The first African-Mexicans to come to Mexico, and their descendants, have greatly influenced the Mexican culture. Throughout the centuries, Afro-Mexicans have made vast contributions to the country of Mexico and they deserve to be recognized and acknowledged for their many accomplishments. Afro-Mexicans share a rich history and count heroes and presidents among their ancestors. One was Vicente Guerrero, Mexico’s 2nd president and a hero in Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain. The state of Guerrero in Mexico was named after him.

Amongst other things, these immigrants have contributed to the modern Mexican culinary gamut. Unlike other groups, they unquestionably did not come willingly. Their arrival was a product of what was perceived as economically beneficial by the European conquistadors of Mexico,but during the post-conquest years they have added important and vibrant contributions to Mexico’s culture and cuisine.

Ten thousand years ago humans discovered agriculture and the illusion of security that it gave drove them away from hunting and gathering and into the earth destroying practices which have gotten us where we are. It’s obvious to see why they would have liked what agriculture presented them with; the ability to have control and security. Having control over ones amount of food was the ultimate power. Starvation would be a thing of the past. Every day would be the best day, and there would be no suffering. Pain could be eliminated from life. Ever since those first seeds were sewn, humans have been increasingly seeking security and control in life. This security is really an illusion which, in the long run, does nothing to prevent suffering and reduces quality of life in the short term.

The Illusion