The International Society of Black Latinos (ISBL) was an idea without a name, or a home, for many years. It all started with a group of close friends in Los Angeles who bonded over their experiences as Latinos of African descent in the U.S. Though they came from different countries, they were bound by their cultural similarities and the many anecdotes they shared that highlighted just how invisible the Afro-Latino community is in the United States and abroad. Finally, Juanita Palacios-Sims took it upon herself to realize the idea that had yet to take form. Juanita invited friends, and friends of friends, to her home on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) for what would turn out to be the first meeting of the International Society of Black Latinos. Over the next several months more meetings followed, the group grew, and ISBL officially became an organization made up of Afro-Latinos and others who supported the group’s vision and mission.