Postconflict Utopias, or how the activism of the imagination is articulated in the Chocó

In the northernmost reaches of Colombia's Chocó Department, a new wave of activist thought has emerged through the work of historian Tania Lizarazo. Her book Postconflict Utopias: Everyday Survival in Chocó, Colombia, explores how women-led organizations in the region have maintained their communities and territories despite decades of violence and displacement. The book, which was published under the title Utopías del postconflicto: supervivencia cotidiana en Chocó, Colombia, has gained recognition beyond academic circles, winning awards including the Best Book Award from the Latin American Studies Association’s Latinx Studies section in 2026. Lizarazo’s journey began with a personal quest to understand the history of violence in Colombia. Initially drawn to the subject through her studies in cultural history at the University of Javeriana, she soon realized that existing literature failed to capture the lived experiences of those most affected by conflict. This realization led her to work with environmental NGO Ecofondo, where she traveled extensively across regions, including the Chocó. It was there, among the communities impacted by both political violence and natural disasters, that she found a deeper understanding of resilience and collective memory. Her collaboration with Cocomacia, one of the strongest black peasant organizations in Colombia, became central to her research. Established in 1991 and later formalized through Law 70 of 1993, Cocomacia manages collectively owned territories that were historically inhabited by Afro-Colombian communities. Lizarazo’s relationship with the organization began informally in 2008 and evolved into a more structured partnership starting in 2013. During this time, she pursued her doctoral studies in California, eventually earning her degree and securing employment in Maryland. Despite these professional milestones, her connection with Cocomacia remained steadfast, shaping much of her intellectual trajectory. The resulting book, Postconflict Utopias, reflects the collaborative nature of her work. It is based on digital narrative collaborations initiated in 2013 with members of Cocomacia, who contributed their stories while maintaining control over their own agendas. These narratives were not merely recorded but integrated into a broader scholarly project that sought to highlight the value of community-driven activism. Lizarazo emphasizes that traditional academic approaches often prioritize extraction, gathering data and moving on, while her method prioritizes reciprocity. She believes that true scholarship must involve learning, collaboration, and mutual growth. One of the key themes of the book is the role of women in sustaining their communities. Through interviews and fieldwork, Lizarazo documents how Afro-Colombian women leaders have managed to preserve their cultural practices and territorial integrity even amid ongoing threats. These efforts are not just acts of survival but expressions of a form of activism rooted in imagination and hope. This concept, which Lizarazo refers to as “activism of the imagination,” challenges conventional academic frameworks that often overlook the emotional and symbolic dimensions of resistance. The significance of Lizarazo’s work has been further underscored by recent events in the Chocó. A series of earthquakes in the region have intensified concerns about the vulnerability of local populations, particularly those living in areas already strained by historical violence and environmental degradation. In this context, the insights presented in Postconflict Utopias take on renewed relevance. The book serves as both a record of past struggles and a call to recognize the enduring strength of grassroots movements. Lizarazo continues to engage with the communities she studied, emphasizing that her work is not complete. She remains committed to supporting the initiatives of Cocomacia and other local groups, ensuring that their voices remain central to any discussion about peacebuilding and social justice in the region. Her approach underscores the importance of listening, learning, and acting in solidarity with those whose lives have been shaped by conflict.