The Afro-Colombian Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the official abolition of slavery in Colombia. This date also commemorates the establishment of the first town by freed slaves in the Americas, Palenque de San Basilio. It is a celebration of the cultural, artistic, and social contributions of Afro-Colombian people to the country. Celebrated on May 21, it was first commemorated in 2001, under the Andres Pastana presidency.
The only Afro-Colombian president
Afro-Colombians have historically been a marginalized group. This is particularly evident in their lack of representation in decision-making positions. The first milestone for Afro-Colombians was the abolition of slavery. After the enactment of the law, on May 21, 1851, Colombia entered a civil war between the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, which opposed this decision. The Liberal Party eventually prevailed, enabling Afro-Colombians to gain freedom.
Thanks to the outcome of the war, Afro-Colombians could participate in politics. A remarkable example is Juan Jose Nieto Gil, president of the country between January 25 and July 18, 1861.
Before becoming president, Nieto Gil served as the Governor of Cartagena. He fought during the Colombian Civil War and was part of the Liberal rebels who fought against the Mariano Ospina Rodriguez Government. During this war, he proclaimed himself the President of the Granadine Confederation in Rebellion.
Despite this courageous act, his presidency only lasted four months, as his ally General Tomas Cipriano de Mosquera successfully led a coup against the conservative government in Bogota, becoming the new president.
Regardless of his short tenure in office, Jose Nieto Gil is celebrated as the first Afro-Colombian to have political relevance in Colombia’s history.
The legacy of Nieto Gil
His legacy has inspired other Afro-Colombians to hold key positions in politics and represent the country at the highest level. An example of this legacy is Luis Antonio Robles. Born in 1849, Robles became the country’s first Afro-Colombian lawyer in 1872. He was also the first Afro-Colombian congressman and also held a cabinet-level ministry office.
Olga Lucia Alvarez is another notable figure. She founded the first Afro-Colombian political party in 1991, the year of the constitutional assembly. Her mission, and that of her party, was to vindicate the Afro-Colombian struggle and promote racial equality.
Francia Marquez, the first Afro-Colombian Vice President
Perhaps the most remarkable example of Nieto’s political legacy is the current vice president of Colombia, Francia Marquez. She started her professional life as a domestic worker and ended up being a presidential candidate in the 2022 election. Her work has vindicated the struggle of Afro-Colombians but also of the many ethnic groups often forgotten by the state.
Remarkably, she led a 350-mile march to the capital, Bogota, to protest illegal gold mining and environmental degradation. Indeed, her activism has been mainly related to the preservation of the environment and nature.
The cultural impact of these communities should not be overlooked. Grammy-winning artists like ChocQuib Town and legendary musicians such as Joe Arroyo and Toto la Momposina have left their mark on Colombian cultural history.
There is work still to be done
While the Afro-Colombian Day is a celebration of the community’s legacy, it is also a reminder of the road ahead. The Choco region, predominantly Afro-Colombian, faces inexcusable challenges. Despite its rich biodiversity, Choco suffers from extreme poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited or no access to basic services. The Colombian state’s neglect has led to extreme inequality and disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in the region.
The port of Buenaventura is another striking example. Despite being a major port city on Colombia’s Pacific coast, it is marked by high crime rates, illegal economies, and violence.