But why do so many Black Americans embrace a Mexican holiday that, at its core, marks the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla? While there are no easy answers, the popularity of Cinco de Mayo within the Black community can be understood through the shared experiences of joy, resilience, and solidarity, as well as the deeply rooted connections between the struggles of Black Americans and Mexicans in the U.S. But this celebration also brings into focus the ongoing cultural divides between the two communities. At the core, Black people just love to have a good time and celebrate.
