African-American Studies

Chapter 1


Chapter 2
This primary theme of Chapter two was to discuss the beginnings of the Atlantic slave trade. The experiences of the Africans from their time of capture and through their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean are also portrayed. Further explored is a process called seasoning imposed on the African Americans. Seasoning took place during the Atlantic slave trade in an attempt to break slaves. The process comprised of rigorous training-generally on Plantations in the Caribbean-intended to prepare the African captives for working as slaves in America. The mortality rates for seasoning were despicably high, and reflect the extremity of abuse the Africans were subjugated to. Adding to the despair is that the seasoning process generally lasted from one to four years. Only those fit enough to survive it would then be exposed to more detrimental circumstances. Undoubtedly, they were perceived as dispensable, as reflected in their careless maltreatment of the West African people.

Chapter 3
The development of slavery amid the European colonies of North America (from 1526 to 1763) is the area of focus in this chapter. Moreover, the newly integrated culture (deemed African-American) from a mixture of European and African cultures is detailed. Slavery and the life of the slaves in the colonies is conferred, as well as the gender roles. I discovered from that chapter the extent to which the slaves resisted their captivity by resorting to violence at times. They ascertained that their culture would be preserved as well, which reveals their loyalty to tradition, heritage, and their ancestors. Even with subjugation to extreme cruelty, they relentless fought back, even if it meant risking their very existence. Clearly, the African Americans were a dauntless group of people.

Chapter 4
Covering the time period from 1763 to 1783, this chapter focuses on the intellectual and political aspects of the African American people and society during the American Revolution. Their positive view on Enlightenment, which focuses on the rights of humanity, is discussed. Furthermore, I was pleased to read about the attainment of freedom for many formal slaves following the fight for colonial independence. Many prominent African Americans are named throughout the chapter, some of which include Benjamin Banneker and Phillis Wheatley. After reading of the desperate struggles of the African Americans, I realize how much was sacrificed and how much endurance it took to finally be recognized as a part of human civilization, and be treated as the respectful, law abiding citizens that they were.

Chapter 5
The chapter covers the means by which slavery was abolished, and the reasons for this new change. Nevertheless, the existence of slavery in the south continued, as it was deep-rooted in the region. National Politics still revealed the lack of total eradication of both slavery and discrimination among society. Upon gaining eventual freedom in the south, there grew a relatively large community of African Americans. These dominantly black communities began to build religious establishments, educational institutions and organizations that clearly revealed a continued conflict with whites. The mere fact that upon their sovereignty, these African Americans sought to isolate themselves from the white community and cluster together is of no shock to me. With the new freedom to practice their religion and obtain an education without harassment, undoubtedly, they would build their own churches and schools.