African American Studies: Cultural Background

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

I am an African American who was raised in New Jersey. My parents are from the south, particularly – my father, Kenneth Thornton, is from Palatka, Florida, and my mother, Vandine Washington, is from Tifton, Georgia. My paternal grandparents are Rosa Lee Bolling, Orange Mills, FL, and Frank Thonton, Dothan, AL. The grandmother was African-American, and the grandfather, Caucasian, was an Alabama judge; they had seven children together. My maternal grandparents are Royzie Lee Washington, Griffin, GA, and Simon Washington, Turner County, GA.

Discussion

African Americans seem to have a number of distinctive features – within the cultural and other dimensions. Given that I have Caucasian roots as well, it might be reasonable to compare these distinctions between the mentioned ethnic groups, which will also shed light on several advantages and disadvantages of being a representative of African Americans. They have a unique history, culture, and traditions that are distinct from those of Caucasians. African Americans are disproportionately affected by poverty and face systemic barriers in education, housing, and employment. Caucasians, on average, have greater access to resources and opportunities. However, it should be stressed that both groups have complex cultures. African Americans and Caucasians have rich and diverse cultural heritages that have been shaped by their unique histories and experiences. They have the potential to excel in various fields; individuals from both groups have the ability to succeed in areas such as education, sports, business, and the arts.

At this point, it may be rational to explore symbols, stories, and food inherent to my ethnic group. In particular, it will be done in relation to the places of birth of my mentioned relatives. Soul food is a popular dish in the African American neighborhoods of Florida. It consists of items like fried chicken, green beans, spaghetti and cheese, cornmeal, and a pie with sweet potatoes. Often, these dishes are cooked using traditional methods and components that have been handed down through the centuries. In Florida, especially in coastal cities like Miami and Tampa, seafood is a major component of African American cuisine. Fried fish, crabs, shrimp, and oysters are some of the most popular meals.

Then, Dothan was a station on the Underground Railroad, a system of hidden passageways and safe houses that slaves used to get to freedom in the North. Several local tales and legends are associated with the Underground Railroad and the courageous individuals who risked their lives to assist slaves to escape. Dothan, like many Southern villages, has a long history of storytelling, with several folktales and stories handed down through the years. These tales often include moral teachings and impart essential ideals like society, family, and reverence for the natural universe. It should be noted that East Orange, New Jersey, has a thriving African American population with a rich cultural history (Burd, 2022). Several local individuals and groups fought for racial equality and an end to prejudice and segregation, and East Orange played a crucial part in the Civil Rights Movement.

Conclusion

Among symbols, the following can be pointed out; Harriet Tubman Memorial is located at Memorial Park, and it honors the renowned abolitionist who assisted many slaves in escaping to liberty via the Underground Railroad (History.com Editors, 2022). Then, the Ironbound area of East Orange has been a hub for African American history and communities. Throughout the early 20th century, many African Americans who came north in quest of greater economic opportunities and escape from segregation and bigotry settled in East Orange.

References

Burd, V. (2022). “Rights, redistribution, and recognition”: Newark and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. NJCSS. Web.

History.com Editors. (2022). Harriet Tubman. History.com. Web.

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African American Studies: Cultural Background

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