Négritude
This poet from Martinique coined the term Négritude and wrote Cahier d'un retour au pays natal.
Aimé Césaire
La Balada de Los Abuelos in English
+ extra 100pts for the titles meaning/significance
What is The Ballad of The Grandparents
The title emphasizes the contrast and unity between the poet’s two grandfathers; One is Black and one is white. A ballad is a musical or poetic storytelling form, symbolizing the blending of histories, struggles, and cultures that shaped Cuba’s identity.
This poem by Nicolás Guillén celebrates the rights and freedoms gained by Black Cubans after the Cuban Revolution.
What is Tengo?
Négritude emerged in this decade as a response to colonialism and racism.
1930s
Guillén repeats the word Tengo ("I have") to emphasize this theme in the poem.
What is empowerment or equality?
This literary and political movement celebrated Black identity, African heritage, and anti-colonialism.
Négritude
Before the Cuban Revolution, Black Cubans were often denied entry into public places. In Tengo, Guillén celebrates the fact that he can now enter these spaces.
What are schools, jobs, and public buildings?
In Tengo, Guillén suggests that having freedom and dignity is more important than having this material thing.
What is money?
Tengo reflects Guillén’s support for this political system, which aimed to create equality by redistributing wealth and power in Cuba.
What is communism/socialism?