A History Of Afro-Puerto Ricans

Libertos were Puerto-Ricans of African lineage who were transported to the island via the slave trade. They traveled with Spanish conquerors (Conquistadors) and upon arrival to Puerto Rico, the original inhabitants – The Taino – died due to the introduction of new illnesses and the oppression of the conquerors. The Spaniards needed workers and used the slaves imported from the Atlantic slave trade as laborers.