Yanga: The African Slave King Who Built Mexico’s First Free Town

The Mysteries of Latin America Podcast

Was There an African King Enslaved in Mexico?!"

"Imagine an African king, escaping slavery, leading a rebellion in Mexico, and not just surviving—but building a town that still stands today! What if I told you this story unfolded two years before the Pilgrims even landed at Plymouth Rock? Sounds incredible, right? Today, we’ll uncover the story of Gaspar Yanga—a man whose legacy defied the might of the Spanish Empire and still echoes through the streets of a small town in Veracruz."

"Friend, welcome to another episode of **Mysteries of Latin America**. I’m Andrew, and if you’re new here, what we do is dive deep into the myths, legends, history, and unsolved mysteries that span the vast and vibrant lands of Latin America—from the northern border of Mexico to the southern tip of Argentina, and across the Caribbean islands. Whether you’ve got roots in this region or are simply curious about the stories hidden beneath the surface, you’re in for a treat."

_"And today’s episode is about the little-known story of Gaspar Yanga, a man whose defiance in the face of oppression laid the groundwork for Mexico’s first free town and became a symbol of resistance against Spanish colonial rule."_