We were lucky to catch up with Omilani Alarcon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Omilani , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Latinegras has been a breath of fresh air in my life. Sometimes our projects are bigger than ourselves and it is akin to seeing your reflection in the mirror for the first time. I began the project at a time when people were just beginning to embrace AfroLatina identity via social media. I founded Latinegras in 2013. As an early millennial, I began my work pre-social media and was among the first platforms to really push the importance of visibility of AfroLatinos. My work has its foundation in history and identity, but as an artist there is a unique voice I bring to the table. I envisioned the essence of what makes us beautiful as a springboard of empowerment. Thankfully this idea has resonated with so many people around the world of different genders and backgrounds. To me that is success – that someone felt empowered by the message of Latinegras. I want people to feel like there is something that represents them and their importance in the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was born into Latinegras because from the time I was born people have been questioning my identity and making me feel “un-beautiful”. As far as my earliest memories recall, people would ask me “what” I am – as if to be something other than the Black/White dynamic people are familiar with is to be other than “normal”. This made me question myself and for many years I felt alone or as if the only people who were going through this issue were the people in my home.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Loving the skin you’re in sounds like an easy task but in reality, it can be one of the hardest things. I do not create with profit in mind, I move with my heart and with my intuition in tuned to the heart beat of the people. When you realize you are not alone, you also realize that the platform you have must be built to strengthen and support others who share your vision. My mission and the mission of Latinegras is to be a catalyst of empowerment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When you put your heart and soul into sharing the journey of self-love and see that push connect with others it is the most rewarding feeling. I do not care how many times I screen my film, every time feels like a first time and as it is playing I scan the audience and see that it is bigger than a silver screen. This work has the potential to change lives or perhaps even save lives. Every time I share my art, whether it be music, film, or scholarly articles, I feel as if I am sharing a deeply intimate part of myself. The connection with humanity and the power of art to transform is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: Omilani.com
• Instagram: @latinegraslove @afrofilipina @omilani
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Latinegras
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omilani
• Twitter: @latinegra
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNmWZeRGwAF0zT_xo4fEvmg
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3M9UEhUmxsdXDarE1RddPK?si=o5u_VD2CRyaD0Z9YS7j4nw

Image Credits
Donisha Prendergast