Marixa Lasso, Myths of Racial Harmony: Race and Republicanism during the Age of Revolution, Colombia, 1795-1841 (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2007), 203 pp

On January 20, 2009 the United States celebrated the inauguration of the first African American president. This milestone marked progress in that country’s struggle to overcome its history of violent racial conflict which has characterized much of its recent past. Latin Americans also rejoiced over the election of Barack Obama, recognizing the significance of such a momentous event. They had observed and even experienced discrimination on their visits to their northern neighbor and often criticized American racial chauvinism while touting their own racially harmonious national histories. Yet as 2010 signals the year to begin commemoration ceremonies of the bicentennial of Spanish American independence throughout the region it offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress Latin Americans have also made toward the building of strong nation-states undivided by class and color.