The 2015 intercensal estimate pointed out that this demographic mainly resides in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Veracruz.
Source: 2015 Intercensal Estimate Main Results
"According to your culture, history and traditions, do you (INSERT NAME) consider yourself a black, Afro-Mexican or Afro-descendant person?"
This is the new question that was included in the survey in order to have more detailed data. Miguel Cervera, INEGI's general director, explained that the Afro-Mexican community has always been a part of the census bureau's surveys but there's never been an option available for them to identify themselves as such.
One of the results that were gathered by the survey is that there's a demographic sector that identifies itself as black and that they actually have better access to public services, education and job opportunities than indigenous people.
However, almost 65% of the Afro-Mexican population also consider themselves as part of the indigenous sector and 9.3% speak some type of indigenous language. Also, some of them usually feel discriminated when traveling to other places within the country where people of color aren't that common.
Source: 2015 Intercensal Estimate Main Results
Sergio Peñaloza, head of the Mexico Negro organization, told La Jornada that despite the recent survey, they are still not currently recognized by the Mexican Constitution. "The INEGI has been very reluctant in including us in their censuses as well as the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (Comisión Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas [CDI] in Spanish) as well as the local and federal Congress, they ignore the subject greatly", said Peñaloza.
"This estimate is the first step Mexico has taken to recognize their Afro-Mexican population and with that, they can seek institutional or government help", explained Cervera.
Via Fusion
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miranda.garcia@sandiegored.com
Translated by: edgar.martinez@sandiegored.com
