Afro-Latina Teacher in the Rural South: Recent Episodes
Jenniffer Saldaña Whyte
Looking for a place to to listen to encouraging success stories about culture? Join award-winning world language teacher, Dominican born, mother of five, pastor's wife, and Zumba instructor, Jenniffer Whyte who resides in Alabama with exciting stories, lessons, and facts about living Afro-Latina, being a teacher, being a parent, learning English and Spanish, and the wonderful life lessons that people go through today. All the episodes are in English, but some episodes will be bilingual (English and Spanish) and will be broadcasted each week on Saturday. This podcast is safe for any age group to learn, be encouraged, and explore the many cultures in the United States.
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Rosa Toussaint—an inspiring veteran, pastor, and leader in Huntsville, Alabama’s Hispanic community. As an Afro-Latina from the Dominican Republic, Rosa opens up about her experiences navigating racism and colorism in the United States. From her time in Anniston, Alabama, being warned about sundown towns, to enduring harsh realities in Philadelphia, Rosa shares what these moments taught her about resilience and identity.Join us as we explore her journey, her leadership in the Hispanic community, and her unique perspective as an Afro-Dominican woman living in the South. Rosa’s story is one of strength, faith, and the fight for equality. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation!🎧 Listen now and be inspired!
La Iglesia Metodista Unida St. John es un lugar especial que tiene mucha historia. No era solo una iglesia para orar, sino un lugar donde la gente podía reunirse para luchar por el cambio. Activistas de los derechos civiles venían aquí para hacer planes y encontrar fuerza en su fe. ¿Sabías que el Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. vino a esta iglesia? Dejó un legado de esperanza y acción que todavía vive hoy.
Hoy en día, este lugar sagrado nos recuerda que, con unidad y perseverancia, podemos superar cualquier adversidad. Mientras honramos el pasado, también debemos sentirnos inspirados para tomar pasos hacia un futuro más justo e igual. La historia de la Iglesia St. John nos muestra que la fe y la comunidad pueden cambiar el mundo.
St. John United Methodist Church wasn’t just a place of worship—it was a launchpad for change. Civil rights activists in Anniston gathered here, strategizing their next moves while drawing strength from their faith. Did you know? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself visited this church, leaving behind a legacy of hope and action that still resonates today.
En este episodio, te llevo a un viaje a través de la rica historia de Anniston, Alabama, donde resido desde 1999. En el Día 1 de los 100 Días hasta el Mes de la Historia Negra, exploramos la valiente lucha de los Freedom Riders, quienes en mayo de 1961 desafiaron la segregación racial. Su viaje culminó en Anniston, donde enfrentaron un ataque violento, pero su determinación por la justicia y la igualdad resonó a nivel nacional, ayudando a desmantelar leyes injustas.
Hoy, honramos su legado a través del Monumento Nacional de los Freedom Riders, recordando que el coraje de personas comunes puede provocar cambios extraordinarios. Únete a mí para reflexionar sobre su historia y el impacto duradero que aún tiene en nuestra búsqueda de igualdad. ¡No te lo pierdas!
Podcast Episode: "Riding for Justice: The Courage of the Freedom Riders"In this powerful episode of Afro-Latina Teacher in the Rural South, we begin with day 1 of our 100-day countdown to Black History Month by diving into the inspiring story of the Freedom Riders. These brave men and women risked their lives to challenge segregation in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement. From their first journey on May 4, 1961, to the violent opposition they faced in places like Anniston, Birmingham, and Montgomery, their courage in the face of extreme hatred and violence shaped history.We’ll explore the pivotal stops along their route, their role in dismantling Jim Crow laws, and the lasting impact they’ve had on the fight for justice. We’ll also highlight key figures, including the pastors like Reverend Nimrod Reynolds and Reverend McClain, who opened their doors to the movement. Plus, learn about the legacy they left behind, now memorialized in civil rights museums across the country, including the poignant bus exhibit in Birmingham.Join me as we reflect on these fearless activists and the lessons we can carry forward in today’s fight for equality and justice.Tune in and be inspired by the Freedom Riders’ enduring legacy.
