KIYAN’S PARENTS TREASURE THEIR HERITAGE
-Two year-old Kiyan is pictured after a bath-
Kiyan Anthony’s parents are proud of their Puerto-Rican heritage. Kiyan’s dad, NBA player Carmelo Anthony, is proud of his African-American and Puerto Rican heritage but says that many of his fans don’t recognize him as having Puerto Rican heritage:
“A lot of people are surprised when they hear about it or when they see my tattoo,” says Anthony, referring to the Puerto Rican flag he has on his right hand. “I don’t think a lot of people know that side of me.”
Recently, Carmelo was named one of 100 influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business magazine.
“…It’s good to know that people are recognizing that side of me — that side of my heritage,” said Carmelo about being chosen to be on the influential list.
Kiyan’s mom, Lala Vazquez, is also very proud to be a Latino. She recently wrote about being a “proud Latina woman”.
“I’m proud to say as a Puerto Rican woman born and raised in New York City that my first blog is about something very near to my heart. As many of you have heard on the news, Sonia Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx, was appointed to the Supreme Court and history was made!! Not only was this a historical turning point for all women but more importantly for Latina women.”
Lala added, “It’s also exciting to know that this historic moment will be forever in the history books where my son will learn about it and his sons or daughters will learn about it.”
Photo:LalaVazquez’ Twitter
68 Comments to “KIYAN’S PARENTS TREASURE THEIR HERITAGE”
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They black.. point blank..thats all that needs to be said.. I hate wen black ppl always think they gotta be mixs with something… We all mixs be proud of who you are..”Puerto Rican”.. Right.. In society they are Black.. So called it like u see it..
My sister from my dad is Half Puerto Rican, and she considers herself to be black. I know a lot of them that do!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_history_in_Puerto_Rico Good read…I learned a lot from this.
Quieres casarte conmigo, LaLa?
Carmelo can even google it like I did to propose to LaLa with a surprise Spanish flair?
Aye corumba!
You’re an idiot. First, race is not neecssarily expressed phonotypically. Second, if one’s parent is from a country, that person has every claim to that cultural identification regardless of skin tone. Third, you obviously don’t travel much if you believe that Puerto Ricans have to look a certain way. Fourth, you obviously have hang-ups with your own identity if you feel the need to knock someone else’s ethnicity. Fifth, I doubt you would be having this discussion about them diluting their blackness if they proclaimed their pride in being Nigerian or Jamaican. Sixth, being light-skinned is not the same thing as having a parent who is from a different country– Do you eat different food because you are light skinned? Do you listen to different music? Do half of your relatives speak a different language because you are light skinned?
Finally, just about every Puerto Rican I know, regardless of skin tone, has black heritage. Just because one sister has brown skin, and the other white skin, does not mean that they are of different races. Latino identity is a multi-racial ethnic idenity, with people of all skin tones. I don’t see the need to label some Puerto Ricans black or Afro because, in my mind, they are all black and Afro.
You’re still learning the 4th grade skill of how to develop paragraphs, I see. Beginning, middle end. How sad!
And you’re way late in your answer.
As for your cyber bullying and name calling, well, sticks and stones, since you are obviously operating at an elementary level.
Finally, I don’t really give a hoot about Puerto Ricans or you.
watever im sure none of them speak spanish…
Thank you, ariana.
so what is your point? Speaking the language is NOT the only thing that makes you a particular nationality or ethnicity.
ya’ll are reaching. for what? I don’t know. lol.
Lala speaks spanish i remember at a school event she was there and started talking in spainsh i hate it when (i am not being racist or anything like) starting geting mad when a latino with some african roots say that they are hispanic come on i dont see Lala as black she looks like other puerto ricans on the island
I wonder if LaLa and Melo know how to say in Spanish or Englis, “Let’s get married now that we have a son together.”
Being decsendents of the slave trade that passed through Puerto Rico is nothing to be so proud of just as it is not for African Americans who descended from slavery in America.
There are many none English speaking or multilingual Blacks on every continent because of the slave trade.
