The Hidden Black Presence in South America’s “Whitest” Country | Ep.19 Julia Cohen Ribeiro

Argentina is often described as one of the “whitest” countries in South America, a nation known for its strong European identity and influence. But there’s another Argentina that rarely makes it into the global spotlight: a country with deep African roots and a living Afro-descendant community. So why is Argentina’s Black presence so often overlooked? In this episode of Black & Borderless, we sit down with Afro-Argentine activist, artist and Afro-tourism director Julia Cohen Ribeiro, who has made it part of her life’s work to bring visibility to Argentina’s overlooked African heritage and present-day Afro-descendant community. Julia takes us inside a history many people have never heard, from the significant presence of Africans and their descendants in early Argentina to the forces that contributed to their disappearance from the country’s dominant national narrative. We also explore what it means to be Afro-Argentine today, why Argentina came to be viewed as a predominantly white and European nation, and whether racism and invisibility continue to shape the experiences of Black Argentines. And after Samuel L. Jackson sparked controversy by calling Argentina “one of the most racist countries in the world,” we ask Julia directly: Was he right? This is the story of the Black Argentina the world rarely sees. Black & Borderless: When the diaspora connects, power multiplies. Follow Julia and her initiatives: Instagram:   / amediahora   Lunfarda Travel:   / lunfardatravel   El Tambo Afro:   / eltamboafro   Kukily Colectivo:   / kukilycolectivo   00:00 – Intro 01:48 – Introducing Julia Cohen Ribeiro 02:12 – The Cultural & Ancestral Origins of the Maté drink 06:01 – The History of Afro-Argentines & Systemic Erasure 15:20 – Julia’s Personal Identity Journey & Discovering Her Heritage 20:48 – The Black Feminist Movement & Afro-Argentine Activists 27:42 – How Diverse Identity Shapes Julia’s Activism 30:46 – Afro-Tourism & Black Hubs in Argentina: Lunfarda Travels, El Tambo Afro & Kukily Collective 35:49 – Exploring Black History in San Telmo & the Origins of Tango 37:41 – The Economic & Community Impact of Black-Owned Spaces 39:50 – Argentina’s National Day of Afro-Argentine Culture (November 8th) 42:31 – The Global Impact of the George Floyd Movement in Argentina 45:20 – Challenges: Lack of State Support & Institutional Resistance 55:06 – Addressing Samuel L. Jackson's Claims & World Cup Debates 01:06:57 – Diversity, Race, & Indigenous Representation on the National Football Team 01:12:01 – What the Government Needs to Do: Anti-Racism Laws & Education 01:16:41 – The Case for Reparations & Tracing Afro-Argentine Ancestry 01:19:03 – Quickfire questions: Key Figures, Culinary Contributions, & Local Spots in Argentina 01:25:04 – Advice for Black Travelers Visiting Argentina 01:27:09 – Julia's vision for the future of Argentina and the Afro-Argentine movement 👍 LIKE the video to support the movement 🔔 Hit SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations with people shaping the global Black economy 📱 FOLLOW us on social media [@BlackAndBorderless] 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts #africadiaspora #podcast #argentina