In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. In this episode, Dr. John Maddox talks to the audience about what this event is all about and gives tons of resources for those interested in learning more about authors and literary works that are many times overlooked by professionals because they don’t receive the adequate attention and promotion.
The International Decade for People of African Descent is coming to a close in 2024, but there is so much to learn about and participate in. This movement doesn’t end here, you can be a part of continuing this legacy.
Notes from the Podcast (these notes have links as well. Check out these notes at jennifferwhyte.com/blog.
What is an Afro- hispanist? In the context of discussions around racial and ethnic identities, an "Afro-Hispanist" could refer to someone who specializes in the study of the African diaspora and African heritage within Spanish-speaking or Hispanic communities. This could involve researching and analyzing the experiences, contributions, and cultural aspects of people of African descent in Spanish-speaking countries or regions, such as Latin America, the Caribbean, or Spain.
Events mentioned in the Podcast:
Santiago de Chile 2000-Black educators gathered to assert what rights need to be protected for black people in Latin America. At this event, “Afro descendants” was the phrase they chose for black people.
Durban 2001- World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, located in Durban South Africa
-declaration
2003 in Brazil- Bill passed Afro Brazilian history is part of the curriculum
Quotes from Dr. Maddox:
“The average literature class one black writer”.
“Latin American music is inspired by Africa”.
“If you don't tell people that they are beautiful just like they are, then they have to change. They have to straighten their hair, they have to date people with lighter skin, they have to make changes that are hurtful to themselves and others.”
Poets
Nicolas Guillén
Langston Hughes
Authors/Writers
Martha Moreno-Vega
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Alejo Carpentier
Manuel Zapata Olivella
Ana Maria Gonçalves
Bartolome de las Casas
Juan Francisco Manzano
Quince Duncan
Mayra Santos Febres
Works
Challenging the Black Atlantic- Dr. John Maddox
El reino de Este Mundo-Haitian Revolution
Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro- Las Negras a story of enslaved women in Puerto Rico
"Mejorar la Raza"- a grandmother that is explaining to her granddaughter that she doesn't have to find someone lighter
Cuentos Afro Cubanos by Lidia Cabrera
Other mentions
Who is Bolsonaro?
Mari Elba Torres Muñoz- Mexican/ Puerto Rican- Hosted the first afro descendants conference in Puerto Rico
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén
Davita Martin Obuchuala
Bernardino Perez Miranda
Folklore Palenque de San Basilio
Movie-cimarrón- historical slave rebel
AmarElo
Other Resources about this topic:
The Organization of American States-The Decade for People of African Descent
University of Puerto Rico Creates Afro-Diasporic and Racial Studies Program
What is the Palenque de San Basilio?- “Maroons”- term used in literature. These Descendants lived in isolation for years.Palenque de San Basilio, often simply referred to as "San Basilio de Palenque" or "Palenque," is a historic Afro-Colombian village located in the Bolívar Department of Colombia, near the city of Cartagena. It holds immense historical and cultural significance as one of the earliest communities of African descent in the Americas.
La Perla- poorest neighborhood in San Juan, many afro descendants reside there.
Contact Dr. Maddox- UAB University
Join us in supporting Harvest International School in Nairobi, Kenya! We have 300 kids that were rescued from the streets of Nairobi, Kenya who are serious about pursuing an education. We can’t do it alone. It takes $1500 to pay all the teachers and handle all the operating costs. Would you please join us today in donating any amount to help us with this cause? Donate here and subscribe to our monthly newsletter where you will be informed about the students and happenings at the school. We appreciate your support!
If you love reading about Afrodescendants from Mexico, this gentleman is the administrator of the Facebook group: AFROMEXICO. Within the community, you will find tons of information about the afro descendants of Mexico because of his studies in the university. This is part two of my conversation with Jorge Gonzalez from episode 17. In this episode he shares about where his mom and dad are from and his ethnic makeup, the mixing of the race and much more!
