21 Under 21 Series: Dorothy Colon

Hometown: Born in Bronx, New York but raised in Smithfield, North Carolina

Major: Psych B.A. major and Hispanic Studies minor

Dorothy Diane Starr Colon-Villafranca is a senior at UNC who loves all shades of blue (except Duke blue!). She served as the Founder and President for Afro-Latinx, ALX, and the Treasurer for Carolina Closet. She also has had the opportunity to serve as a Spark counselor in the Fall of 2019. During her time at Carolina, she’s performed with Blue Lightning and Zankiliwa. She’s also volunteered at Frank Porter Graham Bilingual Elementary and served as a Blue Ribbon Mentor to a local High School student.

What is your proudest accomplishment at Carolina?

Academically, I am most proud of graduating as a first-generation college student. Personally, I am proud of finally learning how to be by myself and actually being happy about it.

How does your identity - your culture, queerness, citizenship status, etc. - motivate your work?

My inter-sectional identity is enough motivation for me to continue working. As a woman, I know societal gender rules expect me to leave leadership roles to men but I refuse to second to anyone; knowing someone doubts me motivates me even more. As an Afro-Latina who is not always seen in the Latinx community, I created an organization to make sure that myself and other Afro-Latinx people can be seen too.

Who is a woman of color who inspires you and why?

I deeply admire Celia Cruz for her unmistakable and iconic voice. As a person who loves all things beauty, I loved her colorful wigs and attire. Most importantly, I admire that she embraced her blackness even though Latin America still continues to refuse to embrace and acknowledge blackness.