Media

The debate on police discrimination and violence is forcing Hispanic and black Americans to address both the commonalities and tensions between their communities. Although Hispanic communities have historically been subject to police discrimination, many Latino leaders are looking to African American leaders to shape the police reform movement. That deference in large part comes from a recognition that racism, particularly based on skin tone, is pervasive among Hispanic communities. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), a Dominican-born Afro-Latino member of the CHC, said the movement sprung from Floyd’s killing is changing the way the entire country sees race relations.

“I think everyone has come to grips with the issue of racism and police brutality,” said Espaillat.

“That’s something that’s captured everyone’s attention and heart,” he added.

Still, Espaillat said that Afro-Latinos are sometimes doubly targeted, out of both racial and ethnic bigotry.

“We get it in English and in Spanish,” said Espaillat