Renaissance Playa: A Condensed Reflection of Urban Pacific Culture

In the heart of Colombia lies Playa Renaciente, a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Home to 200 Afro families, totaling 950 people, this older neighborhood in a relatively young city has been a beacon of resilience and cultural preservation for decades.

The neighborhood, originally known as Puerto España, was once a dock used for transporting enslaved people. However, the community's journey towards self-determination began in 1946, when the Ancestral Community Council of Negritudes La Playa Renaciente was established. This was followed by the official building permits and urban infrastructure connections that marked the beginning of a new era for the community.

In the 1990s, the level of organization of the community council took a qualitative leap, setting the stage for the battles that were to come. One such battle is the ongoing fight against the construction project and resettlement program called Plan Jarillón. Juan Camilo, a community leader, acknowledges the need for allies in this struggle, as the community has been fighting alone for some time.

The city administration has not yet been able to offer suitable terrain that maintains the community's connection to the water, a crucial aspect of their identity. Some houses in Playa Renaciente have already been demolished as part of Plan Jarillón, with more potentially at risk due to the area being declared a high-risk flood zone.

Playa Renaciente is not just a community; it is a symbol of the largest area of legally recognized Afro-regions in the region. The community council is advocating for the legal protection of black communities, a cause that has garnered the support of Vice President Francia Márquez. This year, during the river procession, Márquez showed her solidarity with the community.

The community's fight for their land and identity extends beyond their immediate surroundings. In 2007, the Ancestral Community Council of Negritudes La Playa Renaciente was recognized by the Ministry of the Interior. This recognition was followed by the community's application for a collective land title, which is currently being processed.

The community is also participating in a photography and exhibition project with La Tertulia museum in Cali. Adeleida Mosquera and Edith Díaz, members of the Consejo, have photographs showcasing their cultural practices in the project.

Despite the challenges they face, the community remains united in their fight. Juan Camilo insists that any negotiations will only be collective, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving their centuries-old community structure. The neighborhood's territory was renamed as "Renaciente", meaning "reborn", symbolizing the awakening of political and ethnic consciousness.

Playa Renaciente, once a dock used for the transportation of enslaved people, is now a symbol of resilience, cultural preservation, and the fight for justice. The community's journey is a testament to the power of unity and the determination of a people to reclaim their land and identity.