The Impact of African American Culture on American Society

African American culture has profoundly shaped American society in various ways, influencing music, art, literature, and social justice movements. Let’s explore the rich contributions of African Americans and their lasting impact on our nation.

A Rich Tapestry of Influence

African American culture is a vibrant blend of traditions, experiences, and creativity. According to the Smithsonian, the cultural contributions of African Americans have significantly influenced American identity and values.

Key Contributions

1. Music: Genres such as jazz, blues, and hip-hop originated from African American communities and have become integral to American music. Legends like Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, and Tupac Shakur have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire artists worldwide.

2. Literature: African American writers have enriched American literature with their unique perspectives. Authors like James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Toni Morrison have addressed social issues and celebrated cultural identity through their powerful storytelling.

3. Art: The Harlem Renaissance marked a flourishing of African American art and culture in the 1920s. Artists like Jacob Lawrence and Aaron Douglas used their work to challenge stereotypes and showcase the beauty of African American life.

4. Social Justice: African Americans have played pivotal roles in civil rights movements, advocating for equality and justice. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks have inspired generations to fight for social change.

Statistics to Consider

• A report from the Pew Research Center shows that 18% of Black Americans feel optimistic about the future, largely due to the emergence of new leaders and movements advocating for justice and equality.
• According to the National Endowment for the Arts, African American artists receive significantly less funding than their white counterparts, highlighting ongoing disparities in support for diverse voices.

The Importance of Representation

Representation matters in all aspects of society. When African American voices are included in media, politics, and education, it enriches the collective narrative and fosters understanding. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that diverse representation in film and television enhances public perceptions of marginalized communities.

How to Support African American Culture

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about African American history, literature, and contributions. Books, documentaries, and online resources can provide valuable insights.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses: Investing in Black-owned businesses strengthens communities and promotes economic equity.

3. Engage with African American Art and Culture: Attend cultural events, art exhibitions, and performances that celebrate African American heritage. This fosters appreciation and understanding.

4. Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that promote equality and justice for African Americans. Engage in conversations about race and advocate for systemic change.

The impact of African American culture on American society is profound and far-reaching. By recognizing and celebrating these contributions, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable future. Let’s honor the legacy of African Americans and continue to advocate for justice and equality for all!

What People Can Do to Educate One Another About Their Culture

One way to teach people about one's culture is through storytelling. This can be done in person or online, and can involve sharing stories, experiences, personal histories, and family traditions that are unique to a particular culture. Storytelling is a powerful tool for passing on cultural knowledge and creating an understanding of different cultures. Additionally, it’s an effective way to bring people together over shared experiences and introduce them to new perspectives on history and customs that they may not have otherwise encountered.   

Another effective method for teaching others about one's culture is having open conversations with those from other backgrounds. Having frank discussions about the challenges faced by individuals from different ethnicities—even if these issues aren’t necessarily related to one’s own culture—can be a powerful learning experience. By engaging in active listening and asking questions, it’s possible to gain new insights into the experiences of others while also showing respect for those viewpoints.  

Finally, another way to teach people about one's culture is to introduce them to different forms of art. Participating in activities such as music, dance, literature, or even painting can help to bring cultures together in meaningful ways that go beyond basic conversations. People can learn a great deal by exploring how other cultures express themselves artistically and enjoying the beauty of different artistic styles from around the world.   

These are just some of the many methods for teaching individuals about one's culture and opening them up to understanding more about the experiences of others. By doing so, we can create a better world for everyone by fostering greater acceptance and appreciation of different cultures.   

In conclusion, teaching people about one's culture doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating; it just requires an open mind and a willingness to learn from those who might not share the same background as oneself. Through storytelling, conversations, and art, it’s possible to create a more unified and understanding global community.  

Black People Have White Issues Too

The ignorance is like a disease, it spreads and eventually eats up what little common sense one has.  The more people believe stereotypes, myths, and other information designed to negatively brainwash, the more they remain emotionally, physically and spiritually bound in their messes!  Our people are troubled by relationship woes, money blues, and bodily issues that rob them of a relationship with their Creator, love, personal joy and freedom from toxic people and things that hold them back from accomplishing dreams.

Black people have issues just like whites and others.  As much as pride might convince them otherwise, they have their share of dramas and traumas.  One isn't as strong as he or she thinks when the individual continues to do the same insane things while hoping for different results.  Generational mistakes go forth poisoning the next generation and the next.  Poor eating habits, recreational drug use, a lack of interest in education, and more is what keeps the ignorant cycle going about a variety of things among our people.  If you don't want to read a book about an issue, how do you change?  If you don't want to get around people better than yourself, then where is the motivation to do anything different?  If you choose to be more negative than positive, then when do you ever see the light and make a difference not only in your life but others?

