Celebrating Afro-Latino Heritage: A Voyage Across Latin America with Kim Haas, PBS TV Host

Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas is a radically different program from anything on TV today.  Each half-hour episode captures the heart and soul of Afro-Latino culture throughout the  Americas by taking an adventurous dive into the history, art, music, dance, cuisine education,  sports, and environmental conservation that African descendants brought to Central and South  America and the Caribbean. Through the lens of culture and compassion, Host Kim Haas will examine the unique role that Africans played in building countries such as Brazil, Colombia,  Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

RESOURCES

• Find the show on CreateTV: Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas - Create TV or your local PBS station.
•  Website: www.travelswithkimhaas.com 
• Facebook: facebook.com/KimHaasTravels 

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the podcast where we embark on a journey through culture and place, one fascinating story at a time. I'm your host, jill Dutton, an avid traveler and writer, passionate about exploring the world and uncovering the unique tales of the people I encounter along the way. Join me as we delve into the heart of destinations, offering an insider's perspective through the captivating narratives of individuals who shape their communities. Whether it's chatting with a distillery owner crafting artisanal spirits, an angler casting lines in remote waters or a chef mastering the flavors of a region, each episode offers a glimpse into their world and expertise. Stick around till the end of each episode to discover more about my travels and writing adventures. In the meantime, get ready to be inspired, enlightened and transported to distant lands on Global Journeys with Jill Dutton.

Speaker 1: 1:00

In today's episode of Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, we meet Kim Haas and learn about her television series Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas. This groundbreaking series is dedicated to uncovering the vibrant Afro-Latino culture across Latin America and is set to premiere its second season, located in Colombia. Hosted by Kim Haas, a passionate traveler and executive producer, the show has already made waves with its two-part special on Costa Rica. Now viewers are invited to embark on an exciting journey to discover Colombia's underrepresented Afro-descendant population and the breathtaking natural beauty that the country has to offer. The season premiere of Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas in Colombia will air nationally on CREATE TV and locally on PBS stations. Colombia, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, provides the perfect backdrop for the next leg of Kim Haas' journey. With a rich tapestry of heritage, colombia boasts a significant Afro-Columbian population that has been underrepresented for far too long. As Kim explores the country, viewers will be captivated by the blend of history, music, art, cuisine and the resilient spirit of Colombia's Afro-descendant community.

Speaker 1: 2:19

In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our global tapestry. According to the Pew Research Center, an astonishing 25% of Latin America's nearly 600 million people have African ancestry. Yet the contributions and experiences of Afro-Latinos have often been overlooked or marginalized. Afro-latino Travels with Kim Haas aims to rectify this by shedding light on the remarkable stories and achievements of Afro-Latinos throughout the region. Kim Haas, the executive producer, host and creator of Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas, has been active in Afro-Latino issues for more than a decade and is the founder of the most Afro-Latinos, a blog celebrating Afro-Latino culture.

Speaker 1: 3:10

Kim speaks fluent Spanish, italian and Portuguese. She is passionate about her work with Afro-Latino Travels and Kim is extremely proud to be one of the upcoming few black female travel hosts on public television, leading the path for more to follow. Join me in welcoming Kim Haas to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton. Kim, thank you so much for joining me today and I'm eager to learn more about your television show, what led to its creation and about your fascinating travels. Really, I'm excited to learn more about this, so thank you for joining me.

Speaker 2: 3:49

Oh, thank you so much.

Speaker 1: 3:51

I really appreciate it, your show Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas. It's so unique, so I'm curious when and how did you first develop the idea for Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas?

Speaker 2: 4:03

Yeah, no thanks. You know what, at least 10 years ago, and it kind of grew out of, or I had this idea because I was traveling throughout Latin America and I was going to Venezuela and Brazil and Cuba and Puerto Rico, and I'm seeing all these people who look like me, and then I'm turning on Spanish-language television and I'm seeing no one who looks like me. And yeah, and there was a real, you know, there's a real disconnect. There was a real lack of representation, tremendous. And I just thought about all these incredible people that I was meeting, that I was seeking out because I love the arts, so I was meeting dancers and writers and chefs and musicians and all these wonderful people of African descent in these countries. And yet when I look at Spanish television, it's like nowhere to be found. And I just thought what an absolute loss for all of us as human beings when we don't get to meet and learn about everyone. And so that became kind of my mission. That's fantastic.

