Unveiling Madrid's Forgotten African Roots

In the heart of Madrid, a new wave of tours is taking visitors off the beaten path, shining a light on the city's African heritage. This history, often overlooked in Spanish education, is being brought to life by passionate guides like Kwame Ondo. Ondo, who grew up in Spain, noticed the absence of Black history in textbooks and took it upon himself to uncover and share these stories. Ondo's Afroiberica Tours focus on the African presence in Madrid, attracting many foreign tourists, particularly Black Americans. The tours highlight a past that has been largely erased from collective memory. Historian Antumi Toasije points out that Spanish education has a significant gap when it comes to acknowledging the African influence in the country. This void is something that community initiatives are now working to fill. The Madrid Negro collective takes a more hands-on approach. Their tours are not just about learning; they are about activism. Co-coordinator Nieves Cisneros connects Spain's economic growth to the slave trade, emphasizing the importance of understanding this history. During these tours, participants honor forgotten figures by pasting commemorative stickers and lighting candles. For many, like Irene Marine, a member of Madrid Negro, this work is deeply personal. Marine, who is of Haitian descent, feels a strong connection to this hidden history. She questions why this part of Spain's past was never taught in schools. These tours are not just about education; they are about reclaiming a forgotten heritage. This movement is part of a larger trend in Europe, where cities are starting to acknowledge their colonial past and the role of slavery in their development. Madrid's Black history tours are a step towards recognizing and understanding this complex past.