MEXODUS Is the Hip-Hop Musical America Doesn’t Want You to See
How a forgotten American story of Black and Latino solidarity fueled a two-man hip-hop musical that could become Broadway’s next revolution.
An upcoming Off-Broadway show called MEXODUS, created by Brian Quijada and Nygel Robinson, is starting to generate buzz in New York City theater circles. It flips the script on who defines American history by centering a forgotten American story of Black and Latino solidarity that is both art and resistance.
This two-man, live-looped hip-hop musical about the rarely discussed Underground Railroad route to Mexico, arrives at a moment when teaching the truth of American history has itself become an act of rebellion. MEXODUS puts that solidarity center stage.
For creatives of color, this musical is a case study in how the right story, told the right way, at the right time, can break through anything in the most challenging of times.
(03:52) – 10,000 slaves escaped to Mexico
(22:00) – How white allies funded MEXODUS
(28:07) – What if schools taught this story?
(36:03) – 'Hamilton' vs. MEXODUS: The differences
Retro Quote of the Week ❞
“We have to correct the representation of who we are, and start with the accuracy of our history. That’s where we can better educate and make change for our future.” - Estuardo Rodríguez, former CEO, Friends of the American Latino Museum, on preserving Latino history.
3 Questions With Historian Paul Ortiz 🎙️
Spotlight: Paul Ortiz, author, An African American and Latinx History
We spoke to Paul Ortiz, a professor of labor history at Cornell University and author of An African American and Latinx History of the United States. His book exposes the parts America wants to erase and reframes U.S. history by centering Black and Latino solidarity as foundational to American democracy.
What was the reason you wrote this book? Was this personal catharsis?
“The book is very personal... it draws on experiences I had when I was growing up, also in Special Forces in Central America... it’s also really dedicated to my students.”
How important is it to understand our contributions to American history?
“In our communities… we unfortunately internalize self-hatred. Every diaspora that we have whether it’s from Africa or Asia or Latin America, the Caribbean, has these amazing histories of struggle, of resistance, of building democracy. Knowing these histories is so important.”
How have we worked together, and how are we being pitted against each other?
“Racial capitalism teaches us to see each other as competitors… Industrial unionism in the 1930s is probably one of the best examples you can point to when you talk about Black and Brown unity.”
The Playlist 🎧
Inspired in Black and Latino solidarity, some tracks that carry resistance.
Residente: “This Is Not America (feat. Ibeyi)”
The Roots: “The OtherSide (feat. Bilal & Greg Porn)”
Rapsody: “Power (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Lance Skiiiwalker)”
The Screening Room 🎬
By Whatever Means Necessary: (MGM+): Keith McQuirter’s docuseries on Black–Brown unity through music, politics, and resistance in 1960s Harlem.
My Dead Friend Zoe (On demand): A sharp dramedy starring Natalie Morales and Sonequa Martin-Green that tackles grief, friendship, and finding connection.
Twisted Metal (Peacock): Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz steer the gonzo, video-game adaptation of two leads of color going on a wild ride.
Links We’re Digging 🔗
Spike Lee on why he shows Black and Puerto Rican unity in his films - (The Grio)
Historian uncovers the Underground Railroad that ran to Mexico - (USC Dornsife)
Willy Chavarria is selling Americana: Who belongs in these clothes? - (The Cut)
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