When you picture Mexican history, what comes to mind? Perhaps the grandeur of Aztec civilization, the mysteries of the Maya, or the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. These images often highlight a narrative built upon indigenous and Spanish roots, shaping a dual heritage that defines Mexican national identity. However, in many other Latin American nations, the story is richer, acknowledging a vital third element: African ancestry. From the rhythms of Brazil’s Candomblé to Cuba’s vibrant Santeria and the Afro-Peruvian sounds along the Pacific coast, the African diaspora has indelibly marked Latin America.
Yet, the significant presence and history of African descendants within Mexico often remain untold. It wasn’t until 2015 that the Mexican government took a crucial step, incorporating African descendants into its national census for the first time since the 1830s. This interim census allowed citizens to self-identify, and remarkably, nearly two million people declared themselves to be of African descent. The immediate reaction in media outlets was a wave of questions, with some speculating that these individuals were recent immigrants from West Africa or the Caribbean, overlooking a much deeper and more complex history.
“De Mulato y Mestiza, produce Mulato, es Torna Atrás” by Juan Rodríguez Juárez, circa 1715, showcasing the complexities of race in colonial Mexican society.
The truth is, Mexico was a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade during the 16th century. It became home to approximately 200,000 enslaved people, primarily from West Africa. For a considerable period, this population outnumbered the Spanish colonizers, making it one of the largest enslaved populations in the Americas. Spanish colonizers frequently used enslaved Black people as overseers, placing them in positions of authority over indigenous populations. Over time, due to the imbalanced sex ratios within the enslaved population and societal dynamics, many Black men formed unions and marriages with indigenous women. This widespread interracial mixing led to generations of mixed-race descendants, and subsequently, the distinct African lineage within Mexico became largely obscured and forgotten in the national narrative, blending into the broader categories of indigenous and Mestizo identities.
The early chapters of New Spain (colonial Mexico), particularly the 1500s and early 1600s, witnessed some of the highest rates of enslaved African importation in the Americas. This resulted in substantial Black populations within Mexican cities and regions. Decades before the US Civil War, the newly independent Mexican government demonstrated a commitment to freedom by abolishing the slave trade in 1824 and the institution of slavery entirely in 1829. This landmark decision had profound consequences, turning Mexico into a haven for enslaved African Americans in the Southern United States. Seeking liberation, countless individuals utilized the “southern route” of the Underground Railroad, escaping to freedom across the border into Mexico – a stark contrast to the commonly portrayed northward journey to freedom.
This reality emphasizes a crucial point: despite the prevailing narrative, African descendants possess a deep-rooted and enduring history and presence within Mexico.
Consider the example of July 7, 1839. On this day, twenty-seven individuals embarked on a merchant ship from New Orleans, disembarking in the Mexican port city of Tampico. Among these passengers were seven African Americans, whose travel documents explicitly listed them as enslaved within the United States. These individuals had bravely crossed the Gulf of Mexico, concealed aboard a merchant vessel, trading enslavement in the U.S. for newfound liberty in Mexico. They actively exercised their agency, seizing the opportunity presented by Mexico’s abolitionist stance. Passport records from New Orleans between 1830 and 1840, combined with Mexican importation logs, reveal a significant flow of both formerly enslaved and free African Americans migrating to Mexico in pursuit of a life of freedom.
Many of these African American migrants settled in Mexican port cities, finding work in the bustling shipping industry and marketplaces. They integrated into existing African descendant communities, enriching the social and cultural fabric of Mexico. Black Mexicans made invaluable contributions across diverse sectors of society. They were dockworkers, vendors, soldiers, and shop owners, becoming integral to every facet of Mexican life. Their influence extended from political participation to religious practices and artistic expressions.
An 1843 advertisement in The National Vindicator seeking the return of runaway slaves, a testament to the reality of enslaved people seeking refuge in Mexico. Image courtesy of East Texas Digital Archives/Stephen F. Austin State University.
The formal recognition of African descendants in the 2015 interim census, and their continued inclusion in subsequent censuses, opens up significant possibilities. The census data should serve as more than just a numerical count. It provides a vital tool for politicians, policymakers, and citizens to thoroughly assess the specific challenges and needs facing Afro-Mexican communities. Issues such as access to resources, education, and other essential aspects of life across Mexico can now be addressed with greater precision, supporting the ongoing advocacy of many communities. While Afro-Mexicans may still experience underrepresentation in broader narratives, historical research plays a crucial role in challenging us to connect the past with the present. It allows us to illuminate the “invisible,” revealing the vibrant history of Afro-Mexicans and working towards enhancing the quality of life for present-day citizens. This pursuit of recognition and social justice serves as a powerful model for other marginalized groups and forgotten histories around the world.
