Learning from the Ancestors to Create Safe Spaces in the Spirit of Hush Harbors and Bohíos
For Afro-Latinos, embracing our rich heritage involves honoring the powerful traditions and spiritual practices that have sustained our ancestors through centuries of struggle and resilience. The hush harbors of Black Americans and the bohíos of Puerto Ricans were more than mere physical spaces; they were sanctuaries of spiritual strength, cultural preservation, and communal solidarity. Today, we can draw inspiration from these historical safe havens to create modern spaces — both physical and virtual — where Afro-Latinos (and other people of color and true allies) can gather, celebrate, and support one another.
Historical Significance of Hush Harbors and Bohíos
Enslaved black Americans who wished to practice their religion away from the watchful eyes of their oppressors established Hush Harbors, which were secret worship locations. In these secret meetings, they could freely express their spirituality, share stories, sing songs, and find solace in their collective resilience.
Similarly, bohíos served as homes for those indigenous to Puerto Rico before the Spaniards arrived. They would later serve as homes where many Afro-Boricuas could preserve their African, Indigenous Taino, and Catholic traditions. These huts, often hidden in remote areas, provided a space for spiritual and cultural practices crucial for maintaining their identity and resisting colonial oppression.
Incorporating These Traditions Today
In today’s world, we can harness the spirit of hush harbors and bohíos to create safe spaces for Afro-Latinos, blending our rich religious traditions with modern technology and community-building practices. Here are several ways to do this:
1. Virtual Gatherings and Prayer Meetings:
- Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like Zoom, or Facebook Live to host virtual prayer meetings, worship services, and spiritual discussions. These virtual hush harbors can bring together people from across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith. I have found that in the black community, there have been a few of these places birthed like The Gathering, A Womanist Church in Texas, The Pink Robe Chronicles gatherings by Melva Sampson and even the hybrid expression of this via The Double Love Experience in Brooklyn. I also hold space at The Passion Center. Yet, for those of us who identify as Afro-Latinos, we can’t seem to find or even support the few spaces that elevate both our Taino and African heritage and religious traditions. These spaces can be special because of:
- Inclusive Worship: Incorporating elements from various Afro-Latino religious traditions to create inclusive worship experiences that resonate with the diverse spiritual heritage of our community.
2. Cultural Preservation and Education: These communications can:
- Organize Workshops and Webinars: That focus on a complete history of people of color, cultural practices, and spiritual traditions. These educational sessions help preserve our heritage and pass valuable knowledge to future generations.
- Introduce Storytelling and Oral Histories: These spaces can encourage elders and community members to share their stories and oral histories. Documenting these narratives ensures that our rich cultural tapestry is not lost and continues to inspire pride and resilience.
3. Be a provider of community support and advocacy:
- Support Groups: They can host support groups that provide emotional and spiritual support to people of color facing discrimination, identity struggles, or social injustice. These groups can offer a safe space for sharing experiences and finding collective strength.
- Social Justice Initiatives: They can use these gatherings to organize and advocate for social justice issues affecting the people at the margins. Drawing from the legacy of resistance found in hush harbors and bohíos, we can work together to combat racism, inequality, and systemic oppression.
4. Blending Tradition with Technology:
-Virtual Rituals and Ceremonies: They can easily adapt traditional rituals and ceremonies for virtual platforms. Whether it’s a virtual altar, an online drumming circle, or a digital festival, these practices can help maintain our spiritual connections in a modern context.
[If you want to help build such a space, join me in The Passion Center. If you know of other spaces where Black and Brown can follow Jesus, love people and pursue justice together, let me know in the comments so I can start curating a list!]
By embracing our Afro-Latino heritage and drawing inspiration from the historical examples of hush harbors and bohíos, we can create modern-day sanctuaries where our community can thrive. These physical or virtual spaces offer a refuge for spiritual growth, cultural preservation, and communal solidarity. These safe havens are essential for nurturing our identity, resilience, and collective spirit in a world often marked by division and discrimination.
By integrating religious traditions and innovatively using technology, we can honor our ancestors’ legacy and build a future where people of color feel empowered, connected, and celebrated. Let us continue to gather, share, and support one another in the spirit of hush harbors and bohíos, creating spaces that reflect the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.
