There Is No Racism In Panama

This thesis examines the Afro-Descendant community in Panama, exploring how the racial landscape was transformed by the influx of Black West Indian (Caribbean) laborers who immigrated to the nation, primarily for the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century. This is explored through the analysis of historical documents, including early constitutions and legislation, that illustrate the challenges they faced as immigrants. In combination with historical analysis, this study uses ethnographic methods, specifically interviews with Panamanians, to explore personal narratives that reveal how Afro-Panamanians navigate their racial identity and sense of belonging today. By researching and capturing diverse perspectives across generations, this thesis examines the complexities and nuances of what it means to be Afro-Panamanian.