Ginetta E. B. Candelario

About the Author

Ginetta E. B. Candelario is a distinguished scholar and author whose work explores the intricate intersections of race, gender, and identity within Dominican and broader Latino communities. With a PhD in sociology from the City University of New York, she serves as a professor at Smith College, where she directs the Africana Studies program and inspires students to interrogate cultural narratives through rigorous academic inquiry. Her seminal book, Black behind the Ears: Dominican Racial Identity from Museums to Beauty Shops, delves into the complexities of racial self-perception among Dominicans, drawing from ethnographic research in museums, beauty salons, and everyday spaces to challenge dominant stereotypes and illuminate the fluidity of racial identity in the diaspora. Candelario's writing bridges scholarly depth with accessible prose, making profound sociological insights relevant to contemporary discussions on ethnicity and belonging. Beyond academia, she contributes to public discourse through essays, lectures, and advocacy for inclusive representations of Latinx experiences.