How My Puerto Rican ‘Mother’ Made Me a Global Citizen

Opinion for The Latino Newsletter

Isn't it fascinating how stepping beyond the familiar boundaries of our home countries allows us to discover new families within different cultures?

As a Lebanese-born immigrant navigating life in the U.S. as a student in New York City and now a working professional in Atlanta, I left my family behind only to find a profound sense of belonging through an unexpected maternal figure—my former teacher and now “adopted” Puerto Rican mother, Neyda. This journey has shown me the power of cultural integration, hospitality, and the universal human connection that transcends borders.

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In times when DEI practices, critical race theory, and civil rights activism are being banned and attacked under our current administration, I have realized that many of us in the U.S. (myself included) tend to rely on big corporations, brands, and high-profile entities to promote inclusive behavior and represent our diverse communities. We praise those who do it right and criticize others who do it wrong. But why rely on big names to “save” us when we can rely on ourselves face-to-face, 1-on-1 and solve interpersonal and intercultural conflicts within our own environments? 

Neyda has made me realize that DEI is a personal practice that spreads beyond the borders of America and gave me a perspective that I deeply needed to share to the world. 

The Cultural Influence of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has long been a beacon of cultural pride and resilience. When Bad Bunny took The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon stage and passionately advocated for Puerto Rican identity and justice, he demonstrated how deeply embedded hospitality, inclusivity, and cultural pride are in the island's fabric.

These values echo throughout Latin America, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The warmth and welcoming spirit that define Puerto Rican culture reminded me of Lebanon, reinforcing the idea that belonging is not tied to geography but to the shared humanity we cultivate.

My travels around the world (and within the U.S.) have solidified my belief that cross-cultural connections are more critical now than ever. In a time when political climates fuel division and cultural segregation, it is imperative to highlight the beauty of interconnectedness. I have seen firsthand how people from vastly different backgrounds can find common ground, whether through shared traditions, music, or simple acts of kindness but also addressing difficult and challenging topics such as colorism, anti-Blackness and apartheid to understand the treatment and mistreatment of different identities within singular communities. Every encounter has reinforced my belief that when we integrate in each other’s worlds and have those conversations, we strengthen our relationships. 

Lessons from Neyda

Neyda welcomed me into her home and life with open arms, teaching me invaluable lessons about cultural humility and belonging. From her, I learned that family is not solely defined by blood but by the bonds we choose to nurture. She introduced me to the vibrancy of Puerto Rican traditions, from the rhythmic beats of bomba music to the flavors of mofongo, but more importantly, she exemplified unconditional love and support.

As someone with Lebanese nationality, partial Palestinian roots, and cultural heritage connections to Haiti, I have often found solace in the embrace of Latinx and Black communities. In spaces where my identity could have been questioned (which it has at times), I was instead celebrated simply because of my passion to uplift every community I walk into. This has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to be a citizen of the world—one who is not limited by borders but enriched by the collective experiences of diverse cultures.

Cultural Curiosity in a Divided World

So how do we practically and personally indulge in those inclusive behavior in the current climate of this world? I have found the below practices to be very valuable: 

• Engage with Different Narratives and Dialogues: Read books, watch films, and listen to music from cultures outside your own. Bring up those topics in your social circle and address challenging conversations.
  

• Support Businesses and Creators from Marginalized Communities: Economic empowerment is a form of solidarity. Buy from immigrant-owned businesses, support BIPOC artists, and uplift diverse voices.
  

• Challenge Biases: Recognize and confront internalized prejudices. Commit to continuous learning and self-reflection.

By embracing cultural curiosity and seeking connections beyond our immediate surroundings, we can build a more inclusive, understanding world. My personal journey, influenced by my Puerto Rican “mother,” serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the profound impact of finding family in unexpected places.

Now more than ever, we must reject division and embrace the richness that diversity offers. Whether through an adopted mother, a new friend, or a shared cultural experience, the lesson remains the same: we are all interconnected, and the world is better when we learn from one another.

About the Author

Born and raised in Lebanon with partial Palestinian roots, Jad-Évangelo Nasser later discovered an intersectional heritage connection with Haiti. A TEDx speaker and ADCOLOR 2024 Leader, he has worked with top agencies and brands while focusing on community building, DEI, and cross-cultural strategy.

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The Latino Newsletter welcomes opinion pieces in English and/or Spanish from community voices. You can email our publisher, Julio Ricardo Varela. The views expressed by outside opinion contributors do not necessarily reflect the editorial views of this outlet.