Where are the Black people in Argentina?
Argentina is often imagined as one of Latin America’s most European countries. But that story leaves out generations of Black and Afro-Argentine people.
Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn dig into how race, history, identity, and national storytelling can make entire communities seem invisible — even when they were never truly absent. Then they bring the conversation back to work: what happens when organizations do the same thing?
This episode explores racial erasure, representation, belonging, and the difference between simply having people in the room and actually recognizing their presence, influence, and contributions.
Key Takeaways
- Representation is not the same as inclusion, influence, or power.
- When the same inequities happen repeatedly, organizations can start treating them as normal instead of questioning the pattern.
- Headcount alone cannot tell you who has access to leadership, promotion, sponsorship, succession plans, and decision-making.
- When the same groups repeatedly leave an organization, leaders should examine the system instead of treating every departure as an individual choice.
- Hiring, performance reviews, promotions, sponsorship, and succession decisions all shape who becomes visible and who stays invisible.
- Employees should not have to prove that exclusion exists before leaders are willing to investigate it.
- A better workplace question is: Who is present in our organization but missing from our picture of leadership, opportunity, and influence?
What happens when an absence becomes so familiar that nobody thinks to question it?
While watching the World Cup, Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn noticed that Argentina’s national team looked different from many of the teams competing around it. That observation opened a much bigger conversation about Black identity, national representation and how people can remain present while becoming invisible within the dominant story.
In this episode of Inclusive AF, Jackye and Katee use Argentina as a lens for examining something HR and business leaders see every day: normalized exclusion.
It happens when the leadership team has looked the same for so long that no one asks who is missing. When Black employees are represented in the workforce but absent from succession plans, influential roles and executive decision-making. When the same groups repeatedly leave, yet every departure is treated as an individual choice instead of part of a larger pattern.
The conversation explores:
- Why representation is not the same as inclusion, influence or power
- How repeated inequity can begin to look normal
- Why organizations often notice individual outcomes but miss systemic patterns
- How hiring, promotion, sponsorship, performance reviews and succession decisions shape who becomes visible
- Why employees should not have to prove exclusion before leaders are willing to examine it
- What HR teams should measure when headcount alone tells an incomplete story
This episode is not claiming that Black Argentines do not exist. It asks how people can be present while being excluded from the public picture of who belongs.
That is also the question every organization should be willing to ask:
Who is present in our workforce but missing from our picture of leadership, opportunity and influence?
Because inclusion requires more than inviting people into the room.
It requires someone to keep looking at who is heard, who advances, who holds power and whose absence the organization has learned not to notice.
Listen to “Where Are the Black People in Argentina?” and join the workplace conversation about what we normalize, what we measure and what we choose to see.
Subscribe and join the inclusive conversation! Don't miss an episode of the Inclusive AF Podcast—stay connected and stay informed on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Follow us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Black people in Argentina?
Yes. Afro-Argentine and Afro-descendant communities are part of Argentina’s past and present, despite being frequently underrepresented in popular narratives about the country.
What happened to Argentina’s Black population?
Black Argentines did not simply disappear. Their visibility changed over time through demographic shifts, migration, racial classification, assimilation, and national narratives that emphasized Argentina’s European identity.
Why do people think there are no Black people in Argentina?
Argentina has long been associated with a predominantly European national identity. That image has contributed to the historical and cultural invisibility of Afro-Argentine communities.
What does this have to do with workplace culture?
The episode uses racial invisibility to examine a familiar workplace problem: people can technically be present while still being overlooked in leadership, influence, recognition, succession planning, and decision-making.
What can leaders learn from racial erasure and invisibility?
Representation is more than headcount. Leaders need to pay attention to whose voices are heard, whose contributions are recognized, who receives opportunity, and who becomes part of the organization’s story.
