As a bi-racial African American woman, I have immersed myself into learning about my culture and roots here in America. We have worked hard throughout our history to have our voice heard and our stories told.
Many like myself worry when traveling how will people perceive my natural hair or my brown skin? We know too well what that means in the United States.
Those worries left my mind once I stepped foot in Havana. African culture was evident from the music, the dancing, the food, and the people and I needed to learn more.
In this culture being called morena was a term of endearment and beauty. My natural hair was seen as beautiful as I saw many who looked like me who were proud of their roots, but there was so much more to learn. That's when I went on the tour of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCING AFRO-CUBAN CULTURE
Usually when I travel I stay away from tours and immerse myself into the culture and meet locals. However, the Afro-Cuban Culture Experience led by Adriana and Jose through their Beyond Roots Cuba organization stuck out to me. In this tour took you learned about the history of slavery in Cuba, and the culture/influence of their decedents in Cuba today.
The tour started off in a local cafe in the Vedado neighborhood in Havana. The cafe itself doubles an art gallery and the furniture is made from recycled goods.
We enjoyed a delicious and sweet cafe with sweetened condensed milk as we made introductions among the group and discussed Afro-Cuban history.
SANTERIA: THE SOUL OF CUBA
From there we took a taxi to the town of Guanabacoa, 30 minutes outside of Havana, where Santeria (a religion derived from the Yoruba religion with Catholic influence) was created. Adriana and Jose grew up here and you could feel the sense of community and pride as you walked amongst the locals.
We learned about the history and elements of Santeria at the local museum. The tour itself was small and the exhibits consisted of representations and real religious artifacts that were donated. Adriana and Jose dispelled many myths about Santeria and the dark connotation the rest of the world has put on it.
From there we enjoyed an alcoholic drink at a local bar that showcased Afro-Cuban art in an outdoor setting.
We then arrived at the house of the Babalao, the high priest (for an equivalent term) in that town, where we received a cleansing and learned more from him translated by Adrianna.
We took part in a traditional Afro-Cuban meal outside where locals played music and we joined in playing instruments and dancing. The food was pure Black Excellence and was made by Jose's mom.
We had fried okra, rice, cornmeal, plantains, a sweetened fruit, freshly made juice, and LOTS of Aguardiente (Fire Water). Everything was served in traditional bowls and dishes.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
It was an experience that could not have happened if I tried to do a self-guided tour on my own. I wouldn't even have known where to begin or really have understood the culture if I didn't have Adrianna and Jose to guide me.
I do not want to give away too much information as this is something I believe all individuals of African decent should experience when going to Cuba.
YOU ALSO HAVE AN IMPACT
The heart of Africa I was seeing in the people, rocking their natural hair and being proud of their melanated skin, was due to the influence of African Americans visiting Cuba. Just like many other countries, Cuba did not know Americans came in the form of brown skin until the travel ban was lifted.
This was at the heart of our natural hair movement, and from what Adriana told me Afro-Cubans before then thought their hair and skin was not something to be proud of. When they saw us proudly wearing our braids, locks, and natural hair they saw the beauty in it and began a movement themselves.
Just from traveling, you too can impact a culture in a positive way. We can spread the message to other decedents of the Diaspora that you too are beautiful just the way you are.
So go out and experience the world. Cultural exchange is a beautiful thing.
Safe Travels,
Chelle
It’s like reading a book or you should write one. I thought I was there sharing your experience. I look forward to reading more of your experiences. Please be careful as I know your mom, told you.