AFRO CUBA: The African Diaspora in CUBA Part 1

Summary

This video series explores the African diaspora in Cuba, covering its history, religion, cuisine, and culture. Part one provides an overview, while part two delves into Afro-Cuban practices post-revolution. The script discusses the significant Afro-Cuban population, their contributions to Cuban independence, and the challenges they faced, including racial discrimination and the struggle for recognition. It also highlights the 1912 massacre and the Afro-Cubanismo movement, emphasizing the ongoing fight against racism and the celebration of Afro-Cuban heritage.

Takeaways

• 📜 The African diaspora in Cuba is significant, with around 30-60% of the population being Black or mixed-race, though accurate statistics are difficult to obtain.
• 🌍 The majority of Afro-Cubans live in the eastern half of the island, with multiple ethnic groups represented, including descendants from Jamaica and Haiti.
• 🙏 Religion in Cuba is influenced by African traditions, with Catholicism closely tied to Santería, a widely practiced Afro-Cuban religion.
• ⛏️ Enslaved Africans were brought to Cuba as early as 1513, initially to work in copper mines and later in sugar and tobacco production, which became major industries.
• ⚔️ Slave uprisings were common in Cuba, with notable revolts such as the Aponte conspiracy of 1812, which was led by José Antonio Aponte, a free man of Yoruba origin.
• 🗿 Cuba has monuments commemorating slave resistance, including the Monumental Cimarron and a statue of Carlotta Lukumi, a leader in the 1843 rebellion.
• 🏛️ Afro-Cubans played a key role in Cuba's War of Independence, with figures like Antonio Maceo, a mixed-race military commander, being instrumental in the fight against Spain.
• 🚫 The Cuban government attempted racial whitening in the early 1890s by encouraging European immigration, but the process largely failed.
• 💀 In 1912, thousands of Afro-Cubans were massacred during the suppression of the Independent Party of Color, a movement advocating for civil rights for the Black community.
• 🎨 Afro-Cubanism emerged in the 1920s, celebrating Afro-Cuban culture and challenging racial oppression, with key figures like Nicolás Guillén and Fernando Ortiz leading the movement.

Q & A

What is the African diaspora in Cuba?

The African diaspora in Cuba refers to the community of people of African descent who have been dispersed throughout Cuba, influencing the island's culture, religion, and history.

Why are accurate statistics on the Afro-Cuban population difficult to obtain?

Accurate statistics are difficult to obtain due to the lack of research into the racial profile of the country and the fact that not all Cubans of African descent self-identify as Afro-Cuban.

What is the estimated percentage of the Afro-Cuban population in Cuba?

The estimated percentage of the Afro-Cuban population in Cuba is between 30% to 60% of the total population of around 11.5 million.

Why was the ratio of black or mixed-race individuals increased in Cuba?

The ratio was increased due to the mass exodus of white Cubans from the island around the time of the Cuban Revolution.

Where do the majority of Afro-Cubans live in Cuba?

The majority of Afro-Cubans inhabit the eastern half of the island.

What is the official language of Cuba, and how does it relate to the Afro-Cuban population?

The official language is Spanish, but different ethnic groups among the Afro-Cuban population have their own dialects.

What is the relationship between Catholicism and African-influenced religion in Cuba?

Catholicism in Cuba has close historical ties to African-influenced religion, such as Santería, which is one of the most widely practiced religions on the island.

When did the first shipment of enslaved Africans arrive in Cuba?

The first shipment of enslaved Africans arrived in Cuba in 1513.

What was the significance of Havana in relation to enslaved Africans?

Havana became a key port for ships carrying resources from other Latin American countries on their way to Spain, where enslaved Africans loaded and unloaded ships and worked in various capacities.

What was the Aponte conspiracy of 1812, and what was its outcome?

The Aponte conspiracy of 1812 was a large-scale rebellion led by José Antonio Aponte, a free man of Yoruba origin, seeking to end slavery in Cuba. It was violently repressed by the Cuban government, and Aponte was executed.

How did the Cuban government attempt to counteract the heavy black participation in the Cuban independence movement?

The Cuban government implemented a process of 'blanqueamiento' or racial whitening, where hundreds of thousands of Spanish immigrants relocated to the island to gradually whiten the racial profile of the island through intermarriage.

What was the 1912 massacre of Pogrom?