Some black people will blame white people for their woes.  They will talk about the systematic plans they have constructed to keep people oppressed.  This is true in some cases but not all.  Oftentimes it is our own people who keep one another down!  They are mind controlled by any number of factors and rather than seek breakthrough they choose to act stubbornly while fault-finding and excuse-making. "Well if it wasn't for my health, I would...I would know more if my parents would have...I could be able to do so much if only I had more money."  Saying the same old tired statements that their elders said before them who had far less than they currently do, it isn't any wonder why some don't move any further than they do from the couch to the kitchen!

White folks get tired of being blamed, shamed, critiqued and more about things they either had something to do with or not.  At some point one's focus should be on self and what are you able to do right now to get the results that you want--what is in your power?  There are non-blacks who struggle just like you and I.  They aren't special, that smart, or have much to keep anyone back.  They are accused of things that they simply have no power or control to do!  Yet, if you keep giving them credit for things that have nothing to do with them, guess what they might do?  They may take what they have learned use it as motivation to become empowered and then one day establish tactics that they are falsely accused of to enslave!  How many times is one going to be blamed before he or she turns around like a mad dog and bite you?

Look at some of the things over past decades that a number of blacks have that they are delusional about while claiming that is "a white people issue" or blaming the white man.

1)  Personality disorders.

2)  Poor financial investments.

3)  Serving and loving other gods.

4)  Sickness and disease.

5)  Perverted sexual acts.

6)  Satanic worship.

7)  College debt.

8)  White collar crime.

9)  Interracial dating challenges.

10)  Self-righteousness in the church. "We are better than they" philosophies.

11)  Personal prejudices.

12)  Being mistreated in foreign countries.

And the list goes on.  Every subject has a lot to do with choice and taking the initiative to get the necessary resources to cope or fix a situation.  As more and more blacks learn things that whites have primarily known about for centuries, they too will have their trials.  They will find they have more in common with many whites than they do with blacks they grew up with, simply because they broadened their horizons.  However, everything comes with a price/consequence and the more you know, the more you are responsible for.  This is why many of our elders preferred ignorance than enlightenment because they didn't need anymore problems than they already had.  Of course, that is no excuse.  You weigh the pros and cons of all things and utilize what you can to help you and others you care about.  You learn to rise above trials, rather than complain about them.

Nicholl is the author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic

Obama on African Americans - Keeping it Real - Won't See this on Mainstream Media

One of those rare videos that will give you a glimpse as to how Obama feels about African Americans, community and education and how the First Lady can be if you cross her!  Love the truth in this video, enjoy! 

Support Dumb Things Help the Elite Dumb You Down

One of the biggest threats to any operation is an enlightened human being who sees things beyond the natural.  You may be one who sees things from a spiritual perspective and may not have many friends because of your hindsight.  You peak the games of those who attempt to play others like fools.  People who are the following:  controlling, liars, weak-minded, perverts, selfish, manipulative, fornicators, adulterers, substance abusers, money-lovers, and lazy types.  When you begin to question "the norm," a particular system, what someone has said, or one's reactions or lack thereof to an issue, someone or a group takes offense, it is then that they will try every controlling tactic in the book to keep you off the trail of truth--they will attempt to dumb you down!  Fools will debate, often say you are wrong, create a smoke screen, lie, ridicule, threaten, or talk negatively about you to others. 

For instance, insecure men and women in relationships are good for creating meaningless distractions to keep their busy mates out of their closets of secrets.  They know how to silence their mates by using their flaws against them and past indiscretions (especially when one is fearful that a dark past might soon come to light.)  "I don't want you to talking to her because blah, blah...I don't want him coming around, he makes me feel...why do you feel the need to go hang out with your friends...?" the worried mate says.  Now at first glance, one has good reason, particularly when a mate hasn't illustrated much trustworthy behavior or been supportive of the relationship, but what if the "I just love you and I want what is best for our marriage" type is systematically controlling every aspect of one's life through a multitude of dumb reasons?  While the "go along to get along" type just shrugs and allows the television and food to put him or her into a trance, the discerning one says, "What is really going on?  Why is it that my mate is trying so hard to control my every move?"