Speaker 2: 5:18

And when was this? Well, this was Then. You got the idea. At least I'm sorry, go ahead.

Speaker 1: 5:24

What you were saying and just when did you get the idea?

Speaker 2: 5:27

At least 10 years ago. So it's been, yeah, at least 10 years ago.

Speaker 1: 5:32

Fantastic. And then the first show just it recently launched.

Speaker 2: 5:37

So this is the first show of the second season Colombia. The first season featured Costa Rica, so we did two episodes. We shot two episodes in Costa Rica and San Jose, the capital, and in Limón. And I just love in Costa Rica they say pura vida, and so I love saying pura vida. It's kind of like it just catch off for all kind of all good things. You know, pure life, I love it, I love pura vida.

Speaker 1: 6:05

Oh, that's wonderful. So what was it that inspired your interest in Latin America more broadly?

Speaker 2: 6:10

Yeah. So I like to, you know, tell the story that my grandmother took me to Acapulco, mexico, when I was about six or seven years old, and someone in the hotel lobby asked me did I want to learn how to count numbers uno a vento, one to 20 in Spanish? And so I said sure, and that was it. I said, from that moment on, I was hooked. I wanted more language, more culture, travel, yeah, and so my grandmother took me to Hawaii and, you know, we traveled and it just really opened my eyes to the glories of travel and meeting people from all over the world. I just love it. I mean, to this day I'm still, you know, enamored with meeting people from all over, and so that's how it got started. So, thanks to my grandmother and this Perk Exchanger, oh, 100% I agree.

Speaker 1: 7:06

I'm also a travel writer and high enough. This podcast evolved from me wanting to share culture in place through the stories of the people that I meet, so I agree with you 100% that it just it changed your life. Mine started with a trip when I was a teenager to Europe, but meeting people, learning about their foods and their cultures and everything it just literally changed your outlook and your perception and everything. So I'm so happy to hear about what you're doing. So, speaking of food, what are? Are there any particular favorite dishes that you've tried during your travels that you now enjoy making at home? You know who did you learn it from and how do you make it?

Speaker 2: 7:42

Oh my gosh. So I guess one, one of my favorite, the tortilla española, and it's. Are you familiar with it, joe?

Speaker 1: 7:51

I am not but it's a side story. I spent time in La Parísima with a couple who she taught us to some really incredible recipes, but go ahead with yours.

Speaker 2: 8:01

Yeah, no, I love the tortilla española. It's a simple kind of. The basic is the egg and potato, and it's kind of like if you're familiar with a fritata or quiche without the crust, and so it's kind of like a thick potato pie with just the egg and that's the potato, is the basic, yeah, and then there's all kinds of you know you can bind what's been it sometimes or some other filling but, and so when I lived in Spain, junior year in college in Sevilla, I lived with the Pantococ family and the mother, catalina Nina Nucca de Castro I love her name. She used to make tortillas. I just loved them and it's just a simple dish of eggs and potatoes, but so which is so good, so delicious, so I would try and make them at home, and still try and make them with my husband. We'll make them. So that's still a favorite of mine, you know, all these years later, after living in Spain, and I love traveling to Latin America and having seafood. So I enjoy seafood. I don't know about you, joe, I love seafood.

Speaker 1: 9:12

Yeah, I mean Kansas, where you know we have beef.

Speaker 2: 9:15

So anytime I'm near the coast, it's, it's yeah, so I'm a big seafood lover, so I love that. One of my favorite things about Latin America Whoa, there's so many, but I love the cuisine and I love seafood. So, being by, you know, having a plate of red snapper, maybe grilled with plantains, depending on what country you're in, they're called platanos or tostones or patacones in color, and they're fried twice and so good, and then just some beans and rice and overlooking the water, like on a beach, and that is like heaven for me. Yes, absolutely.