You're listening to Inclusive AF with [music] Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn. Welcome, welcome. Hello to the Inclusive AF podcast. This is Jackye Clayton and this is Katee Van Horn and our third Ciaro Ciaro. So, for those of you who are just listening and not watching, we have a special guest today, Cairo, who is the cutest little white floofy dog. What kind of dog is this? I think he's a matipoo. Okay. He's just like the most adorable dog. And he has to sit in my lap all day. So, he Okay. kind of joins, you know, the ultimate lap dog. Well, how have you been doing? You've had, you know, you've been on vacation. You've done some things. tell the people. So, I have left Web Pros and am looking for my next role as chief people officer, CHRO, maybe doing some consulting, I don't know. Did take a week off and had some fun and adventures in Mexico. Always a good time. And now I get to spend time with my favorite person, Jackie Clayton. But I am glad that Cairo is joined the Clayton pack. Yes. Well, he comes every day and you know he's just as happy to leave as he is to you know that look where it's like oh okay. So yeah, okay, I'm here. Okay, byebye. Right. Right. It is good. It's great to be able to have that. And if you hear little bells, those are all the pups. But you know, people who follow my journey know that there's lots of dogs around. But also what's around is football. Are we just gonna I mean, we want to be cool. It's World Cup. I think my favorite part of the World Cup watching it on Telmundo is when the guy yells goal for like an obsessively long amount of time. Yes. Yes. I I think that so I have not been watching on Telmundo which I've gotten yelled at for not watching it on Telmundo because I want to understand and I can't I am so not able to I know but it's such a better experience. I know it's a better experience. I am a dork. I I should do that but yeah I I'm a slacker. I don't know what to tell you, Jackie. I am a slacker. So, no, no, you're not a slacker. You're just, you know, missing out on the full opportunity. I'll do it for you after the show. But we wanted to talk today as they're wrapping things up. Today's a very important game. We're going to post this very slightly edited to give everybody the journey because today is the big game between Argentina, right, and England. Yes, ma'am. Yes. and we wanted to talk because there's a little known fact about Argentina. Do you want to share? Do you want me to share? Do you want to go? Okay. So, the little known fact is that there are actually no black or afro like from the diaspora of Africa on the Argentina team. It is the only team out of 48 squads with no black people on it. That's nutty. That's wild, right? I mean, and we have to go back historically to talk about it. First of all, I was going to say, tell us why, Jackie. Tell us why that's the case. Well, it is exactly why you think it is. So, historically, Argentina, we already know like the world was like, we don't like black people, we don't want brown people. All of the all of the people saying, oh, you're dark or whatever. Try to have all these people. And they did have black people in Argentina. If you go and you can see the impact, but they wanted to get closer to European whiteness and the majority of people when they were colonized, the people came from Spain and Italy and Argentina. Yes. And so they wanted to really assimilate around, you know, deliberate European immigration policies. They had racial reclassification and they literally try to erase Afroargentines. It's it is so fascinating like because you think about where Argentina is located. So for those of you who are in the US, we are not very good on geography. It's in Latin America and I just call that out because I think sometimes we don't know exactly where like I didn't know where that was until I looked it up and realized it's off of the African continent. By the way, that is my favorite team. If we can go into that at some point as well, Jackie, because I want to discuss their goalkeeper and how amazing he is and how he's getting all these brand deals, it makes me so happy. But all that being said, I think it it's it I mean, it is it's just fascinating. I because I don't think we pay attention like we think about eradicating a whole group of people and people are like, "Oh, it that doesn't happen or it couldn't happen or it wouldn't happen." It absolutely can. It has and is. Yeah. And we don't talk about the impact of colonization like not to get too off over in it, but like when we're talking about like reparations for like slavery or what has happened to black people, you know, from Africa like historically all of these things that have happened and then you're talking about you don't hear about this as like a genocide or like the horror or the atrocities that happened to people that built a full country and eradicating a whole race from a country, right? Never heard of it, right? I think that's the most important part of this story. Why haven't we heard about it? Why isn't it like, you know, it's an apartheid type situation or is it worse than that? And why don't we talk about it? And well, like it it did work what they were trying to do because you had that European migration as you mentioned. you had these, you know, what