Colombian roots, memory, and territory: an oral history of struggles over land rights

Abstract

For my honors thesis I employ an auto-ethnographic approach to explore the intertwined histories of my Colombian family and the broader socio-political conflicts over land rights and governance in Colombia during the mid-20th century. Central to this study is my grandmother, who grew up in Bogotá before emigrating to the United States at age eighteen. Through her vivid recollections and family narratives, I trace the legacy of my great-grandfather, a liberal senator whose advocacy for rural peasants, Afro-Colombians, and working-class citizens positioned him against powerful corporate and governmental interests. His political engagement and subsequent loss of family land during a period marked by violent land dispossession illuminate the complex and often turbulent dynamics shaping rural Colombia. My methodology integrates oral history and testimonio, capturing firsthand accounts from my grandmother. These interviews serve as a foundation for an auto-ethnographic framework, blending personal experience with cultural and political analysis. This insider perspective enriches my understanding of Colombia's historical land conflicts, moving beyond abstract or generalized narratives to reveal the nuanced realities lived by families affected by these struggles. My findings reveal that my great-grandfather's efforts, though modest within the broader political landscape, were significant in resisting exploitation and advocating for marginalized communities. However, these efforts also exposed my family to considerable risks and losses. My research further critiques government-led agrarian reforms, highlighting their inadequacy in addressing deep-rooted land inequality. My study contributes to a more textured comprehension of Colombia's socio-ecological and political history by situating personal family history within larger systemic conflicts over land and power.