The purpose of this website is to introduce
readers to the culture and unique experience of Mexicans of African
descent. If you are like most people, you probably have never heard of
Afro-Mexicans and are completely unaware that they exist. If you fall into this
category, this page will hopefully be quite a learning experience for
you. As a cultural anthropologist, I am interested in how issues of race,
color, and nationalism make the Afro-Mexican experience what it is, today, and hopefully,
I can come to some general conclusions as to larger issues of race and
ethnicity. Perhaps the question most central to my thinking about the topic
could be expressed succinctly as: "How do black people in Mexico
understand and live their black identity?" This question fascinates me
primarily because issues of blackness and race are rarely talked about in
Mexico, and the black population is extremely small there.
However, over and above my research interests,
the people of Mexico have treated me with such kindness, respect, and genuine
affection over the last 15 years, that I carry with me a genuine joy to be
doing what I am doing. I endeavor to present the story of Afro-Mexicans in the
most respectful way I know how. I therefore refuse to exoticize or caricature the
people who have meant so much to me. The site is designed to be introductory, with a
brief historical overview of African slavery in Mexico, a discussion of the
Costa Chica region -- which is where most black Mexicans live today --, as well
as some photographs I've taken. I hope you enjoy the site and I welcome your comments.
Also, I should add that I am not a specialist in
African American genealogy, Black Seminoles, or African Americans in the
southwestern United States. Those interested such genealogical issues should
click here. Revised: December 17, 2008
© 1997-2008 Bobby Vaughn