African-American Culture Development by Blacks Born in Colonies

Definition

This refers to the unique culture developed by African-Americans born into slavery in the American colonies. This culture blended elements from various African cultures with new influences from life in America.

Analogy

Imagine making a smoothie with different fruits (representing different cultures). The end result is something entirely new but still contains flavors from each original ingredient.

Related terms

Creolization: The blending together of different people and cultures into one new hybrid culture.

Gullah Culture: A unique African-American culture that developed among slaves on the isolated sea islands off South Carolina and Georgia.

Spirituals: Religious songs created by enslaved African-Americans that blended Christian themes with the rhythms and melodies of Africa.