American Negra: A Memoir – A Powerful Story of Afro-Latinidad, Multiethnic Identity, and the Journey to Belonging

by Natasha S. Alford

Award-winning journalist Natasha S. Alford grew up between two worlds as the daughter of an African American father and Puerto Rican mother. In American Negra, a narrative that is part memoir, part cultural analysis, Alford reflects on growing up in a working-class family from the city of Syracuse, NY. In smart, vivid prose, Alford illustrates the complexity of being multiethnic in Upstate New York and society’s flawed teachings about matters of identity. When she travels to Puerto Rico for the first time, she is the darkest in her family, and navigates shame for not speaking Spanish fluently. She visits African-American hair salons where she’s told that she has “good” hair, while internalizing images that as a Latina she has "bad” hair or pelo malo. When Alford goes from an underfunded public school system to Harvard University surrounded by privilege and pedigree, she wrestles with more than her own ethnic identity, as she is faced with imposter syndrome, a shocking medical diagnosis, and a struggle to define success on her own terms. A study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic changes her perspective on Afro-Latinidad and sets her on a path to better understand her own Latin roots. Alford then embarks on a whirlwind journey to find her authentic voice, taking her across the United States from a hedge fund boardroom to a classroom and ultimately a newsroom, as a journalist.   A coming-of-age story about what it's like to live at the intersections of race, culture, gender, and class, all while staying true to yourself, American Negra is a captivating look at one woman’s experience being Negra in the United States. As the movement to highlight Afro-Latin identity and overlooked histories of the African diaspora grows, American Negra illustrates the diversity of the Black experience in the larger fabric of American society.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Latinx, Race, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Lydia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great memoir that expands what it means to be American. It was a page turner as I followed Natasha on her path of success and self-determination with U.S. culture, politics, and economics as the backdrop. Highly recommend.

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Negra was a breathe of fresh air. This memoir made me feel seen.

Sharing her journey into journalism, the fight to go where you fit in - when it comes to race and ethnicity, dealing with family trauma and all.

This was a very moving story from start to finish. I’ve had a lot of the same battles growing up, living at the intersection of being African American & Panamanian. & not fully fitting in to either space fully.

This is a book I would share with my nieces. to show them that anything is possible. All you have to do is try.

[Ricandebbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I totally related in the beginning of the book where is she expressed her feelings about her hair I totally related. I love her journey of who she was I related to that also. I loved her strength how she kept going through everything and how she expressed herself on her doubts but she kept on growing and didn't stop. I loved all her personal thoughts about everyone, herself, family and her work.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of this memoir covers the author's experiences growing up as the daughter of an African American father and a Puerto Rican mother. With skin tone darker than her mother's, but lighter than her father's, when she would meet new kids in school, they would sometimes ask her, "What are you?" She ultimately decided that she identified more as Black, but while in college, she researched and wrote papers on both Black and Puerto Rican issues.

The second half of the book tracks her search for the right career, which was a pretty wild ride - from Wall Street, to teaching at an inner-city school, then a charter school, a stint as an on-air reporter, and ending with her becoming a journalist writing about Black issues for an online forum.

The only jarring note was a throwaway line at the very end of the book when she's at a funeral when she said she hugged her son tight. Up until then, there was not a SINGLE mention of her having had a child, or even of anyone she was sharing her life with, which I found really odd and, frankly, a little sad.

