September Reflection: Sazón Para Siempre

As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate the profound and enduring contributions of Afro-Colombians to Colombia and Latin America. From the rhythmic heartbeat of cumbia and champeta music to the rich flavors of coastal cuisine infused with African culinary traditions, Afro-Colombian communities have shaped the cultural landscape in ways that resonate far beyond their palenques. Their influence extends into every corner of life—in the vibrant visual arts that blend African aesthetics with Latin American expression, in the political activism and resistance movements that fought colonialism and continue to advocate for justice and equity, and in the cultural expressions that remind us of the resilience and creativity born from struggle. These contributions aren't footnotes in history; they are the very essence of what makes Colombian and Latin American culture so beautifully complex and multifaceted.

For us, Hispanic Heritage Month carries special significance because it's an opportunity to honor the Afro-Colombian legacy that our mission seeks to preserve. The palenques—those historic communities founded by escaped enslaved Africans—represent not just survival, but triumph: the creation of free spaces where culture, language, and identity could flourish against all odds. When we talk about cultural preservation, we're talking about keeping alive the sazón—that unmistakable flavor and soul—that Afro-Colombians have brought to every aspect of life. This month, we celebrate not only what has been, but what continues to be, and we recommit ourselves to ensuring these stories, traditions, and contributions are never forgotten.

Sazón Para Siempre!

Erin

#MissionPreservePalenque #MisionPreservarAPalenque