To speak about the Black community in Costa Rica is to honor a history written with courage, perseverance, and a vibrant culture that defines national identity. As part of the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture, community leader Elizabeth Gayle Taylor shared valuable insights into the history, triumphs, and ongoing challenges facing the Afro-Costa Rican population.

The Arrival: Skilled Pioneers of the Caribbean

Elizabeth Gayle Taylor—daughter of former Congresswoman Marcelle Taylor and current president of the Civic Cultural Ethnic Black Committee Association of Limón—recounted the origin story of Limón’s Black community.

On December 20, 1872, the steamship Lizzie docked in Costa Rica carrying 123 free Black individuals from across the Greater and Lesser Antilles, including Jamaica, St. Vincent, and St. Maarten. Contracted under President Tomás Guardia’s administration, these pioneers were brought in to build the railroad essential for exporting coffee to Europe.

“They were free Black people who left the Caribbean… only three of whom were women, and that is where the roots of our grandparents and great-grandparents began.”

— Elizabeth Gayle Taylor

A Foundation Built on Expertise

Contrary to common historical oversights, Gayle highlights that these early arrivals were not unskilled laborers; they were highly qualified professionals and experts in railroad construction and other technical trades.

Gayle points to her own family—including her mother and grandmother, both dedicated educators—as a testament to the community’s deep-rooted commitment to education, leadership, and public service.

Key Historical Takeaways

Arrival Date: December 20, 1872

Vessel: Steamship Lizzie

Origins: Jamaica, St. Vincent, St. Maarten, and other Caribbean islands

Primary Mission: Railway construction for coffee export

Legacy: Skilled craftsmanship, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment.

Honoring the Legacy Today

Celebrating Afro-Costa Rican culture is about recognizing the past while building a more equitable future. The legacy of the 123 pioneers who arrived aboard the Lizzie lives on through the music, cuisine, tradition, and resilience that enrich Costa Rica every day.

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