Multiracial Antiguans and Barbudans

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Multiracial Antiguans and Barbudans are Antiguans and Barbudans who have mixed ancestry from two or more ethnic groups. They mainly fall into two groups: mixed black/white and other mixed.

In 2011, about 0.93% of the population were mixed black/white, and about 3.8% were other mixed.

Multiracial people have lived in Antigua and Barbuda since slavery began. The census started recording multiracial people in 1787. Before emancipation, those with mixed heritage were often seen as an “intermediate class” between white people and enslaved people. Today, mixed people are the largest minority group in the country.

Historically, mixed people held a variety of social positions and identities. They were not defined only by skin color; social standing often depended on “respectability.” Many mixed people were entrepreneurs, and in 1814 two mixed individuals started the island’s largest newspaper. Some mixed people could vote in parish elections and other local affairs.

After emancipation in 1834, the free colored population remained diverse in complexion and background. Class was influenced more by respectability and wealth than by race.

Religiously, a plurality of mixed people were Catholic, with Protestants and irreligious individuals also making up significant portions of the population. In Barbuda, mixed black/white people were the largest minority group.