Cadets from the Dominican Naval Academy, Vicealmirante César de Windt Lavandier

Recently, while underway aboard the USCGC EAGLE, I embarked on a voyage to the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. It marked my inaugural visit to these captivating lands—a dream I had long nurtured. Their vibrant cultures had always beckoned to me. And as I stepped ashore, the answer became clear. The sun-drenched shores of the Dominican Republic, the vibrant streets of Colombia, and the rich history of Puerto Rico – these seemingly disparate destinations became threads in a beautiful tapestry of Afro-Caribbean culture during my unforgettable visit. Each location offered a unique perspective on the profound influence of African traditions on music, dance, and even cuisine.

In the Dominican Republic, the herencia Africana, or African heritage, became evident in the percussion instruments – the resounding beats of the tambora drum resonated with a historical energy. Even the Dominican staple, mangú, a mashed plantain dish, whispered stories of Africa, with plantains being a staple food brought over by enslaved people. Meeting the cadets of the Dominican Naval Academy, the Academia Naval Vicealmirante César de Windt Lavandier, was like encountering living chapters of a shared narrative—a testament to resilience, culture, and the unbreakable bonds that span continents and generations.

Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia pulsated with a different kind of Afro-Caribbean energy. In Cartagena, the walled city resonated with the history of slavery. Here, we were greeted by the vibrant music of champeta, a genre born from the cultural gumbo of Colombian rhythms and African beats. The frenetic energy and the use of the llamador drum, a single-headed drum of West African origin, were undeniable testaments to this heritage. As I explored the bustling plazas, the sounds of salsa spilled out from cafes, a genre with deep roots in African musical traditions.

Puerto Rico, the island paradise, did not disappoint. The bomba y plena, a genre born from the struggles of enslaved Africans, filled the air with its powerful rhythms. The fast-paced drumming and the call-and-response vocals resonated with a raw emotion that transported me back to the roots of this culture. Even the vibrant colors of Puerto Rican cuisine – the sofrito base with its achiote and recaito spices – whispered stories of African influence on the island’s foodways.

I do not think it was a coincidence that I had this experience right before the NNOA and ANSO Joint Symposium. My exploration of the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Puerto Rico was a cultural immersion. Each place unveiled a unique chapter in the story of Afro-Caribbean culture, a testament to the enduring spirit and traditions brought over by enslaved Africans. This journey was a tapestry woven with the threads of resilience, joy, and the enduring human spirit.