Shantiece Daily: Being Afro-Latina Means Carrying Forth Her Heritage And Culture
She thought she knew where she came from—until one discovery about her Puerto Rican and Black heritage reframed everything she passes down to her children
For 31 days starting September 15, the world recognizes the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino people. For Shantiece Daily, mother of two and proud Afro-Latina, it means something deeply personal:
“Fully embracing both the Black and Puerto Rican aspects of my heritage without feeling the need to choose between them.”
The 37-year-old HR Business Partner—currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Human Capital Management—understands the depth and nuance of honoring dual lineages.
“Recently, my family completed an ancestry test, and learning more about the struggles our ancestors faced—whether through the sugar industry in Puerto Rico or the cotton industry in the Deep South—has provided me with a deeper perspective,” she explains.
“For me, being Afro-Latina is about carrying forward the resilience, strength, and culture that emerged from those hardships and recognizing how those legacies continue to influence us today.”
Memories That Smell Like Home
For many, culture first shows up in the kitchen. And for Shantiece, those early memories of her Latina heritage are marked by the smell of pernil, alcapurrias, and pasteles—classic Puerto Rican dishes that filled her childhood with joy and tradition.
“Some of my earliest memories center on family gatherings with my grandmother or Titi Gladys. They always had an event or celebration,” she remembers.
“I remember helping put together beaded flags for the Puerto Rican Day Parade. I could smell the food from the elevator. Even as a child, I knew those moments were more than just a meal—they were about preserving culture.”
Family: The Core of Culture
Family is the heartbeat of Puerto Rican identity, and Shantiece holds that value close.
“My family is mostly women, and deep love and care for one another have always been at the center of our traditions,” she says.
“We support each other and show up for one another, and that’s something I deeply value. To me, that emphasis on family—on being there for each other—is one of the most beautiful aspects of Hispanic culture.”
Now as a mother, she passes those values forward with intention. From sharing recipes and dancing salsa in the living room to celebrating culture through music and language, Shantiece creates an immersive experience for her children.
“I still remember how family parties would last all night—kids would fall asleep wherever there was space while the adults kept celebrating. That sense of joy, rhythm, and community is something I want them to feel and carry with them.”
Raising Roots That Run Deep
With children of mixed heritage—Black American, Puerto Rican, and Trinidadian—Shantiece’s approach to motherhood centers around identity, legacy, and love.
“I want them to grow up with a strong sense of who they are and where they come from,” she says.
“Teaching them about their heritage—through food, music, stories, and history—gives them a foundation of pride and identity that I hope will guide them throughout their lives.”
