Maria-Elena Velasquez, Author at

Independent Historian

Maria-Elena Velasquez graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle in 2009 with a degree in history. She was born and raised in the Central Area of Seattle, Washington and is of Belizean and African-American parentage. Maria-Elena would ultimately like to pursue a career in law and is dedicated to increasing awareness about Latin American and Caribbean identity, particularly in the country of Belize.

The History of Belize

In comparison to many countries that have ancient histories spanning over thousands of years, Belize (a small country right below Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula) is a relatively young nation whose history spans only about 370 years. The indigenous Mayan population, however, has resided in Central America … Read MoreThe History of Belize

Belizean Kriols

By the 1500s, black slaves had been distributed through much of the Caribbean. Slavery, however, began much later in Central America. By 1724 the British were transporting slaves from Jamaica to Belize to cut logwood, particularly Mahogany. These slaves became known as Baymen. Soon the … Read MoreBelizean Kriols

The Garifuna People

In 1635, two Spanish ships were wrecked near what is now St. Vincent in the West Indies. The ships held West Africans who were to be sold as slaves in the West Indies. The West Africans escaped from the Spaniards, and hid themselves among the … Read MoreThe Garifuna People

Andy Palacio (1960-2008)

Andy Palacio was a popular Belizean musician who was born on December 2, 1960 in the village of Barranco in Belize, Central America. Palacio is the most famous musician to emerge from this little-known country. His work has influenced musicians and music-lovers all over the … Read MoreAndy Palacio (1960-2008)