I had a wonderful time on the Real Cartagena Tour with Alex Rocha and was excited to go to San Basilio de Palenque with him the following day. On the drive to Palenque, I took the opportunity to face time my mother. I turned the camera towards Alex and my mother blurted out,”I thought all Colombians were light-skinned” I was EMBARRASSED but Alex laughed and informed her that there are plenty of Afro-Colombians in Cartagena who looked just like him.
I must admit, I too just recently learned about afro-latinos after watching a documentary called Afrolatinos: The Untaught History. Our history often depicts Africans being sold into slavery in North America. Truth be told we were also taken to places such as Cuba and Latin American countries. It is important to research and educate yourself because others may omit important information about who and where you come from.
We stopped at Los Chicharrones de Turbaco for breakfast. 
Benkos Bioho founded San Basilio de Palenque along with 10 other escaped slaves. Bioho was apart of the royal family in present-day Guinea Bissau. (I was excited because I recently discovered that my roots are from Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone via Ancestry results) In 1599, Bioho’s first escape attempt occurred after the boat he was on sank. He was recaptured but re-escaped again to the Southeast of Cartagena. After successfully escaping, he helped to free other slaves from there slave owners. During that time, Governor Gerónimo de Suazo y Casasola often tried to defeat Bioho and the Maroons. On July 18, 1605, the governor declared a peace treaty with the promise that Bioho would not help any more runaway slaves become free. Unfortunately, in 1619, the Spaniards violated the peace treaty as Bioho carelessly walked into the city. In 1621, he was hanged and killed. In 1713, it was declared the first free village by the king of Spain after futile attempts to attack the Maroon hideaway in the mountains.
We stopped at a school where the students were performing at an assembly.
We went to visit a local group called Kombilesa Mi, they were making drums out of tree trunks and sheepskin. They are rappers from Palenque but they use traditional instruments and the local language to tell other people about the daily struggles in Palenque.
We sat with them for several hours and used Alex as our translator as we speak very little Spanish and they speak very little English. As artists, they wanted to know who we thought was the greatest rappers of all times. I could offer no input as I’m not a huge fan of rap. (I know my black card may be revoked after that statement)
They asked us about going to school and attending college. I informed him that I attended college and graduated but will probably owe Sally Mae for the rest of my life. They were appalled by the cost of college and decided that they would rather stay in Palenque. LOL, It made me think about America being called the “land of the free”. I was taught that I should obtain a higher degree to receive a better paying job only to be in debt by school loans. The cycle of debt makes me face my reality, I am not living in the land of the free!
What I really enjoyed about the conversation is the fact that they invited us to come live and visit Palenque because we were family. They also believe that although some of the descendants have not been back to the motherland, they have a place in Africa because that is there home.
It is important to preserve your history and roots. Due to the fact that many people don’t know their history, they are not proud to be from Africa. In school, people were called African Booty Scratcher as to imply there is something wrong with being from Africa. I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel to learn more about my roots as a black person and learn from others who despite a language barrier look exactly like me.
On the way back home from Palenque we stopped for dinner and had the most delicious whole fried fish. I normally eat deboned fish but I’m changed person, I will eat the fish from now on.
I love the Palenque women aka palenqueras who go into Cartagana to sell fruit.
Excellent write up, keep doing what you’re doing. The best rapper is a subjective choice, you still have access to the black card…lol
Thank you so much, comments like this encourage me to keep writing 🙂 Whew, I’m so glad I keep the black card, I was scared for a moment 🙂
I love that you explored San Basilio. That I love being black sign is everything. Thank you for sharing your experience in Columbia with people that look like us.
Yes me too, I saw photos of this mural before arriving to Palenque and I knew I had to take a picture with this sign before I left 🙂
Wow this is truly amazing didnt know Cartagana was rich in African history. I pinned this for later so i can reference it I would love to make a trip here.
Thanks for pinning, that is why I love traveling because you learn so much about other and yourself
Afro Latino’s are definitely untaught history and they have such a connection to Africa in the diaspora!
So true, my goal is to share my new found knowledge about Afro Latinas.
You got some really great pictures! It makes me want to take a trip to Colombia!
Thank you, I love how easy it it to take photos with your iPhone, they even have a portrait future which makes the photos look professional.
I love reading about your travels around the world. It motivates me to travel more often myself.
Thank you! Where do you want to travel on your next vacation?
Everything about this post is everything! I love it so much and learned so much.
Thank you so much, my goal is explore and learn so that I can impart knowledge into others 🙂
There was so much joy and pride within your post. I loved see the brown-skinned natives and their beautiful smiles. The murals were so bright, political, and encouraging. Columbia is really different from how I’d imagined it. Thanks for sharing your personal experience.
In that moment I was very proud that they were proud to be apart of the motherland. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comments.
I love seeing people who look like me when I travel. AS always, it looks like you had a great time learning the culture, eating good food and meeting good people.
Yes me too, I def saw a lot of that in Colombia and it just made my trip to see people that look like me but spoke another language.
Loving all of the artwork and murals. And that fruit looks so fresh and delicious – I’m hungry!
Woman! This article is fantastic. You did such a wonderful job with your pictures and your coverage of this trip. Thank you so much for sharing. ~Smile!
Hello Carlon, Thank you so much I really appreciate your feedback on this article. If you ever travel to Cartagena, make sure you visit Palenque 🙂
looks like you had a blast! The food looked amazing! Thank you for sharing
Awesome read!
Thank you so much 🙂