The 1912 massacre, also known as the Pogrom, was a violent event where the Cuban government, with the help of the US Marines, orchestrated the murder of between three and six thousand Afro-Cubans in response to an uprising by the Independent Party of Color.

What was the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution on Afro-Cubans?

The 1959 Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, turned Cuba into a socialist state where all forms of discrimination and institutional racism became illegal, initially benefiting Afro-Cubans and the disenfranchised.

How has the Cuban government's stance on racism affected discussions on discrimination?

The government's insistence that racism has been eliminated in Cuba has made it difficult for activists and intellectuals to raise legitimate concerns over discrimination against Afro-Cubans.

What challenges did Afro-Cubans face during the 'Special Period' in Cuba?

During the 'Special Period', an extended economic crisis from 1991 to 2005 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Afro-Cubans were particularly affected, leading to a wave of Afro-Cuban rappers and urban artists using music as political activism.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Overview of the African Diaspora in Cuba

This paragraph provides an introduction to the African diaspora in Cuba, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining accurate statistics due to insufficient research and the lack of self-identification as Afro-Cuban among people of African descent. It mentions the island's population size, the estimated percentage of black or mixed-race individuals, and the impact of the Cuban Revolution on the demographic composition. The paragraph also discusses the diversity within the Afro-Cuban population, the prevalence of Spanish as the official language alongside various ethnic dialects, and the significant influence of African religions on Cuban Catholicism. The historical context of enslaved Africans' arrival in Cuba and their crucial role in the production of sugar and tobacco is outlined, along with the mention of slave uprisings and the Aponte conspiracy of 1812.

05:00

🗝️ The Struggle and Triumph of Afro-Cubans

The second paragraph delves into the history of Afro-Cuban struggles and contributions to Cuban society. It discusses the 1912 massacre, a dark chapter in Cuban history where thousands of Afro-Cubans were killed in response to uprisings against racial and social exclusion. The Afro-Cubanismo movement of the 1920s is highlighted as a cultural and social response to oppression, with key figures like Fernando Ortiz and Nicolás Guillén leading the way in celebrating Afro-Cuban culture. The paragraph also covers the 1959 Cuban Revolution's impact on discrimination and racism, making them illegal and initially benefiting Afro-Cubans. However, it also points out the challenges in addressing ongoing discrimination due to the government's stance on the issue. The special period following the collapse of the Soviet Union is noted for disproportionately affecting Afro-Cubans and giving rise to a wave of Afro-Cuban rappers and urban artists who used music as a form of political activism.

Keywords

💡African Diaspora

The African Diaspora refers to the widespread dispersion of African peoples outside of the African continent, typically as a result of historical events such as the transatlantic slave trade. In the context of the video, the African Diaspora in Cuba is a significant part of the island's demographic and cultural makeup, with a complex history and ongoing influence on Cuban society.

💡Afro-Cuban

Afro-Cuban refers to individuals of African descent in Cuba or those who have a significant connection to African culture through their ancestry. The video discusses the challenges faced by Afro-Cubans, including underrepresentation and historical struggles, and highlights their contributions to Cuban culture and society.

💡Cuban Revolution

The Cuban Revolution refers to the overthrow of the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista by Fidel Castro's forces in 1959. The video mentions that the Cuban Revolution led to significant changes in the country, including the abolition of institutional racism and the rise of socialism, which impacted the lives of Afro-Cubans.

💡Palenques

Palenques were free settlements formed by escaped enslaved Africans and indigenous people in Latin America, including Cuba. The video refers to these as places of resistance against slavery, showcasing the early forms of rebellion and the quest for freedom among enslaved populations.

💡Cimarrón

Cimarrón, meaning 'wild' or 'untamed' in Spanish, was used to describe runaway slaves in Latin America. The video mentions the 'Monumental Cimarrón' by Afro-Cuban artist Alberto, symbolizing the resistance and struggle of enslaved Africans in Cuba.

💡Afro-Cuban Religion

Afro-Cuban Religion encompasses the religious practices and beliefs that have African origins and are prevalent among Afro-Cubans. The video script hints at the exploration of these religious practices, such as Santería, which blend African traditions with Catholicism, in part two of the series.

💡Afro-Cubanismo

Afro-Cubanismo was a cultural movement in the 1920s that sought to celebrate and value Afro-Cuban culture and contributions to Cuban society. The video mentions pioneers like Fernando Ortiz and Nicolás Guillén, who were instrumental in promoting and researching Afro-Cuban culture.

