Daniela Balanzategui

Since the 1960s, the struggles of Afro-descendant movements in Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico have led to the establishment of constitutional frameworks at the national level, addressing historical exclusion and advancing the recognition of their collective rights. Drawing on the experiences and demands of Afro-Latin American communities, social movements, and scholars, the First Latin American Conference of Afro-descendant Peoples, Cimarrones, and Engaged Researchers (Ibarra, Ecuador) aims to bring together Afro-descendant and Maroon communities. Organized by engaged researchers from the African diaspora in Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico, this conference seeks to foster collaboration among scholars and communities. Emphasizing participatory and community-based approaches in archaeology, anthropology, and history, the event aims to strengthen regional dialogues and alliances, advancing the social and political agendas of Afro-Latin Americans. The conference will also emphasize the active participation of Afro-Ecuadorian and Afro-Colombian community representatives, whose extensive experience in processes of historical reparations and the revitalization of collective memory will provide critical insights and contributions. This conference is co-organized by Katherine Chalá (Director, Center of African and Afro-American Studies-Amawtay Wasi University, Ecuador), Johana Caterina Mantilla (Department of Anthropology of the Americas, University of Bonn, Germany), Omar Olivo (ENAH, Mexico), and Genesis Delgado (CIESAS, Mexico).