What is it like to be an African American and deal with racism or dating in Vietnam? Brian and I continue the conversation of his journey of living in Vietnam. There’s racism everywhere, but what is it like there? Is it like the United States? Brian also talks about his favorite dish, gives advice to students who are stuck in their surroundings, we talk about mental barriers and fear. Please check out and subscribe to Brian’s Youtube video, Guetto Linguist. At the end of the program I also request that you join my husband and I along with our church ministry in supporting our school, Harvest International School in Nairobi, Kenya. Our goal is to raise $1500 a month to pay for the teachers and some other operating expenses. If you are interested, please send your payment by CashApp: BilingualKids or by mail: Bilingual Kids, Inc. 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston, Alabama 36206. Be sure to send your information by email to afrolatinateacher so I could send you the monthly newsletter with updates and photos about the students. Check out Bilingual Kids, a non-profit, 501c3 organization on Facebook.
Meet Dejordique Pearson, a native from Anniston, Alabama who has the interesting story of growing up in the hood and ended up graduating from college, learning Japanese and Vietnamese and considers Asia as "home" while being African American.
My daughter Ariel and I chat about growing up with the influence of Mom Culture, then we will listen to three people, Marvin, Dr. Murdock, and Donna as they describe what it was like to grow up in their households with their moms. Marvin is from Ivory Coast, Africa, Dr. Murdock is from Detroit, MI, and Donna is from California. These three are completely different and that is the beauty of it all.
Please check out my blog on this topic: Mom Culture: How do Moms Parent Around the World?
Also, I mention in the podcast about supporting our school in Nairobi, Kenya (Harvest International School). We would love to receive your support through a donation through CashApp for $BilingualKids- a non-profit 501C3 organization.
I met Jorge Gonzalez- Who is he? As I researched about Afro-Latinidad, I joined many communities on Facebook which allowed me to read and meet people in the community. This particular community, AFROMEXICO, is a community I enjoyed reading about. I felt like a special visitor and eventually I knocked on the door. I contacted Jorge Gonzalez, the administrator of this community. I was curious about him because just like I started my community among Spanish teachers about Afro-latinos and I definitely had a story to why I started this, I wanted to know Jorge’s “why”. I was delighted to know that he accepted my invitation to interview him for my podcast.
Jorge’s Story is broken up into three episodes or else it would have been an hour and a half of content, which I don’t mind, but I want people to listen to the whole thing. It's interesting. In this particular 🎧podcast episode, “My Identity to Others: Anything by Mexican” we discuss the following topics, in case you are curious about these or interested:
* His identity as a child growing up in a border city (Fronterizo)
* Cultural Bridges vs Concrete bridges
* Afro-indigenous
* College Education away from home
* What is a Chicano?
* What is a Pocho?
* Gloria Anzaldua- Chicana, being in between two worlds.
* Guillermo Gómez-Peña
* Call us “morenos”, not Afro-Mestizos
* Ethnic Makeup of Oaxaca/Ethnicities of Oaxaca
* What is Afro-Mestizo?
* Grandma in the Closet/Aunt in the Closet
* Michoacan- Predominantly Black community
* A visit to Costa Chica- Everybody was black! All shades of Black
* Father Glenn- from Trinidad- sent to Mexico to oversee a church in Guadalajara-his struggles to reach out to the Black population
* El Ciruelo, Mexico- the beginning of the Black movement
* Racism in Guadalajara
* Code Switching
* Geography info about Oaxaca
* The Yaqui People
* The Purépecha People
* Veracruz
* Cattle or Mining and the Black population in the 17th Century
* World Beat Cultural Center in San Diego
**Resources for Spanish Teachers about Mexico:
Mexico History and Culture- includes Afro-MexicansOnline Afro-Mexican ResourcesCinco de Mayo Fun- Distance learning lesson
Elementary SchoolCinco de Mayo Rhythm and Rhyme picture book for KindergartenTeacher Created Materials - TIME For Kids Informational Text: Next Stop: Mexico - Grade 2 - Guided Reading Level JFrida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Their Lives and Ideas, 24 Activities (18) (For Kids series)
