June 14th 2024.
Natasha S. Alford, Vice President of Digital Content for TheGrio, has taken on many roles in her life. She's a mother, a partner, a scholar, a producer, and now, an author of her own memoir, American Negra. This book delves into the complex issue of belonging, specifically from the perspective of someone with both Black American and Puerto Rican roots. Alford shines a light on the crucial role people of color play in America's history and economy, while also challenging harmful and inaccurate beliefs.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Alford shared her motivation for writing this book. She believes that society is currently engaged in important conversations about belonging and identity, and she wanted to contribute to these discussions. Her goal was to create a book that would resonate with every reader, regardless of their background or level of education. She didn't want it to be perceived as too academic or unapproachable.
The title, American Negra, intentionally incorporates Alford's Afro-Latina heritage. It's a reminder that being Afro-Latina is just another way of being Black. Alford emphasizes the shared African roots that connect all Black people, regardless of their individual backgrounds. As she puts it, "We all come from Africa, so I wanted to center Blackness."
Through her book, Alford hopes to spark conversations and connections between different communities, highlighting the similarities that unite us all. As she delved into her own family history while writing the memoir, she gained a deeper understanding of her place in society. She encourages readers to do the same, to explore their own family histories and the ways in which their ancestors have contributed to America's story.
Before writing this book, Alford worked as a journalist. Her curiosity and drive to understand her own roots led her to hire a genealogist, whose findings served as the foundation for her memoir. She acknowledges that her identity is shaped by both her African American father and Puerto Rican mother, and she embraces both aspects of her heritage.
For Alford, this book is not just a coming-of-age story, but also a reflection on mixed race identity, culture, and ethnicity. Looking back on her career, she realizes that she has achieved her own version of the American dream by investing in Black institutions like TheGrio. With this book, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their own dreams and to recognize the importance of understanding one's roots and shared experiences within the Black community.
In a society that often promotes a narrow definition of success, Alford's book serves as a reminder that there are many paths to achieving the American dream. It's a call to embrace one's true identity and to recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. Alford's story is just one example of the power of self-discovery and the impact it can have on both individuals and communities. As her book title suggests, it's time for America to fully embrace and celebrate its "American Negra" citizens.
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