International

How black people were eliminated in Argentina throughout history

The Forgotten History of Afro-Argentines: A Journey Through Time

In the annals of history, Argentina is often recognized for its European heritage, tango music, and vast pampas. Yet, hidden beneath this narrative lies a lesser-known story of the Afro-Argentine community—a group that has largely been marginalized and erased from the country’s collective memory. Despite Argentina’s history as part of the “New World,” where African slaves were brought in significant numbers during the 17th and 18th centuries, the country today has one of the lowest populations of African descent in the region. This raises a pressing question: what happened to the Afro-Argentines?

Historical records reveal that Africans were brought to Argentina, specifically the Rio de la Plata region, to work on plantations and serve as domestic laborers. During the 18th and 19th centuries, their presence expanded to other parts of the country. Enslaved Africans played a crucial role in Argentina’s early economy and society, yet their contributions have been largely overlooked. Over time, however, the population of African descendants in Argentina dwindled. Scholars and historians have proposed several theories to explain this demographic decline.

One theory suggests that Argentina did not rely heavily on enslaved labor compared to other nations in the Americas. However, historical evidence contradicts this claim, as enslaved Africans were indeed a vital part of Argentina’s workforce during its colonial period. Despite this, some political and business leaders have perpetuated the notion that Argentina has no black population, thereby dismissing the existence of racism in the country. A second theory attributes the decline to the Paraguayan War (1865–1870), fought between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. It is believed that many Afro-Argentines were conscripted into military service during this conflict, leading to widespread deaths in their community.

Additionally, Argentina faced numerous public health crises in the 19th century, including cholera outbreaks and yellow fever epidemics, particularly in the 1860s and 1870s. These events disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including Afro-Argentines, due to inadequate access to healthcare and poor living conditions. Another significant factor was the presidency of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1868–1874). Sarmiento’s administration implemented policies that have been described as genocidal toward Afro-Argentines. These included conscripting black men into military service, forcing them into impoverished neighborhoods with limited health infrastructure, and carrying out mass executions. His policies also targeted other marginalized groups, such as gauchos and Indigenous peoples, contributing to their erasure from Argentine society.

The fourth theory points to Argentina’s deliberate efforts to “whiten” its population during the late 19th century. The Constitution of 1853 encouraged European immigration, leading to a massive influx of white settlers from countries like Italy and Spain. This policy was part of a broader national strategy to reshape Argentina’s demographic makeup. Concurrently, many Afro-Argentines emigrated to neighboring countries like Uruguay and Brazil, where they found more welcoming environments. By the time of the 1895 national census, Afro-Argentines were so marginalized that they were excluded entirely from official counts. This systemic erasure has had lasting effects on their visibility and recognition in Argentine society.

According to Argentina’s 2010 census, only 149,493 people identified as being of African descent. However, organizations such as Africa Vive argue that this number is a significant underrepresentation, estimating that the actual population could exceed one million. The discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in acknowledging and documenting the Afro-Argentine community. Despite these obstacles, Afro-Argentine groups have been working tirelessly to raise awareness about their history and current struggles. Organizations like Africa Vive, Grupo Cultural Afro, and SOS Racismo have been instrumental in promoting African culture and addressing issues of discrimination. Collaborative efforts with other African diaspora groups across South America have further amplified their voices.

In addition, institutions like the Forum of African Descent and Africans in Argentina and the National Institute to Combat Discrimination have been established to combat racism and advocate for equality. These groups aim not only to preserve Afro-Argentine heritage but also to ensure that their contributions are recognized in modern Argentine society. While Afro-Argentines have been largely erased from historical narratives, their cultural influence remains visible in elements of Argentine culture—most notably in tango music and dance. Tango, often celebrated as a quintessentially Argentine art form, has deep roots in African rhythms and traditions. This connection serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Afro-Argentines on the nation’s cultural identity.

Efforts to document and honor Afro-Argentine history have gained momentum in recent years. In 2015, a book chronicling their contributions was published, shedding light on a community that has long been overlooked. Such initiatives are vital for fostering a more inclusive understanding of Argentina’s past. The story of Afro-Argentines is one of resilience in the face of systemic erasure and discrimination. While their numbers may be small today, their legacy is woven into the fabric of Argentine history and culture. Recognizing their contributions and addressing historical injustices are essential steps toward building a more equitable society. As awareness grows through advocacy, education, and cultural preservation efforts, there is hope that the Afro-Argentine community will reclaim its rightful place in Argentina’s national narrative—ensuring that their voices are no longer silenced or forgotten.

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