There's an idea in Mexico that racism doesn't exist, that all Mexicans are "mestizo" – a homogenous blend of Spanish and indigenous. But cultural worker José Antonio Aguilar says racism is lived by Black and brown Mexicans in many ways. He founded Racismo MX, an organization which seeks to dismantle racism, after coming to terms with his own racial reality as a "prieto" – a brown man. We also hear from anthropologist Ismael Rivera and Aztec expert Camilla Townsend as they unravel lies the Spanish colonizers told about ancient Aztecs that still feed racist tropes today. This episode first aired in 2023.

Featuring

José Antonio Aguilar – Racismo MX, Founder and Director
Ismael Rivera – Anthropologist, Historian, Cultural Guide
Dr. Camilla Townsend, P.h.D. – Rutgers University, Professor

Making Contact

Host: Amy Gastelum
Freelance Producer: Anthony Wallace
Executive Director: Jina Chung
Engineer: Jeff Emtman
Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain

Music

Nahuales Negros – Chinampa, Cempasúchil, Barcos A Lo Lejos, Mixquic, Teponaztli, Danza A Pakal

Learn More

Racismo MX
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/raciclasismomx
- IG: racismomx
- X: @Racismo_MX

Ismael Rivera Tours
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/riveratrips

Rutgers University
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/RutgersU
- X: @RutgersU
- IG: rutgersu

Anthony Wallace
- X: @anthonyjwallace

Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.