African Cultural Influence in American Society

<p><em>African Cultural Influence in American Society: An Anthology </em>provides students with a curated collection of readings that identify and explore the ways in which American society has been shaped by African culture.</p><p> </p><p>The anthology is organized into three main chapters. The opening chapter examines African traditional beliefs through arts and culture with articles on religion nature and belief systems; hoodoo religion and American dance traditions; the lasting nature of ritual ceramics of the African diaspora; and tales from the Gullah people. Chapter 2 focuses on the arrival of African foods and foodways in America. Students read about the rise and fall of the first American rice industry; the Africanization of plantation food systems; African food history; and the relationship between African food and the crossing of the Atlantic. Chapter 3 explores the influence of African culture on American music. The articles focus on the formation of African American music in the United States; the African origins of banjo music; and musical performance in the African American West.</p><p> </p><p><em>African Cultural Influence in American Society </em>is an ideal supplemental text for courses in African American American and transnational history as well as any course exploring American culture and society.</p>