” Africans and their descendants, contributed to the richness and fullness of American culture from it’s beginnings.” They have contributed in many various ways including food, health advancements and entertainment. These are just many examples of how Africa has established culture in America.
Many crops have came directly from Africa during the slave trade. For example crops consisting of rice, okra, tania, black-eyed peas, and kidney and Lima beans. Some other crops include peanuts , watermelon, yams and many more..
In more detail Black eye peas originated in the transatlantic slave trade which arrived in Jamaica in the 1600s. It spread throughout many west indies regions and made its way to Florida in the 1700s and the continue to spread through out the south of america. Next the first rice seeds were developed from women in Africa who were taught to cultivate rice and grow it properly. It originated from Madagascar. Africans have also introduced what we know as “Soul Food” to America with their techniques they brought from Africa. which included techniques of deep fat frying and this allowed the fat frying of chicken and beef to be preserved for a longer time. Also Africans contributed more to soul food by using body parts of animals, the whites saw as trash. They spiced and seasoned animal parts such as pig’s feet, ham hocks and pig’s intestines. This is how some of the most popular soul food dishes were developed. Pancakes and cornbread was developed by Africans preparing “fufu.” Which means to turn meal and flour. Throughout the development of the dish it eventually expanded to being a mix for making pancakes and cornbread with the ingredients. Okra arrived during the transatlantic slave trade in the 1600s. Okra is used for cuisines such as gumbo and is popular in the Louisiana area. Not only was okra used as food by the Africans it also was used as a medical advancement as well.
Okra was also used amongst women where it was used for lubrication for the uterine passage to help produce abortion. Other medical contributions included the development of vaccines for smallpox and cures for snake bites. A doctor by the name of Dr. Carter found that using rubbing peanut oil , helps muscles to rejuvenate. Africans have also used roots and herbs such to help with syphilis and yaws. The cure for yaws insisted of flowers of sulphur and burnt niccars. Their knowledge has allowed them to discover smallpox cure was done by taking a little bit of sap from the scalp and inoculating those who werent already exposed.
Lastly Africa has contributed to the American culture with childhood stories which are properly known as stories and folklore’s. Folklores and stories are used today now in time which is considered oral tradtion to pass down stories from generations to generations. Some popular stories such as Chicken Little and Brer Fox have become popular for children to remeber . Other entertainment contributions from Africa to American culture included musical instruments. Many instruments originated from Africa including banjos, drums, diddley bows, quilts and many more. Dance is another entertainment tradition originating from Africa. They expressed their love for their religion through the movement of dance. For example the circle dance is performance performed at important ceremonies such as birth ceremonies, marriage and more. BY doing this they celebrated life. Lastly a fun fact includes the popular dance called the Charleston originated from Africa.
Overall Africa has contributed to America in many important ways which helped develop the culture and quality of life we know today. Throughout the entire article i found it interesting of the develop of food, especially soul food. It was interesting because i never knew exactly how certain dishes came about. Hearing how the African people used the scraps of animal parts and adding spices and different ingredients to make it taste good was a very intriguing fact to learn about. My appreciation for the food is now different because the develop of the food from our ancestors took a lot of creativity to make the dishes that are so popular today.
Daria Hawkins' Blog 