Aubin Ibala-Bisselo

Strategies for the political integration of Blacks in the New Granada Aubin Ibala-Bisselo

In the present article, we have the pretension to describe the different circles undertaken by Juan José Nieto in order to enter the political scene of 19th century Colombia. Juan José Nieto Gil was born in Tubará, on June 24, 1804, a former Indian village in the District of Tierradentro, Province of Cartagena (today's Department of Atlántico). He died in Cartagena on July 24, 1866. With no formal schooling, Juan José Nieto is one of the black leaders who played an important role in the construction of the modern Colombian state in the 19th century. It is noteworthy here that this man has spent almost all his life fighting for the defence of federalism as a form of government of great relevance capable of turning Colombia during the period of the New Granada into a territory characterized by respect for the democratic bases.