African American Culture 1

Introduction

In this article we will discuss the features of the African society which helped out me to

get settled in the American culture after coming from Africa. Africa is the second largest

continent of the world which is located on the equator shaped like an inverted triangle. It

comprises of fifty two countries accommodating a population of almost 11.5 million.

Geographically Africa covers a large plateau comprising of a cultural and historical

North African Mediterranean region which houses the biggest Sahara Desert and the

South Africa (Boyd, 2008).

There is a large diversity among the people of Africa in terms of language and culture.

There are many ethnic groups living on this third most populated country of the world.

The African people give a lot of importance to the community living and are quite

devoted to their traditions and community living. The flags of most of African countries

essentially contain red , black and green color where red depict blood, black their skin

color and green hope. The history of Africa shows a sense of society formation and

existence of government among them since olden times and they always used to

resolve their issues through their so called government. Their societies have a varying

history of economic , social and political advancement depending upon the location and

available opportunities to the country. he rich heritage of the African culture was carried

forward with its people wherever they went in the world . As a large majority of African

ppeople got settled in America they got a lot of help through their culture and heritage in

order to adjust there and lead a successful life. They formed a great community there

and helped the American immigrants to accommodate in the American society.

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History of African Americans

Africa has been quoted as the lap of civilization by some of the historians and they

claim that when the history of humans started the Africans were active members of

society at that time which are said to be the ancestors of the American blacks. Most of

the African states had mining and farming as their major professions and tuned into

proper kingdoms later on with the progress of society (Boyd, 2008) (Cornel West, 2001).

No matter whatever was the condition of their government , they have a history of

resolving their social , economic and political issues through their government which

depict some sort of organization in their culture and minds.

They do not have any record of self sufficient isolated states rather they used to travel

and barter their output with other tribes of the region. The history of slave trade in Africa

goes back to fifteenth century but the African slaves most of the times were so loyal that

they won trust of their masters and became free virtually. The kids of slaves could not

be traded or sold at any cost. There was an influx of European traders after renaissance

in Africa and colonialism started in the region.

It is believed that the Africans travelled with the European travelers to the modern world.

They worked with them as servants, slaves and crew members (Cornel West, 2001).

Initially most of the Africans were transported to America as slaves and traders made a

lot of money by this trade. Initially most of the Africans lived in the colonies of Southern

Atlantic region and worked as most demanded labor for the plantation system and as

slaves in Virginia and South Carolina where they outnumbered even the white residents
African American Culture 3
of the colony. As the number of black slaves kept on increasing the locals became more

and more afraid of any expected revolt. Due to this fear the local enacted complete

legislation regarding the blacks in America and granted most of the rights t their owners

to handle them as they wished. They implemented a lot of restrictions on these black

slaves to confine their activities (Saint-Arnaud, 2009).

Today the African culture in America has been shaped up by the different phases of

slavery, African culture, slave rebellion. All these phases have influenced their

religious , economic, political and familial patterns for the Africans who are living in

America. Obviously all these features of the African American society have a very

strong influence of African culture on it which is evident from their pattern of life in the

political , social , economic dealing , their culture, language, grooming, religious

affiliation , cultural dances and rituals , cuisines and view point about the rest of the

world.

The African American culture has influenced the American culture in a transformative

and pervasive manner. This transformation of the two cultures has led the society to

creolization of the two cultures over a period of time.

The masters of the African slaves kept them away from education fearing their

empowerment in the society and jobs (Saint-Arnaud, 2009). This led them to continue

their African tradition of memorization of the events without relying upon any written

record .They have a tradition of passing many important events of their culture from

generation to generation only through memorization. In this way their cultural ritual

helped them to survive the restrictions imposed on them and they managed to survive

through their own tradition.

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The same African tradition of oral communication is also practiced by the African

American preachers who deliver their topic orally and control it well through their tone ,

expression and style in the sermon (Kelley, 2005)s. The structured clauses and pauses,

dance , verses and songs are delivered throughout the sermon . The main component

is the style of delivery which influences the listeners most of the time in their traditional

religious ritual known as Amen Corner. This oral tradition also has been introduced into

the American culture and is even being applied in the music internationally.

