Afro-Latinos have always formed part of the Latino narrative – even if they are regularly left out of the conversation. During the transatlantic slave trade, 90 percent of Africans were brought to the Caribbean and South America. Today, about a quarter of US Latinos identifies as Afro-Latinos. The term “Afro-Latino” emerged in the 1970s in academic circles to encompass those who are both Black and Latino – identities that are not mutually exclusive.

Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know much about Afro-Latinidad if you solely relied on TV, magazines, and other forms of media that often erase this group. Thankfully, we have found some comfort in books. While the publishing industry remains overwhelmingly white, there are many exciting Afro-Latino authors bringing our stories to the surface. By weaving in stories that address what it’s like to simultaneously identify as Black and Latino, they have made us feel seen and have enriched the literary world.

And while Afro-Latinidad has a rich and complex history (and we couldn’t possibly cover everything on this list), we’ve put together a list of Afro-Latina authors that will help you gain some insight. Think of this as a primer.