Hispanic Heritage Month: HistoryMakers on the Afro-Cuban Experience

The Cuban Flag

Every September, the country celebrates and honors the contributions of the vibrant cultures and traditions of the Hispanic community. This blog post highlights some digital archive moments that speak to the essential history and contributions of Afro-Cubans. 

The Afro-Cuban identity is one that is as complex as any other Afro-Diasporic experience. Afro-Cubans actively participated in the struggle to overthrow Spanish rule. MediaMaker and broadcast journalist Jose Grinan, describes the backlash they faced shortly after their success in the Cuban War for Independence.  “[Black Cubans] fought, just like the white Cubans, to get the Spaniards out--black folks in Cuba. When the Spaniards were gone, they wanted equal rights. ‘We fought with you, come on, give us what we deserve.’ Depending upon who you talk to, there was a massacre of thousands of African American men, meaning black Cubans, because they just wanted to wipe out those who wanted to fight to get rights. My grandfather would tell me stories about that. They were coming through the neighborhoods getting dark skinned people and getting rid of them. I don't know why it was done, but they said that was the time back then.” Despite the intense racial stratification that Afro-Cubans faced following the departure of the Spanish colonists. The culture and contributions of Afro-Cubans flourished and fed the larger popular culture.

MediaMaker Jose Grinan

This is perhaps best illustrated by the jazz and pop mega-hit “Watermelon Man” that was created by MusicMaker Herbie Hancock and Afro-Cuban musician Mongo Santamaria. Hancock elaborated on the intersection of Latin and Jazz music during his interview for the digital archive. “Mongo was, was--he's from Cuba. And, he's like a top conguero, playing, you know, the conga drums. And, really well respected by the jazz musicians and Latin musicians. ... Between sets, Donald had a conversation with Mongo about the relationship between Afro Latin music and Afro American music. And, Mongo was saying, you know, considering, considering the diaspora, he had never quite heard the link between those two ... But, Donald said, ‘Hey, Herbie [HistoryMaker Herbie Hancock], why don't you play “Watermelon Man" for Mongo?’ ….I was wondering, what does my little funky jazz tune have to do with this conversation, this, you know, cultural conversation they're having; culture and historical? So, anyway, I say, ‘Okay.’ ... And, this combination of what I was doing with ‘Watermelon Man; and the Latin beat, fit so perfectly together. It was like they were made for each other….Pretty soon the whole place was jumping. It was like a movie or something. ….And, after we finished, Mongo recorded it, and his record became really a top ten hit.”

MusicMaker Herbie Hancock

American born Afro-Cubans also have unique experiences reconciling their love for two countries. Afro-Cuban ScienceMaker Carlos Handy recalled precious childhood memories from Cuba and his mother’s difficulty raising them in between the two countries. “My best childhood was in Cuba because ... in Cuba, we could roam free. I had cousins and uncles and aunts and so it was a more relaxed childhood. And I, I always look back and think it was a beautiful experience when I was in Cuba… I think if she had not had us, she would have probably gone back to Cuba because she, I don't think she really adjusted all that well to American society.” This struggle would only prove more contentious as US and Cuban relations strained during the Cuban Revolution. Handy recounts not returning to Cuba until the 80’s.

ScienceMaker Carlos Handy

The experience of Afro-Cubans is vital to our shared understanding of the Afro-Diasporic experience. The intersections of culture, politics, and music enriches our shared history. To view the featured clips, and discover more takes on the complexities of the Afro-Cuban identity, please feel free to review this playlist!