GASPAR YANGA....

...was a leader among the maroons of Mexico during Spanish colonial rule. He was responsible for the slave rebellions that led to the formation of a tiny independent nation within Mexico populated by escaped African slaves and their descendants. This nation lasted for about 28 years, and survived / flourished by the escapees ability to "live off of the land" and by seizing ships en route to trading posts on the coast. Spanish colonists attempted to seize the land, even after treaty attempts made by Yanga that would have created a give-and-take relationship between Spanish colonials and the African maroons. Eventually, the Spanish government fought to reclaim control of the land, and after a battle that was somewhat victorious for Yanga and his followers, burned the area. Still, after realizing the might and later they gave in to Yanga's treaty proposal in some ways and deemed Yanga and his family the official ruling family of the "nation". It wasn't until 1630, some 60 years after Gaspar first banded his fellow Africans together, that the coastal city of Veracruz was officially founded as a part of the Mexican nation. We salute you Gaspar Yanga for your courage, strength, and love for others.