The lyric poems present a contrast with the oral poems because they show African Mexicans creating their own literature and self-representations, whereas the oral poems and folktales are re-narrations of pre-existing works which have been passed on by different generations. The lyric poems suggest a conscious effort to write a story, in a more formal manner, of self-acceptance and acceptance of identity as black persons. Even so, the tradition of re-narration is, equally, a form of dynamic cultural change and responsiveness, as the re-narration is never a static reproduction of the original. It is marked by linguistic and other shifts over time, as well as by the improvisations made to fill the gaps left by memory.  
Mexican historiography in the twentieth century continues to be dominated by colonial Eurocentric ideas, and African-Mexicans are excluded from positions of power. However, the eyes of the world are slowly focusing on Afro-Mexican communities, and taking note of Mexico's insistence on defining itself as a mestizo nation. Scholars outside of Mexico continue to reveal the cultural diversity of Mexico and challenge the hegemonic definitions of the Mexican nation. The work of a small group of persons within the Afro-Mexican communities is also promoting the agenda of ending the invisibility and marginalization of these communities, establishing their roles in the building of the Mexican nation, and bringing issues of local concern to global attention.