It’s crazy how Black people are some of THE strongest supporters for the one drop rule. Acknowledging all of your heritage does not make you ashamed of your black “side.” I’m a strong believer that people should be given the freedom to define THEIR OWN identity. Especially Black people. Ever since we were brought here as slaves everyone has been telling us who we are. It’s time we all gave EACH OTHER the freedom of self-definition. Some people might ashamed of their African roots at some point in their lives. Others might not ever even consider claiming the other races that make up who they are. But each one of us has the right to self-definition. And we have the right to change it whenever and wherever we feel like it! I mean dang, what else do you have in the world if not your own identity?
I agree and these three people look like they have “one drop” of Puerto Rican roots and 99% Black/African roots. And there’s nothing wrong with that, either. I’m glad thy take pride in who they are. Big deal!
You can’t eye-ball anyone’s racial make-up. Genetics just don’t work like that. And there isn’t a way to “look” Puerto Rican. It’s a nationality. Puerto Ricans, like all latinos, share and ethnicity. Not a race.
pssh…Whatever.
thank you Kujichagulia.
Go to Puerto Rico and you will see people that have all sorts of looks. Heck. Go to a neighborhood in NY and you’ll see Puerto Ricans who look all sorts of ways. lol.
I thought we all knew by now that genetics shows up in fun and interesting ways? I mean, you all have seen Victoria Rowell’s daughter on here right?
Thank goodness somebody has sense. Kuji is 100% on it being Puerto Rican isnt anything but an ethnicity. And yess Miznyc thats is true genetics is random and its something that happens in my family too. My cousin is half white and half black and if someone didnt know better they’d write her off as Causcasian (she is extremely pale with the bluest eyes.)
I don’t understand where people are getting the idea that just because you acknowledge that you have roots that are represented on more than one continent that you are all of a sudden downing your black roots.
A large part of this post seems like it was based on Carmelo being named to a list of influential Latinos. So why wouldn’t he speak on having Latino roots? It seems appropriate given the context.
Sometimes people look too hard to see debasement where there is none.
And I agree with the post BCKay made about the underrepresentation of Latinos with clearly African roots. So I’ll say that it’s nice to see a brown face represented as such. Panamanian over here!
And Teri and Pisces I’m going to need ya’ll to get a room. lol.
I agree. We are all sisters and brothers who came from the sam place originally.
@Miznyc…LOL cute suggestion to me and Teri to get a room, but I can’t oblige it given that I’m in a monogamous relationship! I don’t just talk the talk.
so I guess then they consider their son Latino. Really, I’m a fair-skinned black woman and I don’t go naming all of the different races in my family lineage. I’m Black, and please don’t call me African-American. I’m Black, proud to be Black, and to those that think a single-mother-by-choose is wrong, whatever! You don’t have any idea what drove Halle or any of us to our decision. If I could have meet someone, married, and had a child, believe me I would have done it that way. But rather than look up at 50 with regret and dissappoint in my life and what I know that I could offer in raising a child, I made the choose to bring a beautiful child into this world. He is loved, cared for, and appreciate more than anything in this world by me. I am the perfect role model and example to him and to any child. I love God, I’m a good person. To this Teri person and Pisces person take note.
Thank you mommashane for sharing your story. It’s beautiful and well said.
Please, please don’t take personal offense at my comment and I’m not moralizing.
My opinions are just that, nothing but opinions which are worth nothing.
There was no malicious intent or mean spiritness behind my comment. Please take it with a grain of salt and continue on with what sounds like the beautiful life you’ve made for yourself and your beautiful child.
I love God, too, and I love people and I only wish you well.
CUTE PIC.
Wait a sec , u tell me JLo can’t speak spanish? get the hell outta here. Yes I think peeps should speak the language of their heritage, regardless where they r born. How embarrasing for a hispanic not to speak spanish, yet an american,asian,etc. can speak it fluently. Lot of hispanics can’t count either, so many of them here in NY get cheated like crazy. Why should anyone assume he is half latino instead of black. We all(latino/blacks) originate from the same ancestors, just known by different nationalities.
