The Unique History Of Afro-Latinos In America — Why It’s Much More Complicated Than ‘I No Black’

Every year, from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. But within that story is another rich and sometimes overlooked one: the history of Afro-Latinos.

Afro-Latino history stretches back centuries. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, European powers such as Spain and Portugal transported roughly 15 times more enslaved Africans to Latin America and the Caribbean than to mainland North America, according to the Pew Research Center.

That history helped shape the cultures, communities, music, food and traditions found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean today.

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