Biography:
Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez is a Cuban writer, editor, and essayist who has made significant contributions to the rights of women, people of African descent, and LGBT individuals. Known for her activism and dedication to improving the representation of Afro-Cubanas in society, she has become a prominent figure in the fight against racism, sexism, and homophobia in Cuban media.
Born and raised in Cuba, Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez pursued her education at the University of Havana, where she graduated with a degree in psychology in 1996. Continuing her academic journey, she attended the Instituto Internacional de Periodismo José Martí and obtained a diploma in gender studies and communication. In 2008, she further expanded her knowledge by earning a master’s degree in gender studies at the José Martí International Institute of Journalism.
During her time at the university, Ramírez’s passion for feminism and women’s rights became evident. She developed her master’s thesis into an essay titled Relectura de la obra cinematográfica de Sara Gómez desde la teoría feminista, which received an honorable mention in the essay contest at the Félix Varela Center in Havana. This early recognition fueled her determination to continue advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
In her career, Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez served as the editor of Cubaliteraria, a site operated by the Cuban Book Institute, for a decade. Her editorial work played a crucial role in promoting Cuban literature and highlighting the contributions of Cuban writers within the literary community. However, it was in 2006 that Ramírez made a significant impact by founding the blog Negra Cubana Tenía que ser (It had to be a Black Cuban woman).
With Negra Cubana Tenía que ser, Ramírez aimed to challenge the underrepresentation of Afro-Cubans, particularly Afrocubanas, in Cuban media. The blog became a platform for media criticism, shedding light on the biases and discrimination faced by the Afro-Cuban community. Ramírez’s insightful analysis and commentary on racism, sexism, and homophobia provided a much-needed perspective, sparking important conversations within Cuban society.
Ramírez’s dedication to promoting the contributions of Afro-Cuban women extended beyond her blog. As the founder and manager of the Directorio de Afrocubanas (Afrocubana Directory), she published short biographies of Afrocubanas who had played significant roles in Cuban history, society, or culture. This directory not only acted as a valuable resource but also celebrated the achievements and resilience of Afro-Cuban women, ensuring their stories were documented and shared.
In 2015, Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez co-founded the magazine Azúcar & Kalt, which became the first Spanish-language magazine in Hannover, Germany. By creating this platform, she aimed to expand the reach of her activism, advocating for social justice and inclusivity across borders. Ramírez’s work as a journalist has also been recognized, with her regular contributions to various print and online media outlets allowing her to further amplify her advocacy efforts.
Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez’s tireless activism and dedication to promoting the rights of women, people of African descent, and LGBT individuals have left an indelible mark on society. Her powerful voice and commitment to challenging social injustices have inspired many and continue to shape the trajectory of women’s history, both in Cuba and beyond.
Awards:
– Honorable Mention in the essay contest at the Félix Varela Center in Havana for the essay Relectura de la obra cinematográfica de Sara Gómez desde la teoría feminista