A Black History of Madrid

What does Madrid's history look like when you include the stories that have long been left out? In this episode, I sit down with activist and tour guide Kwame Ondo. He's spent years piecing together the hidden history of Black people in Spain — from pre-Colonial trade routes and the time of Al-Andalus, through to the slave markets of Seville and the abolitionist movement of the First Republic — to found his company Afro Iberían tours. Kwame takes visitors through Madrid's old and modern city to uncover the Black figures, artworks, and stories hiding in plain sight. In the interview, we talk about the remarkable life of Juan de Pareja, Spain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, and why President Emilio Castelar — one of Spain's greatest orators — had to flee the country after speaking out against slavery. We also discuss what Madrid looks like today: the effects of gentrification on Black communities, the politics of migration, and what Kwame, as a Pan-Africanist, thinks genuine justice would actually require. Useful links Book Kwame at: ⁠Afro Ibería Tours⁠ Documentary about Black Africans in Renaissance Europe: ⁠We Were Here⁠ Painter and former slave: ⁠Juan de Pareja⁠ Kwame's restaurant recommendations: ⁠Dakar ⁠and⁠ Los Caracoles Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠⁠⁠⁠ To support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of ⁠⁠⁠Quiet Madrid⁠⁠⁠⁠, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. You can also⁠⁠ leave a tip⁠⁠ to show your support. Or you could buy one of my ⁠⁠⁠⁠audio tours on Voicemap⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠newsletter to get a free copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook⁠⁠⁠ (visit themakingofmadrid.com if you can't use these links)