In the highest mountains of Mexico lived Africans who were skilled farmers and warriors. Even more importantly, they defied colonialism.
France invaded Mexico in 1862, assuming that conquering it would be a walk in the park. However, the army was in for a rude awakening as formerly enslaved Africans were ready and able to defend their home.
African Maroons, who were people that escaped enslavement, had settled in Mexico centuries earlier. They were skilled at raiding and fighting. These freedom fighters helped pull off one of the biggest military upsets in global history by defeating the French in the Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the historic victory, but what often goes unnoticed is the significant role our people played in bringing this celebration to fruition. Our history extends across even more countries than we realize.
We should not limit our horizons in the search for our history, because we can use that history to empower our people for generations to come.