Where Do We Go From Here?

All of these new regulations and implementations are encouraging for the future of the Afro-Uruguayan community, however measuring the impacts of these changes will take years, perhaps even generations. As shown by the continually increasing percentage of the population identifying as Afro-Uruguayan and acknowledging their African ancestry, the country is making positive strides in beginning to recognize the importance of Afro-descendants in the history of Uruguay. However, despite academic interest in the field of Afro-Uruguayan history increasing both in Uruguay and abroad, and national legislation clearly stating the discrimination felt by Afro-Uruguayans, their history still needs to be better implemented into the education system. When taught, it needs to be given as much importance as other parts of Uruguayan history, in order for all Uruguayans to be raised with the knowledge that Afro-Uruguayans have been influential in shaping Uruguay into the country it is today.

Along with a better implementation of Afro-Uruguayan history in the education system, the Uruguayan government and legislative bodies would do well to think more broadly when commemorating Afro-Uruguayans and celebrating their heritage. When dedicating days to Afro-descendants in Uruguay, it would do them far more justice if more than just candombe and its influence was celebrated. By only honoring those active in candombe, the stereotypes of Afro-Uruguayans as being simply entertainers will deepen in the minds of the everyday Uruguayan. There is no need to reinforce stereotypes if the true goal is to honor people who have been integral to the founding and formation of the nation. While candombe has had an undeniably large impact on Uruguayan culture, we know from our research that Afro-Uruguayans have contributed far more to Uruguayan society than just the rhythmic drumbeat that still permeates the city. In our short time researching this topic we came across countless interesting and impressing Afro-Uruguayans who have impacted Uruguay in some way, and we have no doubt there are thousands more ready to be researched, written about, and celebrated, by Uruguay as a whole. If Afro-descendants in Uruguay are more positively represented and honored, and their history in Uruguay becomes more common knowledge, perhaps we will see a further increase in the next census in the numbers of those who identify as being partially or primarily of African descent.