💡Racial Whitening (Blancamiento)

Racial Whitening was a policy implemented by the Cuban government in the 1890s to 'whiten' the racial profile of the island by encouraging intermarriage with lighter-skinned partners. The video discusses this as a failed attempt to counteract the influence of the Afro-Cuban population.

💡1912 Massacre

The 1912 Massacre refers to the violent repression of Afro-Cubans by the Cuban government, which resulted in the deaths of thousands. The video describes this event as a gruesome chapter in Cuban history that highlights the systemic discrimination and violence faced by Afro-Cubans.

💡Special Period

The Special Period refers to the economic crisis Cuba faced after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The video notes that Afro-Cubans were particularly affected by this crisis, which led to a wave of Afro-Cuban rappers and urban artists using music as a form of political activism.

Highlights

The African diaspora in Cuba is a vast topic, meriting two videos to cover its history and culture comprehensively.

Part one provides a broad overview of the African diaspora's history in Cuba, while part two delves into Afro-Cuban religion, cuisine, and culture.

Due to lack of research and self-identification issues, accurate statistics on the Afro-Cuban population are elusive.

Cuba's population is estimated to be between 30% to 60% black or mixed-race, influenced by the mass exodus of white Cubans post-revolution.

A majority of Afro-Cubans reside in the eastern half of the island, with a diverse ethnic composition including locals and settlers from various origins.

Spanish is the official language of Cuba, but different ethnic groups maintain their own dialects.

Catholicism in Cuba has strong ties to African-influenced religion, particularly Santería, widely practiced on the island.

Enslaved Africans were critical to the production of sugar and tobacco, with Cuba becoming the world's largest sugar producer by 1839.

The Aponte Conspiracy of 1812, led by José Antonio Aponte, was a significant rebellion against slavery in Cuba.

Afro-Cubans played a key role in the Cuban War of Independence, with figures like Antonio Maceo being pivotal to the cause.

The Cuban government attempted racial whitening in the 1890s by encouraging Spanish immigration to alter the racial profile of the island.

Transcripts

hey guys I'm fire and today we're going

to be talking about the African diaspora

in Cuba there is so much to say about

the African Diaspora in Cuba that I'm

bringing you not one but two videos

today in part one I'll give you a broad

overview of the history of the African

Diaspora in Cuba part two we'll take a

closer look at Afro Cuban religion

cuisine and culture so if you're

planning a trip to Cuba and you want to

know where to go for a dose of black

history then check out part two right

after this before we begin if you're

interested in doing an African mask for

touring Cuba then check out the link in

the description below alright let's get

started accurate statistics on the size

of the Afro Cuban population are

impossible to come by for two reasons

firstly due to the lack of research into

the racial profile of the country and

secondly not all Cubans of African

descent self-identify as afro cuban cuba

is the biggest island in the caribbean

the total population of the island is

around 11.5 million and an estimated

thirty to sixty percent of the

population is black or mixed-race this

ratio was increased by the mass exodus

of white Cubans from the island around

the time of the Cuban Revolution there

is a sizable black and African dn't

population in Havana but the majority of

Afro Cubans inhabit the eastern half of

the island there are multiple ethnic

groups among the Afro Cuban population

including the local me and other people

as well as settlers and their

descendants from Jamaica hazy and k-fed

the official language is Spanish

although different ethnic groups have

their own dialects when it comes to

religion many Cubans identify its Roman

Catholic however in Cuba Catholicism has

close historical ties to the African

influenced religion than thuria which is

one of the most widely practiced

religions on the island check out part 2

to find out more

[Music]