But overall, the book was well worth the read - thank you, Goodreads, for my free copy!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, since I just read "The Things we Didn’t Say," by Elba Iris Perez, in which racism arose within a Puerto Rican family displaying overt prejudice against their fellow Puerto Rican citizens of African descent. This author is an excellent writer and invested in explaining some of the challenges with the intersection of multiple races/cultures and gender. In some ways, her journey seemed similar to Michelle Obama's, with a supportive family. I wish more authors addressed the nuances of racism within all minority groups instead of conveniently scapegoating white people for everything - for sure slavery was terrible, and white privilege is a thing that is often invisible and perpetuates systems plagued with racism, but the nuances matter, and there is a lot of racism perpetuated at the individual level between minority racial groups which doesn't seem to be acknowledged. When I went to public high school in a Los Angeles suburb, I attended school with various Asian people, Latinx people, Middle Eastern people, and African American people. In my limited experience, I witnessed several incidences of mixed raced people being bullied by those in minority groups, e.g. black students bullying half-white, half-black American students, far more than I saw white people engaging in that behavior. Since most of my family speaks Spanish and have lived in several South American countries, I have witnessed a lot of prejudice within Latinx communities - e.g. South American citizens expressing overt prejudice against Mexicans or South Americans of native descent, or Brazilians who believe they are superior to those from other parts of Brazil, or Puerto Rican friends I've had who insisted that people from other Latin countries needed to "go back to their countries," because Puerto Ricans are US citizens (this when I was trying to elicit help and resources for a Spanish-speaking friend from Ecuador trying to escape a dangerous situation in his country). I've also witnessed individuals from certain Asian groups express overt prejudice against people from other Asian groups. Racism is a problem, but I sometimes wonder if all the focus at the macro-level is really the most efficient way to address the ongoing problem at the core. At the core, people tend to be tribal and lack empathy and curiosity for people in other groups. Nothing I say here will matter, but this book did stir up some feelings, because of all the implications for why white people are the core of the problem. I'm tired of this topic being so oversimplified. The author hints at this complexity and gives examples, but then defaults to rhetoric.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book possessed so much information that at times I felt like I was reading a textbook and when it was getting to be too much, she would come out of the blue with a prose like sentence that had so much power and strength. Her words sat with me. This book was extremely thought provoking especially since I am the mother of biracial children. I always feel like my anthropology degree comes roaring back - your experiences shape who you are. What you were exposed to shapes who you are and how you view yourself as well as how you identify. Great read.

[Trisha B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was a beautiful way to gain insight of struggles and triumphs faced by someone with different and similar cultural ties to me. Alford explores the challenges of coming to terms with her identity as. Puerto Rican and African American child. Her voice is captivating. I'd most definitely reccomend.

[Constance Chevalier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir lovingly told by a Black and Puerto Rican woman finding her identity and purpose in life. She described everything so clear and understandable; her college days and after, trying one career after another. She also struggles with many health concerns. Great book...and so current.

[Shanereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this memoir!

I knew nothing about Natasha Alford, when I received this advanced copy, but I am so glad that I read it! In this memoir she discusses race identity, social justice, and becoming a burgeoning journalist as a mixed African American and Puerto Rican woman.

Booksellers this would be a great hand sell for readers who enjoy books like The Other Wes Moore.

This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Huge thanks to Harper for my review copy!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning encapsulation of intersectionality of gender, race, and ethnicity. A gorgeous window into Black Latinidad. This book could be required reading for educators and inspirational to first generation college students! Highly recommend! ¡Pa que tú lo sepa! 🇵🇷

[Rosalind · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read that brings the stress of being Black, Latina and a journalist front and center. I recognized all the worries, pitfalls and micro-aggressions that come with the industry and found myself getting mad that nothing much has changed since I was in J School. Natasha's journey with her identity as an Afro-Latina also made me hope that things are gradually changing. I wished that she included a bit more of her personal life, the ending was a little unexpected since she never addressed navigating a relationship.

[Ellen Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read that I highly recommend!

Natasha Alford is one of those people I've felt like I've known forever. I've been reading her work covering race and politics for years, and she's frequently on one of my screens highlighting Black excellence or calling our leaders to task. But you can never really know someone that way. But a no-holds-barred memoir? That sheds a lot of light.

I read an advanced digital copy of American Negra in a single weekend — that's a significant feat for me because I'm a fan of physical books. I imagine if I'd had one, I would have ended the weekend with paper cuts from turning the pages so fast.

They're stories that remind me of my own childhood (feeling outcast and othered) and stories that brought up unexpected emotion in me (if you're a daddy's girl, have your tissues ready). Her media career is inspiring and she generously tells of the steps she took to enter and succeed in an arena years after her peers began working in the field. And every now and then she makes you want to lace up your gym shoes and go fight for or with the young Natasha (we all need a support group for the Sell Out chapter).

I absolutely love literature that exposes me to new worlds and teaches me things I never knew. Conversely, I also enjoy seeing myself and my own experiences reflected on book pages. American Negra does both. Natasha Alford’s professional story is so inspiring to me, but it’s the deeply vulnerable and descriptive way that she tells her story of growing up as a bridge between two worlds that is most remarkable.

I could see myself in so many of her experiences, even though we grew up in completely different communities and in different parts of the country. Natasha isn’t solely descended from American chattel slavery. Nor is she "only" the daughter of an immigrant. And she isn’t anyone's outsider. She’s an American Negra. And, because of her story, I hope to learn of more experiences like hers.

