My TikTok Clash Over Black and Latino Identity
Ah, yes. Another day, another heated exchange. I was on a TikTok live stream discussing Black and Latino unity and how our perspectives sometimes differ. During the stream, a group of radical Black activists jumped in but struggled to hold their own in the debate.
Their main argument centered on Black history in the U.S., while they simultaneously claimed the achievements of Latinos with African ancestry. However, they insisted that unless someone on the stream was "African-American" or visibly Black, they weren’t qualified to speak on the subject.
As someone of mixed race (predominantly Indigenous American and European, with African ancestry as well), I found this gatekeeping amusing. They dismissed me simply because I don’t have dark skin.
I pushed back, pointing out that they didn’t even know the origins of their African ancestry. That, predictably, set them off. I stood my ground and reminded them that dismissing my African heritage based on skin color is absurd, especially since I actually know part of my African lineage—unlike them.
After I challenged their gatekeeping, they resorted to starting multiple live streams focused entirely on me. Not just one, but three separate streams where they talked about me and even used my picture. Since they couldn’t handle the debate in an open forum where everyone could freely engage, they created an echo chamber for themselves.
They invited me to their stream, but, predictably, didn’t let me speak. Instead, they continued labeling me as racist and anti-Black. At one point, they even threatened to contact my employers—simply because I had discussed my African heritage. The whole situation was more amusing than anything.
In private direct messages, one of their Black activist friends started threatening me, claiming I’d be deported and sent to Guantanamo Bay. It was ridiculous, but honestly, not surprising—it’s the kind of response I’ve come to expect from certain Black Americans who struggle to engage in genuine discussions about race and history.
That's TikTok for you. lol