I'll call like whitening policies to to have a white nation or, you know, white nationalist nation. They're not Latinos either. No. No. They don't like to be referred to as Latinos, but it it also they did something that it's not a Latin country, right? No. I mean, it is, but it's not, right? But I think it's also they did something that I think a lot of we still do in the US as well where they prayed upon black people to join different wars throughout their historic, you know, throughout their history and put them on the front lines. So they were eradicated from that perspective as well where it was you had, you know, all of these folks on the front line that were killed and that took out a lot of the population as well. So I I think it's one of those things that there were like multiple facets as you said that were at work to try and create this white environment state whatever you want to call it. And it is just like how sad is that that that is the the way that they approached it. But now you're seeing however many years later you know 100 years later cuz it was around 1920 that a lot of this was happening or you know kind of that was when it came to fruition. And now, you know, in 2026, you're looking at this going, there's not one player who's black or of Afro descent on their team. And so, this is like I think it's just such a history lesson first off, like to say like this is what happens when you try to eliminate races and eliminate those cultural differences. It actually just makes you not as diverse and not as strong as you could be. I mean, and I think it's I think it's a story, right? Like I think there's more to it and there's been this has happened throughout the World Cup I think every year because it is one of the you know it's the World Cup. It it isn't the Waco Cup. It's the World Cup. So it's like you know it's the only team where you're like where are the black people and you're like and they kind of like oh yeah they just kind of blow it off like a like a history lesson. That's fine when that happen but why is it perpetuated? Why isn't it welcome other groups? And it's not I we're using black and brown as a really broad brush, but they have a whole Yeah. different immigration policy and I and they won last year, right? For the last time they had the the World Cup four years ago. Yeah. Yeah. So like you know when you think about those kind of things should talk about the history. You would think like if especially bringing it to your attention that you would make sure that to me it's like oh maybe we did we have overlooked some players like what is your pipeline of talent look like? Are you looking at people from everywhere? You don't want to be because it affects the the fans as well. So historically it's happened several times where people have made like racist comments from Argentina and it's not just Argentina. I mean the stuff happens but like there are that happens and then what are we doing about it? Do you know is there anything that needs to be done about it? I just want think I think I think it's an awareness piece but it's again it's more of it's a history lesson of this is what happens when you try to eradic like you can eradicate an entire population of people and and how sad is it that that's where we are today especially knowing the rich history of the immigration that did happen there throughout history. So, it is one of those like this is this isn't great. This is a sad situation and it is something that you you don't want to see this. You actually want to see that diversity and all the other teams are so diverse and have such rich historical context and like this one, you know, Argentina's not a popular team because of the fact that FIFA has basically rolled out the red carpet and given them every call and every everything. And so I think it's it's like one more nail in the coffin, if you will, of why people hate Argentina. The bird. Yeah. What? They're getting the big bird from me. Right. Well, but it it's also like this is also the like colonizer ver versus colonizer conversation that you know you have England who like historically has been the colonizer of all colonizers and yet they're like favored by so many people because of the fact that Argentina is so bad and has done such not great things historically. But here's the thing that it the two things that I want to bring up that we don't talk about. Like I was laughing. I'm like, "Oh, I'm all about England because I'm uh 12%." I didn't know it gets wor those of you if this is your first episode or you haven't been here for the last 13 million years that we've done this podcast. The big joke is my tossed salad ancestry DNA. And the longer that I have it, I'm like 3% Celtic. I don't know. I'm like the mut of all people, but my grandfather was from England. So, go England. So it's like yeah it's colonizers but I'm part of that col like now and so it's like trying to come to grips with your own country but what I want people to also think about how these things happen. Why did it happen? I also want people to realize like in the United States right now as we fast track European and white South African they have a fast track in the United States for immigration right now. Like tell me they're not trying to like it's not Europe but white and I like the