Photo of author Janel Martinez

Janel Martinez

PS Contributor

Janel Martinez is a Bronx-based writer whose work focuses on culture and identity. With 15 years of industry experience, she's appeared as a featured guest on national shows and outlets, such as MSNBC's "The Culture Is: Latina," BuzzFeed, Essence, and NPR, and her work has appeared in Adweek, Univision Communications, Oprah Daily, Refinery29, Remezcla, and The New York Times. Janel is the founder of the award-winning site Ain't I Latina?, an online destination celebrating Afro-Latinas, and her work is featured in the anthology "Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices From the Latinx Diaspora." Follow her on Instagram and Threads at @janelm.

https://www.janelmartinez.com/

Latest Posts From Janel

As a Kid, I Talked Out of Turn. Now, It's Made Me a Fearless Writer.

Nov 26, 2024

As a Kid, I Talked Out of Turn. Now, It's Made Me a Fearless Writer.

Soy Demasiado, a special issue for Juntos, celebrates Latinas who are reclaiming what it means to be "too much."

How Mimi Valdés, Former Editor in Chief of "Vibe," Documented Hip-Hop's Heyday

Aug 7, 2023

How Mimi Valdés, Former Editor in Chief of "Vibe," Documented Hip-Hop's Heyday

The year was 1992. Not yet a multibillion-dollar industry, hip-hop was still considered an emerging cultural movement hailing from New York City's most disenfranchised borough: the Bronx.

Streetwear Pioneer April Walker Reflects on Her Decades-Long Hip-Hop Legacy

Aug 1, 2023

Streetwear Pioneer April Walker Reflects on Her Decades-Long Hip-Hop Legacy

The fashion industry owes a great deal to hip-hop.

Reggaeton Con La Gata's Katelina "Gata" Eccleston Gives Black Latinxs Their Flowers

Sep 15, 2022

Reggaeton Con La Gata's Katelina "Gata" Eccleston Gives Black Latinxs Their Flowers

Reggaeton has gained worldwide popularity within two decades.

8 Latinx DJs to Have on Your Radar This Summer

Jul 29, 2022

8 Latinx DJs to Have on Your Radar This Summer

It's no secret that gender inequality exists within every industry.

Young Latinxs Feel the Pressure of Providing Financial Support to Family Members

Jul 8, 2022

Young Latinxs Feel the Pressure of Providing Financial Support to Family Members

Family so often serves as a motivator.

6 Latina Financial Experts You Should Be Following Right Now

Jul 7, 2022

6 Latina Financial Experts You Should Be Following Right Now

Financial conversations aren't necessarily easy to approach and can feel intimidating.

These Black, Indigenous Latinxs Are Challenging Traditional Notions of Identity

Apr 1, 2022

These Black, Indigenous Latinxs Are Challenging Traditional Notions of Identity

The policing of identity is a common occurrence for the Black Indigenous community.

For Many Afro-Latinas, Rosie Perez Is the Hollywood Blueprint

Feb 9, 2022

For Many Afro-Latinas, Rosie Perez Is the Hollywood Blueprint

When Billy Hoyle — a white basketball player with a sick jump shot in 1992's "White Men Can't Jump" — gets hustled by his teammate Sidney Deane, Billy's girlfriend springs into action.

On Garifuna Settlement Day, Garinagu Discuss Preserving Their Afro-Indigenous Culture

Nov 19, 2021

On Garifuna Settlement Day, Garinagu Discuss Preserving Their Afro-Indigenous Culture

Garifunaidad has gained mainstream attention in the last several years as social media discourse on this vibrant, Afro-Indigenous community has made its way across timelines.