IKG Wednesday Wisdom (Jan. 2022)

Recognition of an African root in the heritage of Mexicans and the consequent cultural influences of Africans in Mexico often has been discounted and ignored. Populations of African Mexicans have been rendered invisible in the ideological consciousness of what it means to be Mexican.

Where Black Is Brown: The African Diaspora in Mexico is designed to further the understanding of the African influence and contributions to the diverse cultures and histories of the Americas: from the ancient Olmecs to the colonial/enslavement period to contemporary times. It elevates the importance of Mexico’s African roots and counters the denial and obfuscation of the existence of an African presence in Mexico. Furthermore, it adds significantly to our knowledge base about the depth and range of the African Diaspora from our nearest Central American neighbor, Mexico.

Foundational to this presentation is the research of Ivan Van Srtima, author of They Came Before Columbus and Early America Revisited, and his revelations about the historical and cultural influences of an Ancient African presence in the Americas. In addition, Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber will share her research from The African Diaspora in Mexico Tours she co-led with Mother Tynnetta Muhammad, esteemed member of the Nation of Islam and wife of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber, Professor Emeritus from the Ethnic and Women’s Studies Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is the founder and curator of Where Black Is Brown: The African Diaspora in Mexico (WBIB). WBIB explores Olmec historical sites discussed in They Came Before Columbus and Early America Revisited by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima and investigates the cultural influences and historical contributions of Africans in Mexico: from the Ancient Olmec civilization—Mother Culture of the Americas—to the colonial/enslavement period to contemporary Mexico.

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