This is the edited interview about my new book “Tribulations of an Afro-Latino Caribbean Man: Racism Didn’t Stop My Smile, Hope, Or Journey Forward” with the Texas Grassroots Alliance. In this clip, I explained that I wrote this book for two different audiences and used several examples to illustrate it.
Interview about Tribulations Of An Afro-Latino Caribbean Man
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
In an illuminating discussion on the Texas Grassroots Alliance livestream, Neil Aquino from the Houston Democracy Project and Alexander Montalvo delve into the life and trials articulated in Egberto Willies’ new book, “Tribulations of an Afro-Latino Caribbean Man.” Willies, a familiar voice from Houston’s KPFT 90.1 FM and “Politics Done Right,” unravels the complexity of his identities: Afro, Latino, and Caribbean, distilled into his experience as an American.
Originally from Panama, Willies moved to the United States in the late 70s to pursue higher education, a journey many from his homeland undertook following the allure of prestigious American universities. His narrative is a personal tale and a conduit to discuss broader societal issues. During the interview, Willies is candid about the multifaceted discrimination he faces, whether it be from racial profiling as a Black man or cultural alienation as a Latino and a Caribbean in the United States. His book seeks to narrate his experiences and serve as a mirror reflecting the manifold tribulations people face at the intersection of various identities.
Throughout the interview, Willies emphasizes that his cheerful demeanor and achievements do not shield him from systemic prejudices. He explains that despite his accomplishments and outward positivity, he endures the same societal challenges and stereotypes imposed on people of color in America. His status as an Afro-Latino Caribbean man places him in a unique position to voice out not just against anti-Black racism but also the nuanced discrimination experienced by Latinos and immigrant communities. His complex identity enriches his perspective, enabling him to discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, and nationality in a deeply divided America.
The discussion takes a poignant turn as Willies recounts his experiences with law enforcement, where his racial identity predominates encounters, overshadowing his cultural background and individual personality. This part of his narrative underscores the critical issues of racial profiling and systemic injustice prevalent in U.S. policing. Furthermore, his career anecdotes, especially those involving his tenure at NASA as a senior programmer analyst, reveal the subtle yet pervasive racial barriers in prestigious institutions and high-tech industries.
Willies’ journey from Panama to the heart of American academia and into the throes of activism illustrates the transformative power of education mingled with the harsh realities of racial and ethnic dynamics in the U.S. His academic and professional achievements, contrasted with the racial tribulations he outlines, paint a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle for racial equity and the need for systemic reform.
The conversation also veers into the complexities of identity within the Latino community itself, where colorism and historical amnesia about African influences create divisions and misunderstandings. Willies’ insistence on inclusivity and understanding across different communities highlights his commitment to a progressive agenda that seeks to bridge divides through dialogue and shared experiences.
Towards the end of the interview, Willies reflects on his transition to full-time activism, motivated by the urgent need for systemic change. This theme resonates deeply in his writings and public engagements. Despite the financial instability of such a commitment, his resolve is firm, underscored by a belief in the necessity of grassroots movements and the power of community organizing to effect substantial social change.
“Tribulations of an Afro-Latino Caribbean Man” is not a memoir in the true sense. It is a clarion call for empathy, a detailed case study of a man’s lived experiences navigating multiple worlds, and an urgent reminder of the continuous work needed to dismantle systemic inequalities. Willies shares his life story and engages in a broader discourse on race, identity, and justice, inviting readers from all backgrounds to reflect on their roles within these dynamic systems. The interview with Texas Grassroots Alliance amplified his narrative and cemented his role as a crucial voice in the ongoing dialogue about race and identity in America.
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