[Natasha Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right off the bat, I could tell how smart Natasha is. Although I had never heard of Natasha Alford prior to picking up this memoir, I was in awe the entire time I was listening to this book. There is something so refreshing about reading about someone who is so driven, head strong, and determined from such a young age. Giving this book a 3.8 simply because I found her story so inspiring. This is a book about an Afro Latina named Natasha Alford and her journey to self-love and self-discovery. Her father is African American and her mother is Puerto Rican so from an early age, Natasha was always trying to figure out where she fit in. She naturally fell in with the black crowd but struggled at times because she always wanted to acknowledge her Latina side but found it difficult because she was darker than other Latinas and she also did not speak the language. She has been intelligent her entire life and was often in this gifted program or that gifted program and she won several awards and scholarships not just because she was naturally smart but also because she applied herself. She got accepted to Harvard and that is where she really decided to take a deeper look at what it means to be Afro Latina. She joined several groups in college where they had lengthy discussions around race, racism, and stereotypes. I like how she and the people she surrounded herself with were never afraid to have difficult conversations or ask the hard questions that make you think. Despite her turbulent relationship with her father and her health issues, she never made excuses and continued to go after what she wanted in life. By the time she was 30 yrs old, this woman wore more hats, took more risks, and bet on herself more times than anyone that I know. There was nothing exciting or thrilling about this book but if you are looking for a thought-provoking book that takes a deeper look at race then you may like this.

[Lucy Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I met author Natasha S. Alford at the Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival I knew her story would be compelling. She greeted everyone at the event with warmth, connected over stories and moderated a dynamic panel that warranted my further interest in her memoir. Her book details her childhood tales of growing up as a bi-racial Black and Puerto Rican child seeking her place in the classroom, community and the world; And I was immediately drawn in. Her vulnerability, courage, and fearlessness to find and use her voice through each familial, cultural, academic, health, and career “rights of passage,” made this an instant page turner. As a fellow Black and Puerto Rican who grew up in a world trying to quickly label and judge us while we were still discovering who we wanted to become, there were so many relatable moments in this memoir that made me pause, reflect and rejoice that there was NOW a story that captured our intersectional experience in all of its complexities. HERstory truly did feel like our story and it is the story of a little girl who had really big dreams, and was brave enough to share the ups and downs, losses and wins of that journey. And I for one, am so glad she did. I highly recommend this book. Whether you pick up the book because of the cultural connection, the ode to her hometown and family or your interest in understanding a day in the life of a journalist, there is a story in here for you. The best part to me is, I think she’s just getting started so I cannot wait to read what’s coming next!

[Rothmaxing · Rating 1 out of 5]

Imagine reading a memoir of someone that had accomplished very little and couldn’t write particularly well. Now imagine an attempt to weave the most surface-level, boring, “facts” into the narrative of your life which is mainly composed of a series of humble brags about how you overcame adversity to get into Harvard. That is American Negra in a nutshell.

What pissed me off so much about this novel was the way in which she tried to act like her life was full of adversity when she constantly had her mother who was pushing her to succeed and got her into a plethora of programs, better schools, and prep classes to earn her the best shot possible at getting a great scholarship. How awful it is to have someone take an active investment in your education? For some of us, our parents could not have cared less and it has nothing to do with race! Add in the teachers who take a vested interest in her success, her complaints about her school that somehow still get visits from Harvard alumni to scout for students (my public high school didn’t get a visit from anything approaching Harvard btw), and yet there is more to be upset about some how.

Besides this, she still finds a way to complain about perceived mistreatments and her wondering if things would have been different if she was white. I suppose if she was white she would have not written such an awful book complaining about the fact that she had a unique upbringing that allowed her to attend Harvard to just squander that opportunity and be a mediocre journalist and author. Awful, awful, awful, millennial trite.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story as many layered as the person. Fitting as it is a memoir I suppose. Yet there is just so much Ms. Alford has to say beyond her own experience, her search for her sense of self, her way to finding the ethnic identity that feels right for and to her and not what the world tries to oppose on her. It's more than just a career journey. It's more than a family drama. It's more than an anthem for those with an intersectionality not as commonly brought to the front.

Beyond these things it's an alerting look at history and how it has lead to current viewpoints, outcomes, and what it means both that there are certain stories buried and what it can look like to bring them to light. There are commentaries not only on society in general but a look into educational systems, corporate structure, and the lack of acceptance of those with disabilities tucked in there. It was motivational as well to see someone who had a very unique depiction of persistence and who was so self aware about their own missteps while also forgiving and understanding the traumas that were not the result of her own actions in someone relatively young with , be goodness willing, still much more to give to life and the world.