Speaker 1: 9:58

And I'm curious what is the importance you see in hosting a multilingual?

Speaker 2: 10:02

show Thank you for that. I mean, I majored in Spanish undergraduate and graduate school and also speak Portuguese and Italian. Oh my gosh, I struggle with it. Go ahead. No, no, it's just a great, great love of mine. But yeah, believe me, one year in college, one semester, I had Spanish, portuguese and Italian all that same semester and while I loved it, you know it was just going from one language to the other and sometimes you know they're related because they, you know, romance languages, but it's still, you know you've got to still focus, but it was great fun. But I think being able to, I love, you know, being able to communicate with people in other languages and I think that is so important and knowing that, you know I'll try. You know I'll speak to someone in Spanish and you know, oftentimes they'll look at me like because they're surprised and speak Spanish, but it just opens the door and to let people allow them to speak in their you know native tongue and native language and so much more connection than that.

Speaker 1: 11:10

Yeah, so much more connection comes from that than if you're struggling to.

Speaker 2: 11:15

Yeah, and I think, even if you don't speak a language fluently, but if you just try that's been my experience people are very, you know, appreciative and they'll take note of that that you're trying. I don't think you have to go somewhere and be fluent, but just you know the basics. Thank you, please. You know, good morning, good afternoon, All those things, I think, make a huge difference, I agree. So, I think, sharing with people you know on Afro-Latino travels and speaking Spanish and I've done a lot of feedback from people, viewers, who've said oh my gosh, you know, I want to study Spanish in an hour, I'm going to keep studying Spanish after seeing the show. So if I can be an inspiration for that, fantastic.

Speaker 1: 12:01

Wonderful and speaking of Afro-Latino. So, as someone who doesn't identify as Afro-Latino yourself, what is something you learn about yourself from the show?

Speaker 2: 12:12

Well, you know what I and first I guess I'm going to say it, I try to preface this and say, as far as I know, I am not have no Afro-Latino lineage heritage. But I say as far as I know, right, and I think, and I love that question, because when I travel to these countries, whether it's Brazil or Cuba, even though I'm not Afro-Latino, I mean I feel a connection to the people and being of African descent and African-American. And it's just about if you're familiar with the transatlantic slave route and that's how people of African descent wound up in the United States and then how the great majority, 90%, wound up in Central America, the Caribbean, south America. So most people of African descent actually were taken to the Caribbean, central America, south America.

Speaker 2: 13:12

So I feel like, you know, it was just the boats went for my family and my ancestors went one way, went north, and you know the boats for the other one went south, and I feel that connection and if I see someone, you know, I speak to. You know I try and speak to everybody, but there's that connection. When you see someone, I think, who looks like you, you have a sense of the history, what they may have gone through, somewhat of a shared experience and at least, or you know, knowledge and respect. And so, while I'm not Afro-Latino as far as I know, it means a great deal to me to kind of share this, what I consider, this bond, and to learn from them.

Speaker 1: 13:58

Yes, thank you. How do you decide which locations to travel to and what themes do you use to tie the episodes together?

Speaker 2: 14:08

Yeah, so it's a bit of a. It's always really interesting how we select because, trying to make the long story short, for PBS you have to come with the shows already produced and ready to air. So for most of you know, the productions you see, if I'm not mistaken, most are not supported by PBS. Especially, you know, producers like myself, I think you know, maybe like Ken Burns if you've been on longer, you know, get support from PBS or CPB, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. But in general that means that the producers like myself, you know we work with the countries and we, you know, we are aided by their support to help us in terms of spotlighting their countries. So it requires a bit of you know.

