Colombia has long been a popular travel destination for many Black travelers. Besides the tropical climate and the vibrant culture, Black travelers are drawn to the country because they can see themselves in the people. Afro-Colombians, or Colombians of African descent, are a lively group located in the South American country.
The story of Afro-Colombians is inspiring and empowering, and here are some things you should know about them.
1. One of the Largest Afro-Descent Populations in Latin America Is in Colombia
Colombia has the fourth-largest Black population in the Americas after Haiti, Brazil, and the United States. Enslaved Africans were brought to Colombia from all parts of Africa: Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Liberia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and more. Put to work in gold mines and sugar cane fields, their forced labor was a crucial part of Colombia’s development.
2. Afro-Colombians Live Throughout Colombia
Traveling through the major cities of Colombia, such as Bogota, and coastal towns, such as Cartagena de Indias, you’ll notice a significant amount of Afro-Colombians— approximately 90% of the population on the Pacific coast and 60% on the Atlantic coast.
3. There Are Four Distinct Groups of Black People in Colombia
The Colombian Department for National Statistics recognizes four unique communities of Black people: Black, Raizal, Afro-Colombian, and Palenquero. Raizals live on the archipelago islands of San Andrés Providencia and Santa Catalina, speaking the San Andrés-Providencia Creole. Palenquero is the language spoken in the Palenque community.
4. San Basilio de Palenque Is a Community of Afro-Colombians Filled with Historical Importance
San Basilio de Palenque is known as the first free town in the Americas. Under the leadership of Benkos Bioho, enslaved Africans in Cartagena de Indias escaped Spanish captors and found refuge in the hills. While attempts were made to recapture the runaways, officials were unsuccessful. Eventually, in 1713, Spain declared the runaway Africans free, and since then, the town has grown into a thriving community. Through the years, San Basilio de Palenque has also received worldwide recognition. The town was named a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage by UNESCO.
Additionally, in 2014, a cookbook called Kumina ri Palenge pa tó paraje, written in the language of San Basilio de Palenque, won an award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Beijing, China. This book shares recipes and secrets from 38 people in the Palenque. It was chosen from over 15,000 cookbooks from 184 countries.
5. Afro-Colombians Were Crucial in Helping Colombians Gain Their Freedom
Afro-Colombians played significant roles across various levels of military and political involvement during historical events in the country. For instance, numerous Black officers fought in the liberating army.
6. Afro-Colombians Have Inspired Various Types of Music
Afro-Colombians have contributed to three main types of music: cumbia, champeta, and bambuco. Derived from three different cultures, Indigenous people, also known as the Los Indigenas (First Nations Peoples), Spanish, and Afro-Colombian, Cumbia is a musical style that developed from enslaved Africans.
Bambuco was also believed to have been brought to Colombia at the same time as enslaved Africans were, and it consists of a syncopated rhythm similar to many African musical styles.
Champeta is a more modern style of music driven by African and Caribbean rhythms.
7. Afro-Colombians Celebrate Natural Hair
For several years, Colombia has held a natural hair competition that celebrates the tradition of braiding. The competition showcases a wide variety of braiding styles and practices. Braiding hair has also been an intricate part of Afro-Colombian history.
8. One of the First Latin Women of Afro-Descent to Publish Literary Works Was Afro-Colombian
Known as Lisa de Andrafueda, Teresa Martinez de Varela is a literary icon and pioneer. Throughout her life, she excelled as a poet, dramatist, social leader, and musician. As the first woman of Afro-descendant to publish literary work, she has played an essential role in incorporating African identity into Colombian literature. Because she broke the literary barrier, she paved the way for other Afro-Colombian authors.
9. An Olympic Gold Medalist Is a Afro-Colombian
Maria Isabel Urrutia made history in the 2000 Sydney Olympics when she won the gold medal in weightlifting. Known as “La Negra de Oro,” this powerhouse woman made her mark in sports and politics. She served as a congresswoman and helped foster diversity in Colombian sports.
10. Doris Hinestroza Was the First Afro-Colombian to Earn a Master’s in Mathematics
After graduating from Universidad del Valle with a degree in Mathematics, Hinestroza was awarded a scholarship. Before obtaining her master’s degree, she worked as a professor for 40 years. In 1986, she became the first Afro-Colombian woman to get a master’s degree, and she continues to earn her doctorate in applied mathematics at the University of Cincinnati, USA. She also founded the Doris Hinestroza Foundation to help needy students and to fight against racism and sexism.
11. There Is an Afro-Colombian Day
Día de la Afrocolombianidad, or Afro-Colombian Day, is celebrated on May 21, commemorating the abolishment of slavery in 1851. The social, intellectual, and artistic contributions of Afro-Colombians are celebrated on this day. Various events take place involving food, music, art, and local folklore.
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