Throughout the month of February, we'll celebrate Black History Month by taking a "tour" across the nation to learn more about African American culture in U.S. cities, all told from our students' point of view.
As we celebrate Black History Month in America, what are some of the highlights of African American culture in your city?
Louisiana is rich in culture! The beauty of the Black community is prevalent throughout the state, especially in New Orleans. Mardi Gras, old jazz clubs, and the French Quarter are just a few of the thousands of beautiful events and places that shape New Orleans's diverse African American culture.
How has your life been shaped by your family’s culture and traditions?
Most of my family was born and raised in Louisiana. To us, Louisiana is more than a tourist destination. It was in New Orleans that my ancestors established deep roots in the city and forged bonds that extend throughout the state. The lively culture is evident in all aspects of my family, from the mouthwatering seafood to the family gatherings and stories that have been passed through the generations.
As we celebrate Black History Month in America, what are some of the highlights of African American culture in your city?
St.Louis, Missouri has been heavily impacted by African American culture. People like Maya Angelou, a famous author and civil rights activist, and William L. “Bill” Clay, a prominent figure in the U.S. House of Representatives, helped shape St Louis. Popular foods are St. Louis-style barbecue and pork steaks.
How has your life been shaped by your family’s culture and traditions?
My life has been shaped by having family gatherings where we embrace our African American culture and that of St. Louis. Jazz, blues, and rock from musicians like Chuck Berry and Miles Davis have brought us together. The St. Louis-style food and music are traditions I plan on passing down to my children as my parents did to me.
As we celebrate Black History Month in America, what are some of the highlights of African American culture in your city?
My family is originally from Savannah, Ga., which is a city located in the Gullah/Geechee Corridor of the United States. In general, the name “Gullah” has come to be the accepted name of the islanders in South Carolina, while “Geechee” refers to the islanders of Georgia. Because of this, African Americans in the city of Savannah and the surrounding sea islands such as Sapelo are heavily influenced by the Gullah/Geechee culture in ways that affect the way we speak, the foods we eat, and the West and Central African traditions we hold on to.
How has your life been shaped by your family’s culture and traditions?
My life has been heavily influenced by my family’s culture and traditions. For one, I am able to fully understand the Gullah/Geechee language. Secondly, my food choices are also heavily influenced by my family’s culture. We eat white rice with nearly every meal, and we eat traditional foods like “Hoppin’ John” (ours are made with red sea island peas, not black eyed peas), red rice, crab rice, low country boils, hoe cake cornbread, hushpuppies, and a lot of seafood. I know that my life is truly unique and much richer because of my family’s culture.
As we celebrate Black History Month in America, what are some of the highlights of African American culture in your city?
There are many places throughout Chicago that celebrate rich Black history. In the early 1800s, fugitive slaves and freedmen migrated north to what became the South Side of Chicago. The city was founded by a Black Man, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, and there are many museums that celebrate this. For example, The Du Sable Black History Museum highlights local African American Culture and Art, and The South Shore Cultural Center in the Chicago Park District both have spaces and summer programs for all ages that spotlight Black achievements in music, art, health, and dance.
How has your life been shaped by your family’s culture and traditions?
Because so many Black southerners migrated North, most of the traditions are the same. We celebrated the original version of Juneteenth before it was colonized/commercialized. In Chicago specifically, they have a Bud Billiken Parade, which was a back-to-school parade, that highlighted Black dignitaries, celebrities, athletes, musicians, and marching bands.