What a little cutie !!!! Be proud of who you are no matter what !!!
So…he’s afro-latino..sigh, the majority of puerto-ricans if not all have some element of African ancestry mixed in with their all ready racial mixed Spaniard and Taino blood lines. What’s the surprise? I have friends from Puerto Rico that are much darker then Anthony…
What are you sad about? He is half Puerto Rican and I knew this.
Ok so little kiyan is actually 3/4 boricua and 1/4 black
hmmm….interesting
Kiyan is probably more thatn 1/4 african because LaLa is an Afro-Latina but idk bout Melo.
It is unbelievable that even though this is the 21st century and America now has a leader of African descent, most people of African ancestry would still rather identify with any other descent of origin other than African.
Don’t forget people, it had been proven that all humans, as we know ourselves in this modern era, came from Africa. Even if you’re as White as the driven snow or Debbie Rowe humans have African DNA!
Pisces, I’m not surprised at all. Some black people are obsessed with the mixed race topic. In all my 45 years, I’ve never met a group of people so enamored by it, and will get darn right angry when someone dare call a mixed raced person black, and the people getting the most indignant aren’t even mixed! It’s a cardinal sin to call a mixed race person “black” even if they look it. I’m not saying people shouldn’t be happy for who God made them, but if we are supposedly all the same, what difference does it make what your racial make up is?
Tyra had a show with a panel of women who appeared to be biracial,” but both parents were black. They stated that people would ask them what their racial make up was and when they would say they weren’t mixed but black, people were disappointed. Wha????
We’d like to believe that color is no longer an issue, but it’s obvious that we have a looooong ways to go.
I so agree with you Teri and also with comments you’ve been making about the sanctity of marriage. I’ve been reading some of the retorts/attacks from other writers made on you for expressing your thoughts on marriage.
Marriage is an important institution that has survived for many, many centuries and no matter what people argue, marriage is much more than a piece of paper.
A timely, modern example that is relateable to, is the case of Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson. Had Rowe not gotten Michael to legally marry her, she would not have the rights she’s exercising now as his ex-wife to demand visitation and also payment from her dead ex HUSBAND’S (operative word…HUSBAND) estate.
Had she just been a “baby Mama” or a one-time-paid surrogate the courts would have thrown her out.
People don’t always need to or want to marry for financial stability but it is one major way that Whites have been able to pass on their wealth from generation to generation. They don’t just give assets to any illegitimate bastard claiming to be an heir.
I agree when you stated that Black people denounce marriage. This is brainwashing from a Eurocentric society that can afford to change life rules whenever they please for their advantage.
You notice though, that society never totally abandons legal marriage.
Black people who only make up 2/3 of American population need to come together and not stand alone.
Family was, is and will always be the backbone of thriving cultures and societies.
Thank you, Teri.
Thank you so much, Pisces. Your post is so on point! You know, I’m not even surprised at the attacks. It’s typical of people with that mindset. Some black people just don’t get it. They can’t see the fact that having babies out of wedlock and such has not and will not help our community. As a matter of fact, it has been a detriment to our community, i.e. no fathers in the home and poverty. We suffer from that more than any other group, yet people still argue that marriage isn’t always necessary. They haven’t figured it out yet. We are the only race with this issue. Why is that? I could care less that people think. I state my opinion and I don’t back down for anyone. You mentioned Debbie Rowe. You are so right. It would’ve been a mess had they not been legal and those poor children’s lives would probably be in limbo. People that claim, “marriage is a piece of paper” don’t even know what marriage is all about. If they did, they wouldn’t make such an asinine statement.
Pisces, thank you for your sweet comments. We are on the same page. I hadn’t even responded back to the other post, but I will.
Teri, you always leave such beautiful comments regarding the celebrities. Getting back to your comments about the degeneration of the Black family, you are so on point.
The celebrities shown at this site are putting their lives out there for public consumption, comments and ridicule. Whether they own it or not they are societal role models.
Halle Berry has been around now for awhile as an entertainer and even though she’s been in failed marriages/relationships, she still keeps picking herself up and trying again.
