Pan-Africanism In America

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Culture carries the history and stories of those who belong to that culture. History is deeply embedded in African culture. No matter what region of the world people of black descent can relate to African culture. The differences in culture found in the different regions of the world come from the diaspora of black identity and because of this African culture is home. America is heavily influenced by African culture, the history of slaves in America is the main reason why black culture is an important aspect of America's history. In Michelle Hay text, “Popular culture : pan-African dimensions : a survey of scholarship”, she touches upon the spread of ideas and history that ultimately black people around the world seek even when they aren't …show more content…

Each significant to its own. Pan-Africanism consists of its political right views. Very significant to black people's struggle history and oppression. Pan-Africanism is the fight for justice, the steps black people have taken to teach and to express their dislike of their situation. To explain and express their fight against the struggles they have gone through. Hay best describes Pan-Africanism as, “a conscious and deliberate cultural and political movement in various part of the black world to increase contact between black populations and to unite them in pursuit of common interests.”(2007, p.1) The overall view of Pans-Africanism greatly represents the African diaspora, even when people have removed from their origins of Africa, home still calls. Pan-Africanism with the little p is described as Hay states an ‘infromal’ way black people have shared ideas and culture. The African diaspora has heavily influenced pan-Africanism that it is no surprise that African culture is nestled into the main origins of …show more content…

Black people influencing and sharing social justice is what makes up pan-Africanism. All types of popular cultural practices such as music, film, and literature are the biggest factors in pan-Africanism. Some popular forms of musical expressions are through hip-hop and reggae which is a way in which black people share their acceptance towards themselves and each other. Many popular and successful black Americans influenced and encouraged young black Americans to either resist injustices or encourage each other to bring change to their communities. Music such as hip-hop not only shared racial consciousness but also brought communities who thought of themselves as being one or the other come together. The hybrid culture, as Hay describes, “She makes the point that Puerto Ricans are not assimilated into African American neither do they abandon Puerto Rican culture, especially if Puerto Rican culture is understood to be African base. Instead, she argues that these are two afro-diasporic groups in the process of creating a new culture and identity. They're able to create a hybrid culture, she contends, because they share social identity and physical space and are similarly marginalized and racialized. . . . Their common cultural backgrounds, rooted in Africa, also play a significant role in the creation community.” (2007, p.29) Black expressive culture helps bring groups of people who might have similar or different backgrounds

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