I am Bobby Vaughn and I created this site in 1997 as one of the earliest online resources dedicated to exploring the histories, lives, and identities of Afro-Mexicans, particularly in the Costa Chica region of Guerrero and Oaxaca.

Over the years, my research has centered on understanding how Mexico’s ideology of mestizaje—a national narrative emphasizing a mixed heritage primarily of Spanish and Indigenous peoples—has contributed to erasing the significant African presence in Mexican history. My academic journey has involved ethnographic fieldwork, historical research, and personal engagement with Afro-Mexican communities, as well as documenting their cultural traditions through photography.

Today, this site serves as a personal archive and reflection of the work I’ve done over the decades. It is no longer an actively updated resource, but I maintain it as a place to share my findings and experiences with those interested in the topic.

On this site, you’ll find:

• A historical overview detailing the often-overlooked presence of Afro-descendants in Mexico, from colonial times to modern-day identity struggles.
• My academic research and publications focused on Afro-Mexican history, identity politics, migration, and racial relations.
• A curated photo gallery showcasing my fieldwork and travels, visually documenting Afro-Mexican life in the Costa Chica.
• Information about my professional background, my personal connection to this research, and how I came to study Afro-Mexicans

I invite you to explore these pages and deepen your understanding of an important, yet often invisible, part of Mexico’s rich history and contemporary culture.

Thank you for visiting,

— Bobby Vaughn