Speaker 2: 14:59

We talk into the countries to see if they're interested in the shows, talking about where we'd like to go and then, hopefully, you know, countries have budgets for the year and I can tell you when I started this, you know, trying to get the show up the ground 10 years ago, none of the countries were interested. None of the countries in Latin America were interested in that. We that we pitched were interested in in helping us with the show, and so Costa Rica I happened to be at an event and I saw someone from the Costa Rica tourism board and I started talking to him about you know, wanting to shoot there and he was like, oh, that's great, you know, talk to our PR. Yeah, you know, talk to our PR firm. I did. They loved it and you know, you thank people for being so supportive and championing it. And they said, you know what? There's a real need for this and we're going to, you know, support you and we got the approval and there you go.

Speaker 1: 15:55

Oh, that is so fabulous. It is so fabulous and your style is really. It's fun and playful and unique and interesting. And so far as the show goes. Then you've got the Columbia episodes that are currently airing on PBS right and listeners they can check their local listings for showtimes. And then you've got a Costa Rica. Well, there's a Costa Rica tour that you're going to be leading. Is that correct? Yes, at the end of August.

Speaker 2: 16:21

Thank, you and then thank you so much, jill. Yeah, we're, I'm excited. We led a tour two years ago in 22 in July, and it was amazing, and so we had many other people that you see in the show. We caught up with them in Costa Rica. So we had Quinn Stunkin, who was one of Costa Rica's most revered and Latin America's most revered authors. He gave an amazing presentation about Costa Rica, its history, its black history. We had Daniel South, who's a farmer, a cacao farmer and chocolate beans, and so we did that and went to his amazing farm. It is just gorgeous, and so we talked with him, we met with Daniel.

Speaker 2: 17:15

So there's a lot that we do in kind of following in the footsteps of the shows, the Costa Rica episodes, and then we've added some things this year. So we'll be going to Tortuguerro, which is the land of the turtles, and it's an incredible spot. In Costa Rica that isn't as well. It's kind of off the bean path somewhat. Most times people go to the Pacific side of Costa Rica, but we'll be kind of concentrating on the Caribbean, which is where the highest percentage of people of African descent live, and we've got some really, really neat things. We're gonna go meet the Bre Bre tribe, an indigenous tribe in Costa Rica. So I am super excited and all are welcome. So we'll have all the information on our website.

Speaker 1: 18:02

I'll include a link, definitely in our show notes as well, but travelwithkimajosscom is where they can find it if they wanna just go there immediately. Absolutely, thank you. Wonderful. Well, I'm excited to hear about your tours. And then, as far as the show, let's chat briefly about the Cali Columbia episode that's airing now.

Speaker 2: 18:22

And thank you. So we have two episodes Cali, columbia, and then the Pacific coast. And this is an area people aren't. People are really traveling to Columbia, which is, I'm so glad to see. After you know, columbia had a history, really a civil war, and so now Columbia is coming into its own, which is really nice, and there's so many wonderful places in Columbia, so a lot of people now are traveling to Cartagena or Bogota, the capital, and Cali is kind of instead of right now it's kind of off the bean path as well, less well known, but it's got its own special vibe and rhythm and, speaking of rhythm, it's considered the, or at least Caliños.

Speaker 2: 19:09

People from Cali consider Cali the capital of Southsup. So I do a lot of little Southsup dancing, visit the Southsup Museum in the Cali episode, also go to Petronio Álvarez Festival and this is a festival every August in Cali that is named after Petronio Álvarez, who was an incredible Afro-Columbian musician, and it's dedicated to really preserving and celebrating Afro-Columbian traditional music and the Marineba performers come in from all over, particularly the Pacific coast. That's the region where Cali is and I think it's a celebration. It seems like a pilgrimage because people come in on boats and because there's a lot of waterways and water in the Pacific area region, but people make it. I mean, this is really an annual kind of pilgrimage to Cali, to be in Petronio, to connect with each other. It's beautiful and so you'll see us. We film there in the Cali episode. So there's so much and I think Columbia is rightfully so enjoying just a fabulous moment in time, as it's kind of people are exploring it and learning about it and it's an incredible place with a really rich Afro-Columbian tradition.

Speaker 1: 20:31

Yes, thank you for that. And the Limón Costa Rica episode when does that air?

