You might hear a Dominican say, “I’m not Black, I’m Indio” (which means Indian). It sounds confusing, right? This isn’t denial; it’s a product of history and culture. For generations, the country was taught to value Spanish and Indigenous roots, while African roots were downplayed. It’s like having a favorite dish and forgetting the chef who taught you the recipe.
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But more and more Dominicans are waking up to the full picture. Younger folks, especially, are embracing their African hair, their curvy bodies, and their dark skin with pride. You see it on Instagram with hashtags like #Melaza (molasses, as a compliment for dark skin) and in local art. It’s a beautiful, sometimes awkward, but very real conversation about identity.
Why Should You Care?
Maybe you’re not Dominican, and you’re thinking, “Okay, cool, but what’s this got to do with my Tuesday?” Here’s the thing: this question isn’t just about one country. It’s about how we see race, lineage, and belonging everywhere. When we ask “Do they have Black in them?” we’re really asking, “How do we honor all the parts of a person’s story?”
Think about your own family. Maybe you have a grandmother who spoke a tiny bit of Italian, a grandfather with mysterious Cherokee roots, or that one uncle who makes incredible fried chicken but can’t explain where the recipe came from. We all carry bits of history that we don’t always label. We’re all mosaics.
Dominican Republic by Alan Haglund