[Yomaira C.Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this memoir and delve into the life and world of the author who shares a beautiful story of growing up in NY state as the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and an African American father. We are able to follow her journey as she traverses questions of race, identity, language, and success. This is a much needed point-of-view of an experience than many people across the diaspora may have but too few see in print. I can see it taught in high schools and college classrooms across the country -- challenging us to think differently about our own assumptions about the overlapping histories of Black/Latino and Puerto Rican life in the US.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning a copy of "American Negra" through a Goodreads giveaway felt amazing! I was so excited to start reading, especially because I'm a big fan of Natasha Alford's discussions on race and politics on CNN. Even though I already knew a bit about her work, her memoir gave me a whole new perspective.

I feel really lucky to get a glimpse into the author's life. Her story about growing up in New York with a Puerto Rican mom and an African American dad really touched me. It makes you stop and think about race, who you are, and what success really means. These are important topics that don't always get talked about enough, but they're something everyone should think about. Seeing them explored so honestly in her book was refreshing.

I'm so glad Natasha Alford decided to share her story with everyone. There are lots of stories like hers out there, but they often don't get the attention they deserve. Her bravery in sharing her experiences is inspiring and gives hope to others who might be struggling to tell their own stories. Stories like hers remind us that America is made up of all kinds of people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

I highly recommend reading “American Negra: A Memoir.”

[Gieselle Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a coming home for me. The tears are streaming down my face. I just finished it. It’s 2025 and I am thinking of Brown and Black communities in the US, the trans community under a hateful administration. Ms. Alford told such a poignant intersectional story. It mirrors my own as an AfroLatina from Brooklyn and Long Island. I hope many read it. Understanding the Afrolatinx experience is an important part of understanding our American History.

[Alliah Agostini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir was brilliant. I’m incredibly grateful Natasha had the foresight to tell her story, because it has so many points of intersectionality that will allow a multitude of others to see their own experiences, thoughts, insecurities, and points of pride reflected within it. Moreover, she framed her story with historical and cultural context in a brilliant, informative, and objective but appropriately empathetic way that only an outstanding journalist would. Looking forward to seeing more from Alford across the media landscape.
This book is a gift.

[lola Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

so fascinating.
i'm just surprised that a child of working class parents had never learned basic budgeting. that she got into financial trouble pretty frequently, and kind of glossed over that part was something i think she could have highlighted more. like her mom, i was surprised that someone who was living pretty much paycheck to paycheck, would quit a job without having something set up.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I did not enjoy reading this one. Everything up to her getting into Harvard was a pretty good linear origin coming of age story but the author would stop to try to mix in her research and historical facts throughout which made the emotional tug of her story feel inauthentic and choppy.

[Chanika R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were moments that felt didactic, but I still appreciated Alford’s candor and introspection throughout her memoir. Her journey was compelling and heartfelt; the lessons shared, inspiring. All in all, well worth the read.

[Marisa Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is listed as a memoir but it felt more like a history book which explained the author’s experiences as an Afro Latina as she struggled to rise in her career. You learn very little about Natasha Alford as a person. I skimmed through the last couple of chapters.

[E Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about identity. Which race a person decides to be or side with because of the color of their skin. The title caught my attention and I was enjoying the story until the author got stuck on the topic of race.
Besides this she did accomplish a lot in her life.

[Sue J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that details the (sometimes) duality of living as Black and Latina in America. There was much in this book that I could relate to. Also was great to learn about her upbringing and the challenges she faced getting to where she is today.

[IquoImoh Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story on growing up and coming into yourself. Natasha did not let the setbacks define her. She persevered and understood her calling. She dropped so much knowledge in sharing her life with me the reader.

[Nathalie]

Love the way Natasha Alford weaves her personal journey with rich cultural history. It adds real depth to the story as she reflects on identity, belonging, life shifts, and personal drive. It’s always interesting to hear about others' experiences. Did you see parts of your own story in hers?

[Margaret Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - Exceptional memoirs like Educated and Heavy pull you along on the strength of the narrative. American Negra reads more like an autobiography, in that you’re given a running tally of events and accomplishments. I feel like this is the book one would write if they anticipated running for or marrying into elected office.

[Laura Ann she-her · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5* I rounded up, because her narration on audible was so strong and gave this such depth.