out number every other minority represented in this country. Interestingly, African Americans trail right behind those numbers creating a close race for the largest minority spot.  Many American families sat back and watched Soledad O'Brien's documentary news report on Latino in America just as they did when Black in America parts I and II aired on CNN. Millions of viewers listened to the stories of triumph, challenges, migration, racial intolerance, racial pride and success.  African American and Latino communities, while different in their historic legacies and experiences in America, share a common thread of racialized oppression. While our differences are categorized in problematic census typecasting, our paths remain inextricably interwoven.
 
African Americans and Latino Americans have coexisted in the same neighborhoods, schools, business districts etc, for decades. The historic legacy of slavery and African roots within both races predestined an inevitable connection between the two. While not completely similar, African American and Latino American families share similar challenges in raising children in a racialized society that undermines the potential of our children, disproportionately sends our men to prison, and hypersexualizes our women.  It is no surprise that more websites, resources and blogs are addressing the issues, experiences and preferences of both African American and Latino American audiences and consumers. The Mocha Manual has accepted the charge in meeting the need for more content that offers positive insight and perspective for our Latina women.
 
A month is not sufficient to create awareness and resources for African Americans, nor Latino Americans.  Our legacies in this country require the consistent pursuit of a space where we can address issues that affect us, topics that interest us and stories that inspire us. We are not only celebrating Latina motherhood, but the start of a new connection and new collection of resources for both African American and Latina women. Sharing our collective experiences and insights allows for the inception of a fresh dialogue of modern mocha and latte mommies!