"Rebelión"

“No le pegue a mi negra (DON’T HIT MY BLACK WOMAN)

No le pegue a mi negra (DON’T HIT MY BLACK WOMAN)

No le pegue a mi negra (DON’T HIT MY BLACK WOMAN)”

"Rebelión" was written and performed by Joe Arroyo, an Afro-Colombian musician and activist. Released in 1986, it tells the story of the struggles and resilience of enslaved Black people in Colombia, highlighting the history of slavery and the fight for freedom. Arroyo was born in 1955 in Cartagena, Colombia, with a rich Afro-Colombian heritage. The song was inspired by the experiences of his ancestors, who were enslaved and brought to Colombia from Africa during the transatlantic slave trade. "Rebelión" is a powerful expression of the pain, suffering, and resistance of Afro-Colombians throughout history.

Understanding the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transatlantic slave trade was a brutal and systematic process that forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was a key component of the triangular trade system, which operated between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. European traders would ship manufactured goods to Africa, exchanging them for enslaved people. These enslaved individuals were then transported across the Atlantic Ocean under inhumane conditions on tightly packed ships. Millions of Africans were taken from their homelands, while many passed due to disease, malnutrition, and abuse.

Once in the Americas, enslaved Africans were forced to work on plantations producing cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were crucial to the colonial economies of European powers. This exploitation was sustained through a system of severe physical and psychological violence, dehumanization, and systemic racism that justified the enslavement of Africans. The transatlantic slave trade had lasting impacts on African societies, contributing to the destabilization of communities and cultures. It also shaped the demographic, economic, and social landscapes of the Americas, contributing to the wealth of nations while entrenching racial hierarchies and injustices that persist today.

The Significance of Black History

Black History Month is a reminder that the history of African Americans is an integral part of the broader narrative of American history. Black individuals' contributions, struggles, and triumphs have shaped the United States in countless ways, influencing culture, politics, and society. Recognizing and celebrating Black history should not be confined to just one month. It embodies a year-round commitment to understanding the complexities and richness of America's past and present. We promote a deeper understanding of our shared heritage by embracing the stories of resilience, innovation, and resistance in Black history, which facilitates ongoing dialogue about racial equity and social justice, allowing us to learn from the lessons of the past and work towards a more equitable future for all. Black history is American history.

Reference:

Equal Justice Initiative Reports. (2023).The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Equal justice initiative. https://eji.org/report/transatlantic-slave-trade/