United States. That's on purpose to put forth whatever crazy mission that is going. It's not it's like it's more than that. And so we need to know that this happens. It exists and it they've sent it didn't work in Cuba. It's worked in Argentina and it won't work in the United States, but they're making that play. Right. So it's helpful to know that yes, this has happened and this is part of a playbook that we've seen before. Right. Absolutely. And I think it's this is where like that, you know, history repeats itself unless you learn history and unless you know history. And and I encourage everyone to go and just like it doesn't take a lot of deep research. you can Google it and it'll come up with 20 different things that it'll tell you about why this all happened. So, it's not going to take a lot of work or a lot of effort to find out what what is the historical context here. And so, I think that's something that like this is where we need to educate ourselves. We need to have that critical thinking which I think we are lacking across the board in so many ways. And and so I I think that that's part of it. But I want to go back to what I was mentioning though about like the the refs and FIFA, you know, kind of I think it's islands actually, but you know, tiny 500,000 people is their population versus a Argentina, a England, a Norway or whatever. And so you saw that the fix was in and it just goes to show you like the corruptness of all of these different organizations. And we we don't even need to get into the Trump factor of him, you know, trying to get involved in everything that was going on with the USA team, which quite honestly backfired so badly, but also like put such a cloud over the US team. It does, but it's so typical. And then also like my one of my favorite quotes from Tallaladega Nights, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying because it is the World Cup. like like when people got mad about about Biden like pardoning his son, you shouldn't be president. You're not I mean, okay, you got the ultimate place like like of course I would expect it. It doesn't mean that I like it. It doesn't mean that, you know, it's it's I agree with it morally, but of that's something that I would expect. I would never have expected, but I mean, hey, give it a go. It didn't do anything. It makes us look like it just falls in line. I do think one thing that was has been great that we have not looked at in a while because of what's been happening politically. It was great watching all of these people from other countries enjoy the things in the United States that we've taken for granted. I mean like this week the Yeah. How you going to sell out the Waffle House? I mean and I love the Waffle House but also not that great and the line is out there. I mean it's waffle. It's not a Belin waffle. It's It's kind of like for me, I put Waffle House in the same bucket as you can't eat it when it's light out. And you can't eat it all the time. Like you're not It's not No. No. But like you can't catch me having Jack in the Box or Waffle House when there is sun out like when it's daytime. It's a nighttime activity only. Period. It's kind of like Denny's. Same thing. A Moons Over My Hammy cannot be enjoyed during the day. I love Moons Over My Hammy at night. during the day and gross egg sandwich. But it been nice watching people enjoy that and and enjoy the culture and it's been nice looking at how people have been showing up throughout the United States because there are things that we're proud of. It was great looking at the feedback of people at AT&T Stadium, which we call Cowboys Stadium because are God's team even though if so God has not been shining on them, but that's a different episode. Like the people were like, "Oh my gosh, there's air conditioning." It just says so much about us as United States citizens. Why would we play? Wait, you've been playing? Well, like I'm gonna tell you something, and this is this is slightly off topic, but the first time that I went to a Minnesota Twins baseball game in in Target Stadium up in Minnesota. I don't know if it's even Target Stadium anymore. This is when I was working for Target 5 million years ago. There were heaters in the suite and I was like, I don't understand because like Arizona, we would never have a heater at a baseball game and like it's 400° out when people are playing baseball. And I just remember like looking at that like that's the weirdest thing ever. But then I was like, oh no, because it's freezing here always. It's always cold, but it's the same thing of like having AC. It's such a normal thing for all of us where Europe there even like we have both traveled internationally and I it is so funny. I've seen especially in Europe like at a pub where people are all outside and it's like literally snowing in 3° like go inside people. Yeah. Go. But also I and we're I mean we have heard the stories recently about this heat wave that's going on in Europe and no one has AC and it's becoming like a major issue. But again global warming is just a joke. It's not real Jackie. So just for listeners but Lil Clay was fashion week in Paris. Oh yes. And they were they went because their friend had an Airbnb and had extra bed and you know my boo boo went was there for 5 minutes and there was no