Speaker 2: 20:37

So they air throughout the year and, depending on where viewers are located, they can catch them at different times. Okay, you can always go to our website, as you mentioned, travelswithkimhaascom, and get more information, or email us and we'll try our best to figure out where you can catch the shows. Or people can also look on our website, because we allow people to either rent them or purchase them for minimal costs. But the shows air throughout the year on PBS as well as Create TV, which is PBS' lifestyle and travel channel, and we just had a marathon on Create, so the two Costa Rica episodes and the two Colonumbia episodes were running and it was a real pleasure and a real honor.

Speaker 1: 21:26

Oh, I bet, I bet I'm excited. I'm just seeing the one show so far, so I'm really excited to go just really catch up as many as I can, because I'm fascinated by your troubles and your interesting immersion into an area and meeting the people who live there. So thank you. Well, kim, is there anything that I forgot to ask?

Speaker 2: 21:47

Oh, this is so wonderful and I just so appreciate it and the work that you're doing and connecting us and making, I think, in the end, hopefully, our world smaller and we realize that we're all the same, we all want the same things and we just may be wrapped in different packages, but I thank you for this opportunity.

Speaker 1: 22:08

Well, kim, thank you. Thank you so much. This has just been a pleasure having on Global Journeys with Jill Betten and, like I said, I'm eager to follow your show and then definitely interested in your guided tours that you're gonna be doing too, as well. Well, that you've already done one in 2022, but the one you've got coming up in August. So, thank you so much, and I look forward to just hearing more.

Speaker 2: 22:29

Thank you, ¡gray провida.

Speaker 1: 22:34

Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the captivating travel podcast that takes you on an extraordinary adventure around the world. I'm your host, jill Dutton, and I am thrilled to be your guide through the mesmerizing tapestry of cultures, landscapes and experiences that await us. Global Journeys with Jill Dutton is more than just a travel podcast. It's an exploration of humanity itself. Through the power of storytelling, we illuminate the lives of the remarkable individuals we encounter along the way, whether it's through the eyes of a fishing guide, a distillery owner, a mixologist, a historian, chef, or even a farmer. Each person we meet adds a rich layer to the narrative of culture and place. In this podcast, we embark on a transformative journey where the focus goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. Instead, we dive deep into the hearts and souls of the places we visit, uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories that make each destination truly unique. Join me as we venture off the beaten path, seeking authenticity, connection and a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Together, we'll unravel the tapestry of cultures, one story at a time. Although my writing career began in the late 90s, when I created and launched a wellness publication called Evolving Magazine, since 2015 I've worked as a travel writer on a mission to seek out the locally celebrated foods, liquor trends, outdoor activities and stories of those I meet along the way. My work has been published in Wine Enthusiast, a far woman's world, first for women, insider road trippers, modern farmer chilled magazine and many more digital and print publications. I'm also the creator of Global Plates the people we meet, the food they eat a syndicated column. Creating this podcast is the next step in my journey of sharing the stories of the people I've met along the way. So pack your curiosity, leave your preconceived notions behind and let's embark on global journeys with Jill Dutton, where each episode promises to inspire, educate and awaken the wanderlust within us all.

Speaker 1: 24:51

As we travel on this exciting podcasting journey together, I invite you, our incredible audience, to be a part of it. Share your own travel stories, insights and recommendations with us. Whether you have a hidden gem in your hometown or a dream destination that has captured your imagination, we want to hear from you. Your suggestions will help shape the future episodes of Global Journeys, with Jill Dutton guiding us towards extraordinary locations and experiences that deserve a spotlight. Remember, this podcast is not about just the host or the guests. It's about the collective exploration and discovery that unites us all as wanderers in this vast world. So reach out to us through our website, social media channels or email and let your voice be heard. Send your suggestions to me at Jill at Global Journeys with JillDuttoncom. I can't wait to hear from you. Until next time, may your travels be filled with endless curiosity, open-hearted encounters and transformative adventures. Life travels, fellow explorers, and keep wandering.