By ali-nhyamar78 on Skatehive
Blackness has always been part of Cuban culture since its formation. The arrival of the Spanish brought with it the arrival of Black people who were forcibly brought from Africa. A few days ago I visited an exhibition commemorating the presence of Black culture in Cuba, specifically in Cienfuegos, and its influence on the visual arts and crafts. Several of the works impressed me with their stark reality and message. This included not only objects like chains and shackles or a model ship, which were once used for the slave trade. In my case, this exhibition has meant a great deal because I am the product of the white conqueror and the black African. I am that mixed-race person from these American lands who cannot fully participate in this centuries-old relationship between cultures, but nevertheless, I am part of that product and of what we are: a mixed-race continent. This has inspired me to share this poem of my own with you. *Family Tree All my ancestors arrived on the same journey,