Research & Publications

Exploring Race, Identity, and Afro-Mexican History

Throughout my academic career, my research has centered on understanding how race and identity shape individual lives, communities, and national narratives—particularly in the context of Mexico. Much of my scholarship examines how Afro-descendants in Mexico have historically negotiated their identities within a national culture largely defined by mestizaje, a concept emphasizing the country’s Spanish and Indigenous roots, often at the expense of its African heritage.

My academic work has been guided by questions about how Afro-Mexicans navigate racial identities, confront invisibility, and mobilize for recognition. The selected publications below represent some of my key contributions to the field:

Featured Publications

Race and Nation: A Study of Blackness in Mexico

(Ph.D. Dissertation, Stanford University)
My doctoral dissertation provided a foundational analysis of Afro-Mexican identity within Mexico’s national ideology of mestizaje. Through ethnographic research in the Costa Chica region, I explored the lived experiences of Afro-Mexicans, examining how their understanding of race and identity differs significantly from official narratives promoted by the Mexican state.

Afro-Mexican Historiography (with Ben Vinson)

In this historiographical essay, we trace the evolution of scholarly research on Afro-Mexicans, highlighting how historical perspectives have shifted over time in response to political and cultural contexts in Mexico. We examine how discussions about Blackness have historically been shaped by national priorities rather than lived realities, influencing perceptions of Afro-Mexican communities to this day.

Invisible Blackness: Afro-Mexicans in the U.S. South

Drawing from ethnographic research conducted among Afro-Mexican migrants in North Carolina, this study explores how Afro-Mexicans encounter different racial contexts in the United States. I examine the dual invisibility Afro-Mexicans experience—often unrecognized as Black within the African American community and not seen as authentically Mexican by other Latinos—illustrating complex negotiations of racial identity within migration experiences.

Memín Penguin and the Changing Racial Debates in Mexico

This article analyzes the cultural significance of the controversial Mexican comic book character Memín Penguin and the debates surrounding race and representation in Mexico. By investigating popular cultural imagery, I show how changing portrayals of Blackness in Mexican media reflect and influence broader societal attitudes towards race and identity.

Unfinished Migrations: Afro-Mexican Migration to the U.S. South

This article delves into the complex reasons behind Afro-Mexican migration to the U.S. South, documenting personal experiences of migrants from Costa Chica who seek economic opportunity while confronting unique racial challenges. I consider the implications of migration for community identity, transnational relationships, and Afro-Mexicans’ sense of belonging both in Mexico and the U.S.

My goal through this body of work has always been to illuminate overlooked aspects of Afro-Mexican life, contribute to scholarly discussions, and provide a richer understanding of race and identity formation across borders.

If you would like to learn more about my research or request copies of specific publications, please feel free to contact me through the information provided on the Contact page.