In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. In this episode, Dr. John Maddox talks to the audience about what this event is all about and gives tons of resources for those interested in learning more about authors and literary works that are many times overlooked by professionals because they don’t receive the adequate attention and promotion.
The International Decade for People of African Descent is coming to a close in 2024, but there is so much to learn about and participate in. This movement doesn’t end here, you can be a part of continuing this legacy.
Notes from the Podcast (these notes have links as well. Check out these notes at jennifferwhyte.com/blog.
What is an Afro- hispanist? In the context of discussions around racial and ethnic identities, an "Afro-Hispanist" could refer to someone who specializes in the study of the African diaspora and African heritage within Spanish-speaking or Hispanic communities. This could involve researching and analyzing the experiences, contributions, and cultural aspects of people of African descent in Spanish-speaking countries or regions, such as Latin America, the Caribbean, or Spain.
Events mentioned in the Podcast:
Santiago de Chile 2000-Black educators gathered to assert what rights need to be protected for black people in Latin America. At this event, “Afro descendants” was the phrase they chose for black people.
Durban 2001- World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, located in Durban South Africa
-declaration
2003 in Brazil- Bill passed Afro Brazilian history is part of the curriculum
Quotes from Dr. Maddox:
“The average literature class one black writer”.
“Latin American music is inspired by Africa”.
“If you don't tell people that they are beautiful just like they are, then they have to change. They have to straighten their hair, they have to date people with lighter skin, they have to make changes that are hurtful to themselves and others.”
Poets
Nicolas Guillén
Langston Hughes
Authors/Writers
Martha Moreno-Vega
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Alejo Carpentier
Manuel Zapata Olivella
Ana Maria Gonçalves
Bartolome de las Casas
Juan Francisco Manzano
Quince Duncan
Mayra Santos Febres
Works
Challenging the Black Atlantic- Dr. John Maddox
El reino de Este Mundo-Haitian Revolution
Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro- Las Negras a story of enslaved women in Puerto Rico
"Mejorar la Raza"- a grandmother that is explaining to her granddaughter that she doesn't have to find someone lighter
Cuentos Afro Cubanos by Lidia Cabrera
Other mentions
Who is Bolsonaro?
Mari Elba Torres Muñoz- Mexican/ Puerto Rican- Hosted the first afro descendants conference in Puerto Rico
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén
Davita Martin Obuchuala
Bernardino Perez Miranda
Folklore Palenque de San Basilio
Movie-cimarrón- historical slave rebel
AmarElo
Other Resources about this topic:
The Organization of American States-The Decade for People of African Descent
University of Puerto Rico Creates Afro-Diasporic and Racial Studies Program
What is the Palenque de San Basilio?- “Maroons”- term used in literature. These Descendants lived in isolation for years.Palenque de San Basilio, often simply referred to as "San Basilio de Palenque" or "Palenque," is a historic Afro-Colombian village located in the Bolívar Department of Colombia, near the city of Cartagena. It holds immense historical and cultural significance as one of the earliest communities of African descent in the Americas.
La Perla- poorest neighborhood in San Juan, many afro descendants reside there.
Contact Dr. Maddox- UAB University
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