Carlos Herriott II (He/Him/His) - Creative Media Specialist | Marketing and Communications
Panamanian
Identifying as an Afro-Latinx, I’ve experienced discrimination solely based on the complexion of my skin. I’ve been called out of name and made fun of. But I have experienced love- so much love from my own people and other Latinx identify people. Being Afro-Latinx has opened me up for so many new experiences and understanding my own culture has allowed me to educate others and give back in a way I never imagined.
Community is big for me and finding my community helped me find myself!
Describe a time you had a realization about your identity.
When I was seventeen I went through a life-changing experience. Through that transformation, I came to the realization that I wanted to use my voice for what I knew and felt was right! Living as Afro-Latinx has been a double-edged sword where often times I’m forced to pick one side or the other. However, I don’t believe you have to; you can support both sides while being yourself. So I chose to speak out about injustices in both of my marginalized communities and any injustices to any other marginalized community I identify with.
What challenges have you faced as a Latino American?
Life for me is truly like walking on a double-edged sword! I identify as Afro-Latinx, and pretty much all my life I was always too black for the white kids, to white for the black kids, and not Spanish enough for the Spanish kids. I struggled with being bullied because of my name, because of my skin, you name it I probably took a hit for it. Trying to balance both identities has always been taxing and only being defined by the color of my skin has been something I’ve battled with since a young kid.
What is one thing that makes you proud of being Latinx?
I am always amazed by the vast diversity of Latinx people! So many countries so many different cultures and all so beautiful. I’ve never once felt out of place when visiting a Spanish country. People are so welcoming and we can thrive anywhere!
What is something that you really value about your identity?:
The name Carlos means Free Man and is of Spanish origin. My name is something I’ve always taken pride in. Thinking back to my parents and my grandparents and what brought me to where I am today. I would be nothing without the sacrifices they made to
come to the united states to create better opportunities for themselves and for me! I always want to use my platform to help others excel and use my skill set to help others follow their passions.
My goal is to wake up every day and with a smile on my face and go serve others through my art through my service through my words it's the little things that matter to me and I believe small gestures of love and kindness go a far way in somebody else's life!
I wear a ring around my neck every day that is engraved with the words "change the world" and that's my goal every day I wake up!
Fun Fact: My birthday falls on the last day of Latinx Heritage Month.