From the earliest days of colonization in the Americas, the presence and influence of Black people and their African culture were fundamental to the formation of our nationality, and especially our culture.

Black Africans, who were unjustly uprooted from their families and lands to be enslaved in the New World colonies, mingled with indigenous peoples and white Europeans to help form a mestizo society where their race and culture are strongly expressed today.

Unjust slavery was the saddest page in our history, but the struggle of Puerto Ricans, from the early 19th century, to end this despicable institution constitutes one of the most glorious moments in the history of Puerto Rico.

Due to the educational nature of this exhibition, we wanted visitors, especially students, to learn about important aspects of the cultural development achieved on the African continent, especially the cultures of the western and central regions of Africa, where our African roots originate.

This exhibition aims to help our people better understand and feel proud of their African heritage. Our history and culture would be very different without the extraordinary contributions made to it by thousands of Puerto Ricans of Black origin. All Puerto Ricans, regardless of their color or physical features, are heirs to the rich African cultures.

Ricardo E. Alegría