Watch Black in Latin America

Black in Latin America is a 2011 television series that explores the history, culture, and identity of Afro-Latin Americans in various countries throughout Latin America. The series is hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a prominent African-American scholar and filmmaker who is known for his work on African-American history and culture.

Over the course of four episodes, Black in Latin America examines the complex relationship between race and identity in Latin America, where people of African descent have long been a marginalized and underrepresented group. Through interviews with scholars, historians, politicians, and ordinary people, Gates explores how the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and discrimination continues to shape the experiences of Afro-Latin Americans in the present day.

Each episode of the series focuses on a different country: Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and Mexico. In Brazil, Gates examines the country's complicated racial dynamics, which are shaped by a long history of slavery and the legacy of Portuguese colonialism. He visits the cities of Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, where he explores the vibrant culture and traditions of Afro-Brazilians, including the carnival celebrations that are a central part of Brazilian life.

In Cuba, Gates delves into the history of the island's Afro-Cuban population, which has been shaped by centuries of African slavery and the country's complex political history. He interviews scholars and musicians who offer insights into the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Cubans, including the music and dance styles that have become famous around the world.

The episode on Haiti explores the legacy of slavery and colonialism in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its history of poverty and political instability, Gates discovers a rich and diverse culture in Haiti, which has given birth to some of the most influential movements in the region, including vodou, a syncretic religion that combines African and Catholic traditions.

In the final episode, Gates travels to Mexico, where he explores the country's little-known Afro-Mexican population. Despite being one of the largest countries in Latin America, Mexico has a small but significant population of Afro-descendants, who have been historically marginalized and excluded from Mexican society. Gates travels to the state of Veracruz, where he meets with Afro-Mexican activists who are working to reclaim their cultural heritage and gain recognition from the Mexican government.

Throughout the series, Gates offers a nuanced and insightful look at the complex and diverse experiences of Afro-Latin Americans, who have been shaped by centuries of discrimination, marginalization, and oppression. Through his interviews and conversations with scholars and activists, Gates uncovers the hidden histories and cultures of Afro-Latin Americans, while also shedding light on the ongoing struggles for recognition, justice, and equality.

Black in Latin America is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 19, 2011 and on PBS