The Great Book of Mexico: Interesting Stories, Mexican History & Random Facts About Mexico (History & Fun Facts)Our World: Mexico Board book Learn About Mexico for Kids: Ages 8-12 Includes Fun Facts About Culture, History, Travel and Much More (Learn About the World)
Middle/High School¡Yanga! (Spanish Edition) Stories from Mexico / Historias de Mexico, Premium Third EditionCaras vemos (Spanish Edition) Paperback
Mexican Decorations for the Classroom or for a PartyOLÉ RICO - Plastic Papel Picado 1 Pack, Ideal for a Mexican Fiesta, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Themed Party and Fiesta Party Decorations,16 Feet Long - 10 Unique Designs.100 Pcs Cinco De Mayo Party Favors Fiesta Slap Bracelets for Kids Mexican Party Supplies Bulk Snap Wristband for Mexico Taco Party Classroom Gifts Llama Cactus Chili Decor
Personal ReadingYo no soy tu perfecta hija mexicana / I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Spanish Edition)I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican DaughterLiving in Mexico Hardcover Expats Guide on Moving to Mexico Paperback**
Check out my Blog Post about this episode:
In this episode, The Lanpheres and Jenniffer share stories of living in Alabama. The experiences that the Mike and Tonie experienced are definitely unique and special. Though Alabama can seem like a scary place becuase of its history, the violence and racism that was suffered then no longer happens now. Just like there are loving and kind people everywhere, there are loving and kind people in Alabama too.
If you would like to join us in supporting the school in Nairobi, Kenya, we need your help!! Please send your donation through Cashapp $BilingualKids or mail a check to 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston, Alabama 36207. Thank you for partnering up with us. We can't wait to hear from you!
En este episodio, Jenniffer explica su estudio sobre la historia de las razas y de dónde salió la idea. Ella habla de los matrimonios mixtos y cómo llegaron a ser uniones ilegales en los estados unidos y otros dos países.
Si quieres apoyar la escuela de 300 niños en Nairobi, Kenia, por favor mandar tu donación a $BilingualKids o mandarlo por correo a 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston. Se les dará un recibo por su apoyo. ¡Gracias!
In this episode, Jenniffer interviews Mike and Tonie Lanphere who reside in Alabama. They tell part one of their story of how they met and share some stories of difficulties in their marriage due the racial tension. Mike and Tonie have been married for 47 years as of 2022 and they are wonderful parents and grandparents.
If you are interested in donating to the Harvest International School in Nairobi, Kenya, please join us! We are looking for 100 partners to give $20 a month or a one time donation to this important cause. Nairobi, Kenya has between 250,000-300,000 children who live in the streets. Kids are forced to work and not go to school, so many of the students in this school were kicked out of their homes because they prefer to study than to work. Please help! You can cashapp your donation to $BilingualKids or Pay Pal: bilingualkids21@gmail.com. You can also mail a check to Bilingual Kids, Inc. 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston, Alabama 36201. Contact us today at afrolatinateacher@gmail.com and join our mailing list so you can get updates about the students at this school each month!
La promesa que trae la educación son muchos beneficios. En el episodio de hoy, Jenniffer habla de su jornada de su educación, menciona los reportes actuales de la educación de la minoría más grande de los estados unidos, los Latinos, y comparte una historia especial de como ella y su esposo, el Dr. Whyte recibieron el cargo de una escuela de 300 niños en Nairobi, Kenia.
Saludos especiales a la Dra. Amanda Glaze (Townley), Sheri Spaine Long, Dr. Melinda Blair O'Leary, and Dr. Octavio J. Visiedo. Gracias por su inspiración en mi vida.
Si quieren unirse al apoyo mensual o dar una vez a nuestro proyecto de Harvest International School en Nairobi, Kenia, puedes mandar su pago por Cash App: $BilingualKids, por Pay Pal: Bilingualkids23@gmail.com, o puedes mandarlo por correo a Bilingual Kids, Inc. 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston, Alabama 36201.
Description: It takes a very special human to have a need and a wanting to carry the burden of over 300 children. In this episode, Jenniffer meets Mr. Dickson James Otemba a.k.a “Papa” from Nairobi, Kenya. He made it his business to build a school from the ground up from ages 3 to 16 years of age. He began with 15 children, and now he has grown to 300! They talk about the challenges of getting kids off the streets of Nairobi, Kenya to find a different interest, education.
