El Apellido Nicolas Guillen English Translation [better] -

The poem is structured as an internal monologue. The speaker recalls learning to write his last name in school. But as he grows older, he realizes that this name, "Guillén," represents only his Spanish, European heritage. But what about the other half of his blood? What about the heritage stripped from his African ancestors when they were kidnapped, enslaved, and forced to abandon their own cultures?

—Kumba… Ngo… Mbele…

The phrase "el apellido Nicolás Guillén" translates from Spanish to English as or "the last name Nicolás Guillén." el apellido nicolas guillen english translation

Despite the lament, "El Apellido" is not a poem of defeat. It is a poem of resistance. By writing the poem in the first place, Guillén reclaims his narrative. He refuses to be ashamed. He declares that although the African surname is lost to history, the African blood, the "baobab," and the African soul are alive within him. The poem ends not with the name, but with the voice—a bright, polished voice that speaks against the silence. This act of speaking is the ultimate reclamation of identity.

Nicolás Guillén was born in Camagüey, Cuba, in 1902. His mixed-race heritage (African and Spanish) placed him in the complex racial hierarchy of early 20th-century Cuba. While Cuba had officially abolished slavery in 1886, systemic racism, cultural erasure, and economic disparity persisted. The poem is structured as an internal monologue

Here’s a write-up for an English translation of “El apellido” by Nicolás Guillén:

El Apellido " (The Family Name), written by the Cuban national poet , is a foundational work of Afro-Cuban literature. It explores the loss of African identity and ancestral names due to the transatlantic slave trade. But what about the other half of his blood

While this translation is accurate for study and comprehension, for formal academic citation, you should reference the published translation by Robert Márquez or Roberto Márquez (depending on the edition). Use this article as a guide for interpretation.

—Sir — I said — why are you so sad?

Guillén was the foremost exponent of poesía negra (Black poetry), a literary movement that celebrated Afro-Cuban culture. He integrated the rhythms of son —a traditional Cuban musical genre—into his spoken-word poetry. His work gave a powerful voice to the marginalized Black population of Cuba, blending African speech patterns with traditional Spanish poetic forms. 2. Themes of Social Justice and Mestizaje