The constitution of Afro-Peruvian thought. An approach to the intellectual formation and to the artistic and essayistic production of Nicomedes Santa Cruz (1958-1991)

Abstract

This work is an attempt to reconstruct the cultural-political thought process expressed in the essays of the Afro-Peruvian poet, investigator and artist Nicomedes Santa Cruz Gamarra (1925-1992). This investigation seeks to enhance the comprehension of Santa Cruz’s contributions to Peruvian national thought in the field associated with the assessment of traditional Afro-Peruvian culture; from the viewpoint obtained concerning its intellectual stance; deconstructing and denouncing racism. At the same time, this investigation strives to trace the creation of policies fomenting social, cultural and epistemological transformation in Afro-Peruvian communities in general; for the sake of the democratic construction of egalitarian citizens in Peru. The main purpose of this study is to shed light on the complex articulation among distinctive interpretations of race, racism, citizenry and nation as means to gaining more insight on influential epistemic policy concerning activities involving emancipation, liberation and decolonization outlining their connections and discussions with Afroglobal intellectuals and the Afro-American diaspora in terms of its social-historic context during the second half of the 20th Century.