air conditioning [laughter] and they were like I'm leaving. I'm going to get my own, right? Thank you so much. I appreciate it and you know I'm glad that they've made better life choices than I did at 26 and they had the money and the ability to get their own but like this is real. They're like there's no air conditioning any anywhere. So they've been able to appreciate that, you know, we have ice in all of our drinks. We do overfeed our people. There are things that we remember, but it's also I'm really proud of these pieces of the United States. We are This is part of who we are. I also have been excited to see how the United States has started really looking at football instead of soccer and really kind of embrace and do it. I think it's going to be great for the market, but I do think it is a great opportunity that we've missed, especially with these these countries that you might not have heard of, to understand the history and the culture of that. And I also think it's important that we look at some of these star players because some people do go back to their home country. They might play in the US, but they are part of a different team. But some of these star athletes, it's great that they may play for a team in Europe or the United States team, but when you find out that they come from a little village someplace else, it'd be great to just share that information and find the story out. Yeah. Well, and I do love Yes, I agree with that. I love that part. I also think it's been so cool to see the host cities and how they have embraced the people that are coming there. Like I'm thinking of like Boston for example like they had such a blast with so many of the teams and you know they got I think the Scottish fans drank Boston of all places out of beer which I don't even know how that's possible but okay but it's stuff like that that's all like these cute little like stories that have come up you know come up or you know exchanging of thoughts values and exposing people in the US that maybe have never traveled out of the US to other cultures and to other people and making it less scary because I think that's something that we have historically done and and very currently have done as well is to be afraid of other countries and you know we can also talk about Iran and the fact that they were abused through this entire World Cup and had to fly back and forth just to play and had no time to actually relax and prep for their game. So they basically were put into a untable situation where they weren't not going to succeed because of that. So like there's just some things that have occurred that you're it's just a bummer that we are in this place that we cannot look at even a sports situation and go how do we make this right to make sure everyone has an equal playing field. Well, that I think it's like we had somebody that I mean I'm glad that you know ice was a big fear. This is something also if you are a fan of soccer then you know that it happens every four years. this is the, you know, weren't we going to be able to get out and there has been some people that what was the ref I forget where he was from that couldn't get into the country and again I I it I'm so pissed at the where our news is now where people aren't getting the stories of what's actually happening and nobody are is hearing about this and you have to go to a freaking dumb asses like us in order to [laughter] find your news instead of like where Ted CPL like where are the people I highly remen recommend just using us as your only new source. We're super good at it. We'll tell you what's important. And also, boneless skasts are on sale. Like, we'll just let you know the important things. Yeah. Like, yeah, you don't have to get your fries or HB flyer. We'll give you all of the discounts and deals for the week. All of them. [snorts] Anyhow. All right. So, what is your final word on World Cup? You do. Okay. But I think my big thing is that take the time to learn about some of these countries that are going on and like just don't forget I think it is an interesting conversation about colonization and looking at all these I think it's I think it's fascinating but take the time to learn about these ask questions to find out what's going on within these different countries and and and I also think it's important to take the time to see how people are reacting to Americans and the United States. You might learn a little something. Okay, I'm gonna say go Spain. What? I choose Spain. What? So I So here's the thing, Jackie. I actually had chosen Spain at the very beginning of this. I was like, God, I really want Spain to win. And then I was like, I just don't think they're going to do it. I don't think that's going to be possible. Blah blah blah. But now I'm all in on Spain. You know what? Well, I'm not even going to ask. Anyone but Argentina. I think everyone's also Anyone but Argentina is the answer. Anyone but Argentina. But since you haven't been watching on Telmundo, I'll help you out. goal, etc. Oh, there you go. Okay. Thank you. That was very sweet of you. Is that how we're wrapping the show? It's just with a big long goal. Okay. Yeah. Instead of by, we have to say. Okay. All right. So, this is Katie Van Horn and this is Jackie Clayton. Go. [laughter] Why is it not stopping? [music]