Historical Character

 

JUAN JOSÉ NIETO GIL 

Juan José Nieto Gil, born in Sibarco Atlántico in The hill of the dead, this is a district of the municipality of Baranoa Atlántico. The story goes that his parents were unable to reach a comfortable place to give birth, his mother Benedicta Gil gave birth in difficult conditions, it was the year 1805 ( eighteen cero five ) when in the midst of difficulties the man who was the first black president of Colombia came into the world.

Nieto was not from a wealthy family; his parents worked in the production of lamp wicks which were distributed in Cartagena and its surroundings. His difficult upbringing led him to want to be different; his restless spirit and thirst for knowledge made him a voracious reader made him an interested for politics, philosophy and literature.

When the battles for independence began, Nieto joined the fight. His courage and strategic sense made him a leader respected by his peers. He fought passionately for the freedom of his country and a more just future for all.

After independence, Nieto Gil dedicated himself to politics. His vision and deep knowledge of Colombian reality led him to occupy important positions, such as that of governor of Cartagena on two time. From these positions, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of citizens and build a more prosperous and just Colombia. In 1847( eightieen fourty seven), Colonel Juan José Nieto wrote a play called The son of himself,  based on his own story and birth. Unfortunately we forgot that history.

Nieto was a great example of social advancement in a country sponsored by racism and social elitism. In 1861 (eighteen sixty one), he achieved a historic feat: he became the first and only president of African descent in Colombia. But he was not only president, he was the first novelist of the republic and a very prominent military ideologue. Although his mandate was brief due to the Civil War, he established a fundamental precedent in the country's fight for racial equality. We showed that, regardless of skin color or social origin, anyone can lead a nation.

Nieto was a tireless defender of the rights of black, mixed-race and indigenous people, as well as the most marginalized sectors of society. He spoke out against discrimination and injustice, defending a more just and equal society in which everyone has opportunities.

It is sad how Colombia erased Juan José Nieto from history, a great case of racism towards a man who lived in constant struggle for freedom and its abolition. He was so much wanted to be erased that his 19th century portrait was whitewashed in Paris and hidden in the cellars of the Inquisition Palace in Cartagena. Today there are only three original portraits of his face which are preserved in private collections in the United States. Despite everything, his figure must occupy a special place in the collective memory of the country, as a source of inspiration for new generations. His example reminds us of the importance of fighting for social justice and racial equality, values ​​that are still current.