Glossary
African Ethnic Diversity
The wide variety of distinct cultural and linguistic groups within Africa from which enslaved people originated, contributing to the rich tapestry of African American identity.
Example:
The African ethnic diversity of enslaved populations meant that different regions of the American South developed unique cultural blends.
African Religious Diversity
The presence of various spiritual beliefs and practices among enslaved Africans, including indigenous African religions, Islam, and Christianity, which influenced the development of African American religious traditions.
Example:
The African religious diversity of enslaved people led to the syncretic blending of spiritual practices, giving rise to unique forms of worship in the Americas.
Angola
A Central African region that was a primary source of enslaved people, particularly for the Caribbean and South America, but also significantly contributed to the enslaved population in North America.
Example:
The strong spiritual practices and agricultural knowledge brought by people from Angola profoundly influenced early African American communities.
Bight of Biafra
A bay on the west coast of Africa, primarily in present-day Nigeria, that was a major embarkation point for enslaved people, particularly the Igbo ethnic group.
Example:
Many enslaved individuals from the Bight of Biafra brought with them sophisticated agricultural techniques and complex social structures.
Charleston, SC
A major port city in South Carolina that served as the primary point of entry for enslaved Africans brought directly to the United States.
Example:
Many African American families can trace their ancestry back to individuals who arrived through the port of Charleston, SC, a central hub of the slave trade.
Cultural Contributions (African American)
The diverse array of practices, traditions, and innovations in areas like music, language, cuisine, and religion that originated from African cultures and shaped American society.
Example:
From the rhythms of jazz to the flavors of gumbo, the cultural contributions of African Americans are woven into the fabric of the United States.
Forced Migration
The involuntary movement of people from their homes, often due to violence, persecution, or other coercive factors.
Example:
The journey across the Middle Passage was a brutal act of forced migration, stripping individuals of their freedom and connection to their homelands.
Gold Coast
A historical region in West Africa, corresponding to modern-day Ghana, known for its abundant gold resources and as a significant point of departure for enslaved Africans.
Example:
The vibrant textile patterns and storytelling traditions of the Gold Coast found new expressions in the Americas.
Great Britain
A dominant force in the transatlantic slave trade during the 18th century, responsible for transporting millions of enslaved Africans.
Example:
The economic prosperity of Great Britain was significantly bolstered by its extensive involvement in the slave trade and the labor of enslaved people in its colonies.
Gullah Language
A unique creole language developed by enslaved Africans and their descendants in the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia, blending African and English linguistic elements.
Example:
Listening to the Gullah Language spoken today offers a direct connection to the linguistic ingenuity and resilience of enslaved communities.
Portugal
The first European nation to engage in the transatlantic slave trade and ultimately transported the largest number of enslaved Africans.
Example:
Portugal established early trading posts along the African coast, initiating the vast network of human trafficking.
Senegambia
A West African region encompassing present-day Senegal, Gambia, and parts of Mali and Mauritania, which was a significant source of enslaved people for North America.
Example:
The rich oral traditions and musical forms found in African American culture often have roots in the Senegambia region.
Transatlantic Slave Trade
A system of forced migration that transported over 12.5 million Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Example:
The Transatlantic Slave Trade fundamentally reshaped the demographics and cultures of both Africa and the Americas, leaving a lasting legacy.