nine to eighteen twenty cubits in an

estimated 800,000 enslaved Africans the

first shipment of enslaved Africans

arrived in 1513 and they were forced to

work in Cuba's copper mines overtime

Havana became a key port for ships

carrying resources from other Latin

American countries on their way to Spain

enslaved Africans loaded and unloaded

the ships and also worked as carpenters

stonemasons domestic servants and street

vendors the slave labor force was

fundamental to the production of sugar

and tobacco in Cuba by 1839 Cuba was the

largest producer of sugar in the world

and the largest market for enslaved

Africans in the Caribbean from the very

beginning slave uprisings for comment

from as early as the 1500 enslaved

Africans escaped from plantations and

joined with the native Pino population

to form free settlements known as

palenque's across Latin America runaway

slaves were referred to as sea marinus

meaning wild or untamed the most famous

slave rebellion in Cuba was the Aponte

conspiracy of 1812 led by Jose Antonio

up on p.a Ponte was a free man of Yoruba

origin who worked as a carpenter in

Havana seeking to end slavery in Cuba a

Ponte led a large scale rebellion that

gained momentum across the island but

was violently repressed by the Cuban

government following his capture Aponte

was executed at the former three

Imperato plantation in Matanzas you'll

find the monument to the three member

Otto rebellion in the middle stands

Carlotta Lukumi an enslaved woman of

Yoruba origin who was one of the three

leaders of the resistance movement

she died in battle in 1843 fighting for

the freedom of her people another statue

that commemorates slave resistance in

Cuba is the monumental Cimarron by

contemporary afro-cuban artist Alberto

in the sky situated in the town of El

Cobre Cuba was the second to last

country in the Caribbean for polish

slavery slavery was abolished in Cuba in

1886 compared to neighboring Haiti which

was the first country to do so in 1804

afro-cubans played a pivotal role in the

Cuban war of independence

in 1895 led by Jose Marti the

second-in-command of the Cuban

independence army was revered mixed-race

military commander antonio maceo he was

renowned for his bravery and military

acumen and was instrumental in Cuba

winning independence from Spain heavy

black participation in the Cuban

independence movement posed a threat to

the white Cuban elites to counteract

this in the early 1890s the Cuban

government deliberately implemented a

process of blank ambiental or racial

whitening whereby hundreds of thousands

of Spanish immigrants relocated to the

island the idea was that over the

generations for afro-cubans would

intermarry with lighter-skinned partners

gradually whitening the racial profile

of the island however a large percentage

of these European migrants did not

settle permanently and the process was

in effect a failure one particularly

gruesome chapter in Cuban history was

the 1912 massacre for P I see the

Independent Party of cada was formed in

1908 by Alfred Cuban veterans of the war

of independence in response to the harsh

political and social exclusion

experienced by the black community at

the hands of the white supremacist

Revolutionary Government the P I see

advocated civil liberties for the black

community in Cuba including free

university education then President Jose

Miguel Gomez ordered the party to

disband leading to a discontentment so

great but in 1912 the P IC or ghen eyes

the uprising in the province of Oriente

and Beyond with the help of the US

Marines the Cuban government

orchestrated the murder of between three

and six thousand afro-cubans many of

whom were allegedly not even involved in

the uprising afro-cuban yzma was an

artistic and social movement that began

in the 1920s born out of the tents

racial climate in Cuba which continued

to see Afro Cubans oppressed

marginalized and murdered based on the

color of their skin

by contrast Africa Benny's most sought

to celebrate and give value to Afro

Cuban culture and contribution to Cuban

society to pioneers of the Afro Cuban is

more movement were Fernando Ortiz and

nicolás guillén nicolás guillén was an

afro-cuban poet

political activists he was also the

first ever recipient of Cuba's national

prize for literature

Fernando Ortiz was a white Cuban author

an ethnologist although in his earlier

years he described Afro Cuban culture as

savage he went on to the common advocate

of Afro Cuban culture and a renowned

scholar on the subject he collected a

vast collection of objects relating to

the African Diaspora in Cuba many of

which can be found in the Casa de Africa

in Old Havana things changed drastically

in Cuba following the 1959 Cuban

Revolution Fidel Castro seized power

turning Cuba into a socialist state

under the Castro government all forms of

discrimination and institutional racism

became illegal the post-revolutionary

economic reforms and social reforms

initially benefited Paul at

disenfranchised afro Cubans however

since the Cuban Revolution the

government's dogged insistence that

racism has been eliminated in Cuba has

made it difficult for activists and

intellectuals to raise legitimate

concerns over the issue of

discrimination against Africans the

Cuban education system as well as

official Cuban culture remains heavily

Eurocentric and a disproportionately low

number of Afro Cubans occupied top

positions in the highest professional

strata or in the Communist Party itself

this discrepancy became starkly apparent

during what is known as the special

period the extended economic crisis Cuba

faced following the collapse of the

Soviet Union in 1991 afro-cubans were

particularly affected by the crisis

which spanned from 1991 until 2005 this

moment in history gave rise to a wave of

Afro Cuban rappers and urban artists who

used music as a form of political

activism more on that in part two now

that we've looked at the history of the

African Diaspora Cuba let's take a look

at some of their rich and vibrant Afro

Cuban culture so stick with me and I'll

see you in part 2

[Music]