Consider this, if I were to fatten you up like a pig, decorate you up in the finest attire, buy you whatever whenever you ask me, and run errands like a delivery boy for you, you would be all-too-happy that I was doing these things for you that you would never suspect that I was up to something, that my feelings had changed for you, or that you were simply being prepared to be slaughtered one day after I used you until I couldn't use you anymore.  This, my friend, is what some loved ones, friends, acquaintances, bosses, and even government does to keep you from asking questions, investigating motive, solve certain problems, learn true intent, find mistakes, drive emotional responses, etc. before they rid you of their circles.

If you take a pause from the routine of your daily activities and get quiet in the spirit, you will be surprised at what you will find out as your heavenly Father leads.  But far too many don't realize the power of the supernatural and those "in the know" work hard to make sure that you never know.  It doesn't take much to get individuals and groups to support the elitists ongoing campaigns, programs, businesses, products, and more that successfully dumb down the populace.  Think of some of these celebs who serve no real purpose in our society other than to communicate immoral behavior, evil and mayhem.  Create a saggy wearing pants, heavy jewelry displaying, high school drop out, impoverished character to rap about a little bit of nothing and the masses are bobbing their heads and asking one another, "Did you get his latest CD--it's all dat?"  Before long we are talking about him to others helping to promote his cracker jack box career.  The elite sit back and pat each other on the back, "Job well done--they bought it once again!"  But maybe you aren't easily moved by the latest billboard top-charting artists, that's okay, because your reputable news media has a host of idols for you to choose from based on your social class, gender, political background, location, culture, race, creed, etc.  There is someone for everyone!

From demonic entertainers to television ministers with occult ties, these pawns are used often to keep you distracted from your quiet time, family time, prayer time, and anything that keeps you alive just a little while longer.  There are many racist leaders who simply feel that the African American populace is a waste of time and space and when you support dumb things, act dumb, talk dumb, walk dumb, dress dumb, and do any other dumb things, you prove them right!  So keep on getting that attitude, acting hood, and spending your last dollar to support dumb people, your local white power organization says, "Thank you."

"Select" educators, health care professionals, lawyers, and many other professionals are used like teacher's pets to help perpetuate whatever the playbook says for today.  What I mean by "select" are those whose parents and grandparents power, fame and money got certain people noticed to influence the rest of us--the educated who you might refer to as reputable.  What makes an individual or group reputable anyway?  A title, degree, money, paid followers, a strong marketing campaign?  While you and I sit back impressed by what someone else has, those who have, continue to take from those who have-not.  From relationships to ruling structures, we are all just pawns in the game until one awakens us with words of  real truth, not half-truths, or no truth at all disguised as so called "keeping it real" truth.

I challenge you to take some time and really look at the players all around you from relatives to your business affiliations.  Who is sincerely moving you to come up higher and who is slowly, but surely, breaking you down--hindering your life goals to suit one's own personal agenda?  Don't know who they might be, ask your Creator to open your eyes.  How long do you think you might stay fat and happy like a pig before he, she, or they will send you off to slaughter? 

When you promote, market, fund, campaign, build, and do other "intelligent" things to dumb down others about things like:  who you really are, what your personal agenda is, and how you really feel about yourself and others, you are no different than a devil using a pitchfork to torture his victims--poking and prodding while hoping that your victim will never turn on you. 

Maybe you are not guilty of doing the previously mentioned things, but you know a few too many people who manipulate others to keep them in the dark like persuading others to think or feel a certain way about one thing or another, it is time to call them out on their foolishness.  Even if mom, wife, friend, or foe gives you a hard time about what you say, at least you told the truth and they can't say, "Why didn't you tell me? or I never knew you felt that way."  Sure, you might have to go through a few fires, but one thing is for sure, they know you aren't any fool!

Nicholl McGuire

UNSUNG BLACK PEOPLE

This article is written by an outspoken white woman that many love to hate, but she has a point.  After we heard all the talk surrounding the Trayvon Martin case from racism to gun control, what you may or may not have thought about was had Zimmerman been an older black man wrestling with a young black male and shot him the issue would have not made national news.  But as we all know, media looks for controversy, because controversy sells! 

Let's be real, there are problems in our communities that are dressed just like what their hearts represent from the drug dealer to the rebellious teen who doesn't know how to stay at home and mind his own business.  And when someone or a few come along that are tired of being in fear and ready to clean up the block, you best believe all hell is going to break lose.  We need a few black men and women who don't mind taking a stand when our people are just wrong, plain and simple!

Check out:  UNSUNG BLACK PEOPLE

G Craige Lewis "The curse of the culture" - YouTube

Mixing the godless with the gospel.

G Craige Lewis "The curse of the culture" - YouTube