African American Music and Dances

The roots of African American music can be traced back from the typical polyrhythmic

music practiced by the traditional ethnic groups of Africa in the sub Saharan regions.

They taught lessons through music to ease the sufferings , conveying messages and

pass on their history. The American Africans blended their own African music with

typical European hymns in order to create spiritual music. In addition to the national

anthem of America they also sing their own song Lift Every Voice and Sing which is a

good source of recalling their efforts to get settled in America and they also sing it to

symbolize their solidarity. This song was also entitled as Negro National Anthem and

most of the African families teach it to their children as an important part of their cultural

heritage. The African music has also been introduced in the American society after

black face minstrel show of the nineteenth century along with African cultural shows and

movies (Boyd, 2008).

Hip hop cultural movement run by African Americans created many new thing in the

communities of blacks which later became very popular in the American society as well
African American Culture 5
with a lot of acceptance. Even now the musicians are working on remixes and rebirth of

the old African music in America which receives a lot of appreciation.

African-American dance, has originated from the cultural dances of many ethnic groups

of Africa.

These dances were part of their routine life even in the times of slavery. Now the latest

forms of African American dances have influence of European and American culture on

them .The African American danced were initially presented in minstrel shows to ridicule

the Africans but later African American dancers became successful in developing

approval in the society leading to popularity.

African American Art

The African American forms of art which have their roots in the early communities of

slaves are really a great contribution to the art work prevailing in the United States. The

African art starting from seventeenth century till the nineteenth century took the shape

of figures of wrought iron , quilts ,vases , vessels and little drums. These master pieces

have influence of European artifact on them as well. The quilts made on African

American style initiated by Harriet Powers are ranked among the finest quilts (Kelley,

2005) .

The movement for the promotion and acceptance of artifact by Africans known as the

Black Art Movement also played a big role in the promotion of African American art .

The master pieces made by the African artist have the entire capability of sweeping the

auctions without any exaggeration.

African American Culture 6
Museums

The movement by African Americans in 1950s and 1960s enabled Africans to preserve

their heritage in the museums and its thorough interpretation and recognition in the

America .Now there are many museums in America which have been exclusively

devoted to the African American history and culture These museums are of a great

value to the African Americans in order to pass their heritage to the next generations.

Language

After a worthwhile effort of decades the African Americans have been enabled to

formulate a distinctive language for the members of African American residents of the

community . This is a great contribution to the favor of previous residents and new

African immigrants in America.

Fashion , culture and attires

The African Americans have made a lot of effort to uphold their culture in the American

society and they have made a valuable effort for doing this. They also have proper

dress for the worship exclusively and it is expected that people visiting the church for

the sake of worship must present themselves in the best possible appearance. Their

women usually wear vibrant dresses and are expected to cover their heads during the

prayer in the churches.

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The African Americans are seen to do varied hair styling like twist out , wash and go

styles, natural appearance which is mostly curly and nowadays many women opt to do

straightening of their hair .The liking for different hair styles varies from time to time.

Conclusion

As an African immigrant at this time it became very easy for me to settle in America

because of the valuable efforts which are being made from centuries by my

predecessors to get Africans a recognition in the American society. When I planned to

come to United State and settled here, all aspects of my culture and rights had already

been well addressed so I was lucky to be here at this stage when there was no major

issue of adjustment left out . I feel very comfortable to make my living here as I am able

to practice all my traditional practices here and do not feel any problem in adjustment in

a new culture or society (Kelley, 2005).

Bibliography
Boyd, T. (2008). African Americans and Popular Culture . Greenwood Publishing Group.

Cornel West, E. S. (2001). African American Religious Thought: An Anthology. West Minster John Press.

Kelley, R. D. (2005). To Make Our World Anew : Volume I: A History of African Americans ..., Volume 1.
Oxford University Press.

Saint-Arnaud, P. (2009). African American Pioneers of Sociology: A Critical History. University of Toronto
Press.
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