Jenniffer is looking for sponsors for Genesis Shiners Education in Nairobi, Kenya, where Mr. Dickson James Otemba houses 300 students. This year, in December, his first graduating class takes a national exam to graduate and move onto the University. They were being supported, but they lost all of their support. If you are interested in donating monthly for $20 a month or a one time donation of any denomination, we appreciate your help. Please donate to our 501C3 non-profit organization, Bilingual Kids, Inc. The cash app is $BilingualKids. The paypal email is bilingualkids21@gmail.com, or you could mail your donation to Bilingual Kids, Inc., 8 Masada Mountain Drive, Anniston, Alabama 36201. 100% of these funds will go towards the school. You will receive a non-profit receipt, so please be sure to include your name, address, and a note stating “Kenya School donation”.
If you want to follow Papa Otemba, you check out his facebook page at "Dickson James Otemba". Here he has plenty of videos of the kids and the school. Thank you so much for your support in this.
Adoptar primos: ¿Qué sucede si tiene un negocio que funciona las 24 horas, es padre/madre de 3 niños y luego le dicen que estos niños necesitan a alguien que los cuide y usted es el único familiar disponible, responsable y estable? ¿Qué sucede si decide asumir la tarea de acoger a dos niños y luego descubrir que ambos son autistas? Escuche la interesante historia de Reinaldo y Jenniffer Whyte mientras acogen a sus primos lejanos cuando tenían 1 y 3 años.
Does culture matter when adopting a child? Erika Lanphere shares her story about adoption three Afro-Latino children as a single woman in her 40's. What challenges should we expect?
We mention: The African Refugee Cemetery at Higgs Beach is a cemetary in Key West, Florida where 294 of 1,342 Africans died soon in the first few months after being rescued in 1860 from captured slaves ships. The cemetary was discovered in 2002 using ground-pentrating radar. Check it out and don't miss it if you visit Key West.
Also, we mentioned the phrase"she put her food in it"- In African American culture, this is a high compliment to the cook! LIke when someone says that something bad is actually good. If you "put your foot in the food" or "cooking with your feet" youre putting your whole self into the food you prepared.
Special thanks to all the foster parents, social workers, community members, and adoptive parents for giving of themselves to make the life of a child without their parents, a better one.
Check out Erika Lanphere's Facebook Group: Mixed Race Ethnicity
Jenniffer explica su experiencia con el choque cultural cuando se mudó de Nueva York a Miami, de Miami hacia Atlanta, y finalmente, de Atlanta hacia Anniston, Alabama.
Meet Andrea Mason, a native from Colombia, as she talks about her negative experiences of being culture shock and using these experiences of struggle to living a life of an overcomer.
Todo lo que te gusta y no te gusta tiene algo que ver con la cultura. Vamos a explorar que es la cultura pop y como Kendra Beltran se identifica con las caricaturas de los años 90. Jenniffer tambien discutirá sus artistas favoritos de los años 80 y 90. ¿Cuál es tu época favorita? o ¿que canción te traslada a una buena memoria? Hablemos sobre la cultura pop!
Meet Kendra Beltran, a podcaster, author, and Afro-Latina who feels like her culture growing up was pop culture! She expresses different experiences she had being part of a mixed-race family and tells us when she accepted her cultural identity.
En este episodio, Jenniffer compartirá su jornada para encontrar su identidad. Ella explica el término Afrolatino y comparte un carta que recibio de un autor popular Dominicano.
In this episode, Jenniffer explains who are Afro-Latinos by telling several personal stories and sharing a special e-mail she receives from a famous Afro-Dominican author.
En este episodio descubrirán quien es Jenniffer Whyte, la creadora de este podcast y van aprender un poco de su vida y como llegó de Nueva York, Miami, hasta Alabama.
In episode 1, you will get to know Jenniffer Whyte a little by finding out how she ended up in Alabama even though she's a native of the Dominican Republic who lived in New York City, Miami, and Atlanta.