There are people chatting at this site that are saying they are 12 to 15 years old. Just like the rappers and R&B singers that young people like, Halle is a role model for some young women. The message of her lifestyle of having a baby out of wedlock no matter what the circumstances are ( so what if she has her own money)is not good for the average woman.
When she accepted her academy award she dedicated the award to all the unamed (Black) women in the world. That sent one message to us but what message is she sending families by not trying to marry her babies daddy?
Keep on keeping on, Terri.
Oh and this relates to this couple LaLa and Camelo. They’re not married, either. It’s more important for her to Mrs. than teaching her man to speak Spanish. Get him to the alter, Lala then we”ll really be impressed.
Teri, you always leave such beautiful comments regarding the celebrities. Getting back to your comments about the degeneration of the Black family, you are so on point.
The celebrities shown at this site are putting their lives out there for public consumption, scrutiny, comments and ridicule. Whether they own it or not they are societal role models.
Halle Berry has been around now for awhile as an entertainer and even though she’s been in failed marriages/relationships, she still keeps picking herself up and trying again.
There are people chatting at this site that are saying they are 12 to 15 years old. Just like the rappers and R&B singers that young people like, Halle is a role model for some young women. The message of her lifestyle of having a baby out of wedlock no matter what the circumstances are ( so what if she has her own money)is not good for the average woman. It contributes to the breakdown of the family.
When she accepted her academy award she dedicated the award to all the unamed (Black) women in the world. That sent one message to us but what message is she sending families by not trying to marry her babies daddy?
Keep on keeping on, Terri.
Oh, and I digressed, this relates to this couple LaLa and Carmelo. They’re not married, either. It’s more important for her to become Mrs. Anthony than teaching her man to speak Spanish. Get him to the altar, Lala then people will be really impressed.
Sorry for the double posting of the same comment.
That’s a wonderful thing. =D And whoever didn’t know that Carmelo was half Puerto Rican are slow.
I am considered Afro-latino, through a mix of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents. I do identify as african american because I look african american. I didn’t find out about my latino heritage until I was 10.I constantly have to remind people of the fact that even though I don’t speak spanish,it should not make me less latino in their eyes. Who cares if he speaks spanish or not or if u can tell by just a glance if they are latino or not, underneath we are all the same. I was adopted and raised by an african american couple who raised me to be proud to be brown no matter what. Black and brown people need to come together instead of letting society dictate how we interact with one another. As a person raised african american with latino roots I find it refreshing to see that they are also proud of their heritage.
I like that he was named one of 100 influential Hispanics because many times black people aren’t represented in the hispanic community. It’s one of the reasons so many black hispanics hate themselves and want nothing to do with being black.
that’s nice. i’m part puerto rican as well
boricuas.
@prettydeuce Creole is not only spoken in haiti but in Guadeloupe,Martinique,Sainte Lucia,Dominica,French Guyana,Seychelles,Mauritius,Réunion too.ou ja konèt.haiti chérie an mwen.
Yes, I know that Creole is not only spoken in Haiti. Thanks, but I was just stating that I am not from Louisiana.
Are they serious? When is the wedding?
So is LaLa, black puerto rican?
The proper term is Afro-Latino…
Because her articulation is straight up African American ghetto/Ebonics!
Please he was all black until he met Lala and she started this pro black stuff ..She need to sit down somewhere ..Nothing more than a gold digger herself..Cute baby thou ..Just think she advertise her baby a bit too much on twitter -find a job.
Well that’s good he’s met a woman that has taught him to appreciate who he is. His father died when he was 2 so I’m sure he wasn’t exposed to that culture until LaLa. White people love to explore their heritage (Italian, Jewish, Irish, etc.) don’t knock him for doing the same. All I know is that I’m from Africa. I wish I knew more than a vague continent.
Monique,
I’m pretty sure Melo has Puerto Rican friends. As a matter of fact, he has siblings/family on his father’s side so I wager to be he’s been exposed to Puerto Ricans before Lala.
KIYANNN IS SOOO ADOREABLEEE !!!
