A New Book Reframes Long-Held Assumptions About the Denial of Black Identity in the Mexican Port City of Veracruz
Cultural anthropologist Karma Frierson set out to explore the complexities of Black identity while conducting research in the vibrant port city of Veracruz, Mexico. What began as a focused study on the Afro-Mexican community quickly evolved into a broader examination of a local populace that, while it may not always recognize or embrace the term “Afro-Mexican,” possesses a deep-seated understanding of Blackness in their lives and culture.
Frierson’s forthcoming book, Local Color: Reckoning with Blackness in the Port City of Veracruz (University of California Press, 2025), brings together the findings from two years of intensive research. The book is crafted from nearly a decade of personal experience with the people and culture of Veracruz, a city often seen as a melting pot of diverse influences, located on the eastern coast of Mexico.
The narrative within the book highlights how Veracruzanos—those native to or residing in Veracruz—engage with their rich Afro-Caribbean roots. A historical aspect that has long been marginalized, the presence of an Afro-Mexican identity was finally recognized in the Mexican census in 2020, marking a significant step toward the acknowledgment of this community.
“Local Color serves as an homage to those who’ve been at the forefront of a narrative that is slowly becoming more visible,” states Frierson, emphasizing that the book is not just an academic study but also a tribute to the people who have embraced their multifaceted identities in the face of complex social narratives.
Public Spaces Offer Lessons on Afro-Mexican Heritage
Between 2014 and 2016, Frierson immersed herself in her research on African heritage and influence in Mexico, often referred to as “the third root,” alongside Indigenous and Spanish ancestries. During her time in Veracruz, she discovered various local affinity groups that formed around the traditions and legacies of the jarocho community—a term originating from the colonial era to denote people of mixed Indigenous and African descent, which has since evolved into a broader label for the people of Veracruz.
In her explorations, Frierson refers to these community groups as “jarocho publics.” She engaged deeply with the local customs and musical traditions, sitting in on talks, participating in festivals, and contributing to daily life to cultivate trust and openness in her interactions with locals.
“They were aware I was there to study the third root,” she explains. “I spent my time connecting with them—dancing, playing music, sharing coffee, and learning about their lives and how Blackness is interwoven into their identities.” This immersive approach allowed her to uncover the layers of heritage that may not be readily articulated but are nonetheless ingrained in the local culture.
Expanding What It Means to Be Black in Mexico—and Around the World
Prior to her extensive fieldwork, many scholars had mistakenly interpreted the reluctance of Veracruz residents to identify as Black as a denial of their Afro-Mexican roots. Upon her arrival, Frierson encountered similar sentiments from locals, who often asserted, “There are no Black people here anymore,” or professed, “I am not Black,” despite being recognized as such in the United States.
However, as Frierson deepened her connections with the community, the conversations shifted, revealing a more complex and nuanced understanding of identity. Many Veracruzanos began to share their links to Afro-Mexican heritage, often describing local practices as “Caribbean” rather than strictly Black.
“I don’t view that as denial,” Frierson clarifies. “While they may not identify with the political label of being Afro-Mexican, it doesn’t negate their connection to Blackness.” She argues that focusing solely on self-identification risks overlooking the wider implications of the African diaspora, not only in Mexico but globally.
Through Local Color, Frierson hopes to invite both scholars and general readers to reconsider their definitions of Blackness. Her aim is to expand the dialogue beyond the confines of physical appearance and traditional conceptions of race. “I want people to think about Blackness in a more expansive context,” she emphasizes, advocating for a deeper understanding of cultural identities as they relate to world-making and community-building.
