Slavery in Cartagena

After freedom was decreed in 1821 the new government decided on manumissions and freed births to gradually end slavery.

Captains bribed officials so they would get financially compensated for Africans that did not die, as well as avoid paying the taxes associated with using the ports.

[3] Of those that were sold to those in and around Cartagena, African descendants[4] had various jobs they could have depending on where they were forced to work, as well as places they could live.

An example of this is the story of Maria Sabina who was seen as a possession by the Cartagena elite due to how pale her skin was.

Black companies defended Cartagena on multiple occasions, notably in 1741 against Vice Admiral Edward Vernon.

72.5% of Cartagena´s population was of African descent, as of the year 1777 and the city was an epicenter of politics and social discourse.

Some of the enslaved leveraged the inquisition office as a way to leave more dangerous working conditions, which included both areas in Cartagena and far away from it.

These men and women would use the words of holy texts to be set free or to be moved under a different owner, since many of the actions they talked about went against the scriptures.

[11] Rebellions in Cartagena Some would go the route of Catholicism to free themselves from toxic situations, but others looked for a more aggressive approach.

Regardless of attempts to stop communications, Cartagena had a racial plot that was in line with the attacks on haciendas on the coast.

Specifically, one group looked to take control of the military compound San Filipe de Barajas, and used the weapon gained from the fortress for creole murders and steel royal valuables.

One of the most notable examples that has survived till modern day is San Basilio de Palenque.

This led to black military men helping to win battles, and army commanders tying patriotism to the fight to end slavery.

Responses included stopping the sharing of information of businesses that discriminated through the Prado papers.

[17] In modern times, Cartagena has a connection to slavery through ties with San Bassillo de Palenque’s tourism market.