Week 4- Abandonment & Dismemberment

This week I will once again summarize and identify 3 key points from the Freshman Seminar lecture of this week. The points highlighted were: the dismemberment of african natives to their homeland, how the natives brought african cultures with them, and what they did after they were dismembered.

The African diaspora unlike the Jewish diaspora wad not voluntary. The Africans were taken from their homeland to work as slaves or servants in foreign regions. This dismemberment from their society would create a psychological rift for the descendants of the captured Africans. The African diaspora began in the 16^th century. This diaspora was thought to have left the captives mentally crippled.

The diaspora, although thought to have left the captives mentally crippled, did not keep the Africans from practicing their native traditions. These traditions include music, song, dancing, community, and sharing among their people. Researchers such as Michael Gomez have given a bigger insight into this ordeal. The Africans did end up mixing some cultural aspects with their new foreign cultural environment. Yet, these original traditions still continue to this day in modern times.

After the African's were dismembered, some went on to be sent to foreign countries to be slaves or workers (as stated above). There were a few whom ended up creating their own societies. These societies were called Maroon societies. Maroon societies were founded in Brazil, Jamaica, and many other lands. These societies all embodied the original culture from which they came.

These aspects of the African Diaspora have taught me new things, such as the feeling of loss researchers tend to attribute to the African captives. Maroon societies were also very foreign to me until I was introduced to this lecture. When taking in all this information, it makes me feel proud to be of African descent. Regardless of being held captive or being taken away from our original homeland, we as a people still strive and progress through dark times. I would like to personally thank Dr. Mario Beatty for his lecture, Thank You.

Dannie Bolden II