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The Spanish had already entered into several peace negotiations with certain Indigenous tribes in regard to limited self rule. There was however a major difference between the Afro Mexican and Native American realities. Due to the initial system of slaver in which the captive Africans were brought into Mexico under, there was a great danger of these homelands becoming sanctuaries to other more runaway African slaves.

An immediate deal was not forthcoming and a ruthless battle ensued with heavy losses on both sides. Once the marines retreated back to their mountainous retreat the Spanish troops didn't have the stomach to pursue them. A Spanish barrister was sent out to meet Yanga in order to convince him that his fight was a lost cause. Yanga however stuck to his guns and reiterated his terms: A grant of farmable land and right to self government, Yanga in return offered the Spanish authorities the promise the legal return of any runaway slaves who, in the future, might flee to such a black safe heaven. In addition to their own town, the black rebels demanded in writing that all slaves who had fled before 1608 should be free, that only Franciscan friars should attend to their community, and that Yanga should be their governor and that all future successions should go to his descendents.

News of any agreement between Yanga and Spanish authorities sent chills down the white ruling elite of Mexico. Slave owners in many towns were livid and afraid at the same time. There were Rumors of slaves scheming with Yanga for further gains within every town. The question was asked by the ruling elite would not such a fatal compromise given to these band of rebel slaves embolden all blacks to demand their freedom? Would the African slaves rise up and kill everyone, especially the Spanish elite?

In spite of the opposition from slave ruling class and the almost paranoid thinking of the white Mexican elites, the Spanish had acceded to Yanga's demands, and his band of African rebels were officially settled at the slopes of Mount Totutla in 1630. To this day the legacy of Yanga has survived and in some instances even thrived with a huge statue being built in his honor.

As we traveled around Veracruz state there where other African cultural reflections such as several other communities with distinctly African names; Mocambo, Matamba, Mozambique, and even Mandingo. In many cases it's only the African name that remains while its enriching history is all but forgotten.

My guide Ale and

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