As I reflect back on my first half semester I can say that I've learned a lot about Black African diaspora and their descendants. I didn't realize how much important history was attached to Africa, Cuba and Brazil. Some of the discussions that really interests me were apart of modern and pre-modern periods of African diaspora. The literature and videos in our discussions were very detailed and insightful. I was interested in what my classmates had to say as well on the discussion board. Choosing the docuseries High on the Hog in our last assignment was my favorite assignment. When it comes down to food I am very finicky, but after watching the series learning the back story on some of the meals that were being prepared made me want to try something different. It was so many different kinds of meals that I have never heard of until I watched that film.
Learning about Jose Antonio Maceo was an eye opener. Finding out that a Cuban black man in 1868 was a General and second in command, of the Cuban Army of Independence that fought for Cuban liberation was impressive. Teachers don't talk about history like this in grade schools. You would really have to do your own research. A colored man in leadership was unheard of during that era. He was a brave man who outmaneuver the Spanish army. This man has a statue of him that is on display in Cuba and he has a bust on display New Jersey.
Reading the article How I Got Over opened up the religion side of Africa. Exploring the church traditions and comparing them to traditional black churches in the U.S taught me that we have several similarities. One of our similarities was they both believe in the Holy Ghost and the call response pattern.
Finally with the music assignment (CUBOP) opened my eyes to Cuban music. Listening to Cimafunk Cuban Funk Band on the clip that was attached to the assignment was the first time I had ever heard of that group. I really like there music. I had to go outside the box of my music preference for this assignment and found out that Cuban music is not bad at all. Learned that their is African dimension in jazz music. Gillespie and the other groups in Brazil music was there own style loved by many.
This first half of the semester gave me much insight on how music, religion and food played a major role in Black Africa diaspora. I have learned a lot and looking forward to the second half.
Hello!
I agree with you about the Antonio Maceo thing standing out as one of the things we were taught. Furthermore, from that Cuba focused week I found the part that Spain specifically tried to use Maceo's blackness to stir up more fear among Cuban whites so intentionally strategic and heinous. Because it's almost like I can't tell if Spain really felt like that was going to be the case (that being if Maceo drove Spain out of Cuba, Afro-Cubans would take over in the same way as the Haitians) or if they were just using the fear from that occurrence to spook the Cubans into not standing as one against them.
Greetings!
I agree the discussion boards have been nice to look over and read so many different views and perspectives week after week. It is awesome to share time with so many different people and get their views on important topics. As you stated from our music, dance, food and spirituality, so much to share and talk about. There are hard pieces to this story, but it is also very rewarding to grow together and unite.
Thanks for sharing...
As I reflect back on what I have learned so far, I too have learned a lot about Brazil, Cuba, and the what the African diaspora really means. I have learned about great Afro warriors who fought for the independence of Cuba side by side with white men. That revolution reminded me of the war in the United States where the North and the South fought and slaves joined the army to help fight for the cause. The difference is that the US would not let us be ranked like they did in Cuba. The saddest thing I learned was that the US brings racism into the picture where ever they are.