By Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed. • February 26, 2025 •
Afro-Latino history and culture is a rich and complex topic that spans the Americas, with roots dating back to the colonial era. The transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to Latin America, primarily to Brazil, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Afro-Latino history is deeply intertwined with broader narratives of colonialism, resistance and nation-building. Afro-Latinos have fundamentally shaped the region’s politics, economy, culture and identity.
Despite their significant contributions to the cultural, social and economic fabric of Latin America, Afro-Latinos have often been marginalized from mainstream society and historical accounts.
Music, dance, religion and language all bear the influence of African heritage. In Cuba, the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music, such as rumba and son, reflect African traditions. Brazil’s samba and capoeira are direct results of African cultural resistance. Meanwhile, Haitian vodou and Cuban Santería blend African spiritual practices with Catholicism, reflecting the syncretic nature of Afro-Latino religious beliefs.
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Despite their rich cultural contributions, Afro-Latinos have historically faced racism, discrimination and exclusion. Many Latin American countries promoted ideologies of mestizaje, or racial mixing, which, while celebrating a diverse heritage, often sought to erase Black identity in favor of a more Europeanized national identity. The myth of racial democracy in Brazil and elsewhere attempted to suggest that racism was absent, even though systemic inequalities persisted in education, employment and political representation.
There has been a growing movement among Afro-Latinos in recent decades to reclaim and celebrate their heritage. Activists and scholars have worked to highlight the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Afro-Latino communities. Organizations like the Afro-Latin American Research Institute and grassroots movements in Colombia and the Dominican Republic have pushed for increased recognition, rights and visibility for Afro-descendant populations.
The work for Afro-Latino rights is also closely tied to broader struggles for social justice and equality. Many Afro-Latino activists draw inspiration from the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, connecting their struggles to global movements for racial and economic justice. In Brazil, affirmative action policies were implemented to address disparities in education and employment, acknowledging the historical injustices suffered by Afro-Brazilians.
Education is critical in reshaping how Afro-Latino history is understood and taught. Books like Afro-Latin America: 1800-2000 by George Reid Andrews and An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz provide invaluable insights into the interconnected histories of Black and Latino communities. Teachers can help students develop a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history by incorporating Afro-Latino perspectives into curricula.
Afro-Latino literature and art are powerful tools for cultural expression and resistance. The writers Nicolás Guillén of Cuba and Victoria Santa Cruz of Peru used poetry and prose to challenge racial injustices and celebrate Black identity. Similarly, contemporary Afro-Latino artists and musicians continue using their platforms to shed light on issues of race, identity and inequality.
Understanding Afro-Latino history is not just about correcting historical omissions; it is about recognizing the resilience, contributions and cultural richness of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America. Their histories are deeply intertwined with broader narratives of colonialism, resistance and nation-building, making them essential to any study of Latin America.
By engaging with Afro-Latino history and culture, U.S. students and educators alike can foster a greater appreciation for Latin America’s diversity. This knowledge enriches historical understanding and promotes conversations about race, identity and social justice that remain relevant today. Acknowledging Afro-Latino contributions is a step toward a more inclusive and truthful representation of Latin America’s past and future.
Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., is IDRA’s family engagement coordinator and directs IDRA Education CAFE work. Comments and questions may be directed to him via email at aurelio.montemayor@idra.org.
[© 2025, IDRA. Permission to reproduce this article is granted provided the article is reprinted in its entirety and proper credit is given to IDRA and the author.]
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