Evolution of Black Culture

Black Religion as a form of Liberation

Religion

Thesis: Throughout the entire course, we have talked about the creation of Black nationalist culture through the idea of being radicals, as a force against white ideals and systems. Religion is just the same. The foundation of religion in the black community was created as a force to go against the beliefs fostered in the white man's religion which was inferority of the negro race. The religion of the negro was about hope and excellence. On top of that, religion was also a powerful political force. Slaves would use worship and churches as a mask to concel their true motives of freedoms and congreagate amongst themselves to discuss plans of rebellions and revolts. That's why acts of brutality against Black people during the 60's and even now, it is not uncommon to hear churches being attacked which is due to the fact that black religion is seen as a defiant act because it directly goes against the very ideals that the white man try to teach us about ourselves and shows the strength of black minds and our intellgience.

• Works Cited

Pinn, Anthony B.Terror and Triumph : The Nature of Black Religion. Fortness Press. 2022

Evolution of art Through the Post-Colonial Era

Art Culture

For Black Americans, art has been a tremendous weapon in the fight for justice and equality in this country. Due to the fact that art has the ability to transform how we view ourselves, how we think about belonging and representation, and how we envision the future. Traces of African influence can be found in almost all works of black art these days in numerous forms and characteristics. Miniature drums, wrought-iron figures, ceramic "face" jars, and certain household architecture discovered in the homes of enslaved Black people in the early centuries of the Antebellum South are almost identical to West and Central African crafts, artifacts, and buildings. The only difference is the western European style that has loomed over black art as it continued to evolve in Post-Colonial America. Take artist Norman Lewis for example, a political activist and Harlem Renaissance artist known for his abstract expressionism that highlighted the struggles of black urban life, in the height of the postcolonial aesthetic. Born of Bermudian descent, Lewis helped bridge the piece together the linkage of African art to the black art abserved now.

Traditions

Cultural traditions and practices created hope for African American slaves to escape enslavement and establish personal freedom. These traditions can be carried through rituals, dance, music, food, religion, etc. For example, Ring Shout is a religious ritual associated with the conversion to Christianity in which they stomp their feet and clap in a circle. Because of the differing language barriers, this practice served as a mode of communication amongst the different groups of slaves. This ritual has been carried through generations and can still be seen today in Black churches, funerals, and even music.

This is not the only tradition that has been carried through. There are thousands of practices that enslaved ancestors sought out which provided them with a sense of unity and security. These forms of worship, rituals, and ceremonies helped maintain connections between generations as well as hope for the unforeseeable future.

Eduaction

Education has played an important role in the evolution of black culture. It has also allowed African Americans to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success and challenge systemic racism and oppression. Education has empowered African Americans to excel in all areas of life, including the arts, business, politics, and science.

Education

Web Dubois, an advocate for black education, believed that it was the key to unlocking the potential of black Americans and the key to their freedom and equality. He founded the Niagara Movement, an organization dedicated to fighting for civil rights for African Americans and to advocating for better educational opportunities for black people. Dubois aided in the opening of historically black colleges and universities, the advancement of African American teachers in public schools, and the establishment of black-owned and operated schools. He also fought to end segregated schooling and to empower black students to pursue their educational dreams. Dubois' legacy still affects education in the black community today, as he helped to create a path to success for black students.

Black Scholars

Overview: Black scholars struggle with accpetance and even recoginition in society. There is always an underestimation already placed on black students simply becuase of skin color. With that being said a black student acheiving in any way and even academically is dumbed own. In additon, black women in particular are viewed as inferior and not being able to have the same capabilities as men. Yes, all black scholars go through these challegnges but it is mainly placed on black women nowadays. This was occuring in earlier years and even in present day. Which is an overall issue because black students are capable of doing anything. Race should never be a determining factor of your intelligence.

Black Scholars

Research Quotes:

- "Despite numerous attempts to change the culture of these institutions, the abilities of women of color are still widely believed to be lesser than those of men. This has excluded, isolated, and limited their professional development within academia" ( Kuradusenge-McLeod 352).

- “There are so little opportunities for Black scholars and educators that we all fight for the few spots available,” says Participant F2. The lack of opportunity is the second side of the double-edged sword. The lack of true diversity and inclusivity, as revealed through these different conversations, is powered by the

lack of permanent or full-time positions" ( Kuradusenge-McLeod 356).

-“Our communities are socially, politically, and academically marginalized. We are not given the opportunities to research and improve

our people, but we often see white scholars researching and publishing work on us

[Black and brown communities]” explained Participant F5" ( Kuradusenge-McLeod 363).

Conclusion

Conclusion

The course's theme is The Black Radical Imagination and the Circle of Culture. Education is the foundation of many things, just like art and religion; each topic is interconnected and plays a role in who we are. With that being said, art, traditions, religion, and Black scholars all make up the Circle of Culture. With each aspect of our culture, we create and analyze The Black Radical Imagination and its different art forms. From Freedom Dreams, Slave Culture, and other texts from the Howard University library, we can see and realize the significance of history and the evolution of Black people. While there is way more to unpack, we have learned enough in this course to continue our journey through The Black Radical Imagination and the Circle of Culture with more knowledge than we possessed.