The Caribbean Colombian village that proudly calls itself “the first free Black territory in the Americas” is on the verge of freeing itself once again – not from the Spanish crown, as it did in the early 18th century, but from local government control.
Just over 300 years after Spain recognised San Basilio de Palenque as a slavery-free territory, residents of the community, just 30 miles away from the touristic hub of Cartagena, are set to vote on finally becoming an independent town.