CAN U IMAGINAE HOW MANY LITTLE GIRLS
GOING BE O HIM ONCE SCHOOL HIT
Amen, Chantal
Kiyan is just way too cute for words. I love the little shy smile.
I really like Melo and Lala.
I also wish more black people took pride in who we are and of our rich heritage. There’s way too much self-debasing w/n our race.
girl you just spoke a mouthful
but yes kiyan is a cutie and i already knew carmelo was half puerto rican
Yeah, but do they speak spanish or are they another Jenifer Lopez? Non spanish speaking latino’s!
Yes, Lala does speak fluent Spanish. Not sure about Melo. I’m sure their son will also learn it as well.
Whether they speak Spanish bears no significance with respect to the identification of their heritage. Does it make them any less Puerto Rican?
No, not speaking Spanish does not make them any less of a Latino; however, I think that they should speak Spanish to their child since it is, after all, their heritage. My family speaks Creole, and I am first generation American. You better believe that although I am technically considered ‘American’, that I speak creole fluently to my daughter, who is 2. I think that it’s important to not let the culture, the language, the lineage to die. It’s so important, in my opinion, to pass that on to offspring. That’s just my humble opinion
If you’re Creole, isn’t that considered American, or part of American culture, since it’s a combo of cultures that came together in Louisiana? I’m just curious since you mentioned being first generation American and having a Creole family.
Creole is a language spoken in the Caribbean island of Haiti. No, my family does not come from Louisiana. Thus, because my family is from Haiti, and I was born here, I am first generation American.
CREOLES ORIGINATE FROM THE CARRIBEAN, NOT LOUISIANA, DINGBAT. LOUISIANANS ARE 3RD+ GENERATION AMERICANS. REREAD YOUR HISTORY BOOK UNDER “LOUISIANA PURCHASE”.
Oh my goodness! Creole/Kreyol is a language spoken in Haiti. Not a race or nationality and any fool who does hide behind being a ‘Creole’ as in Louisiana are those that are trying to dilute their heritage as if that makes them less Black! I am also first generation American-Haitian with a father who also had Dominican heritage. I speak both of my parents native tongue. Not that its excellent because as soon as I open my mouth the natives know I’m not a native of their land but if I wanted children you better believe they would learn how to speak Creole and Spanish broke down and all. Unfortunately, my sister failed to do this with her children but they really want to learn and you better know they will tell you they are Haitian in a heart beat though neither one of them have ever step foot in Haiti. And since people often think they are mixed [both parents are Haitian though my brother in law is a beige blue sometimes green eyed militant, that brothers Creole is so bad I beg him to speak English and he was born in Haiti!] they make sure to let them know not only are they Black but of Caribbean descent as well. They may not be able to speak the language but we teach them the history and they’ve definitely got PRIDE.
I grew up with a lot of Asian friends and it’s the same thing. They were all first generation Americans and some of them spoke the languages of their heritages and some didn’t.
It didn’t make any difference whether they spoke the language or not, though, because they were still Korean, Thai, Laotian, or Chinese.
Kudos to you Chantel <3 spoken with intelligence!
This is the story of my life. Folks like dlcok irritate me so!
I am Nigerian…though I was born in America…my parents are from Nigeria…actually, my WHOLE entire family is still in Nigeria. I cook the food, know the culture, dance the traditional dances but cannot speak the language fluently…because of this, I am “not Nigerian”.
Puhleeezz, who are YOU to tell ME who I am?! Does that make me any less Nigerian? I think not!
@Naija Gal
Same exact story with me. I made a vow to learn to speak Igbo fluently so that I can speak it to my children when I have them.
I makes no difference if they speak spanish or not. My relatives in the States are also proud of their German roots (my grandma´s sister married a G.I. in the late 1940s)…but don´t speak German at all.
dlcok, im not sure if you are aware, but that can be taken as a very hateful comment. i, being a woman who of both african american and puerto rican descent speak neither and form of many african languages nor spanish. i only speak english. your statement was very ignorant. just thought you should be checked!
does that really matter???
Everyone should be proud of their heritage….You should never be ashamed of who you are.