It Started with a Spanish Lesson
When I was 10 years old and in the fifth grade, I chose to study Spanish over French. The decision was rather arbitrary, but it would have massive repercussions for the rest of my life.
Studying Spanish led me to my first love, my first kiss and my first (and only) husband. Studying Spanish opened a colorful new world to me beyond the borders of my very black and white existence as a child in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Studying Spanish led me to Spain, which led me to myself. It wasn’t a linear path and the journey was fraught with tears and confusion, but ultimately, Spain has become my home.
Finding the Black in Spain
Now, it is my pleasure to search and find all of the connections between Blackness and Spain. And there are many. Spain has a significant Black history that bleeds into its contemporary culture – from the food, to the music, to the language. Here on The Meltingpot, I’m documenting all that I find. Here are some resources for you to check out.
To read more about Spain’s Black history, check out this special MAMP podcast episode about Spain’s hidden Black history.
To read what it’s like to be a Black American or a Black Brit living in Spain today, listen to this MAMP podcast episode. We also discuss racism in Spain and how it’s different from racism in the United States.
You can read my memoir, Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain to read about my Black experience in Spain.
If you can read in Spanish, check out this informative memoir, Ser Mujer Negra en España by Deiree Bela Lobede.
And if you want to learn more about the African influence in flamenco music and dance, read this post about the fascinating documentary, Gurumbe.
Black in Spain on IG
Stay tuned to the this page for some exciting resources and updates about Spain’s Black history that I will soon be offering. And feel free to follow my Black in Spain Instagram account for some visual depictions of Blackness in Spain from both the past and the present.
