Myths of Creation

African American History, African Diaspora, American legal system, American politics, ancestors, descendants of slaves, ethnic studies, Native Americans, Slave economy, slave ports, slavery, transatlantic slave trade

In the British Virginia Colony during the summer of 1619, two events took place within weeks of each other that would shape the United States of America in profoundly contradictory ways.  One event was the initial legislative assembly of Englishmen meeting in Jamestowne from July 30 to August 4. The other event was the arrival at Point Comfort of a Dutch slaver during the third week in August, when according Read More

An Elder: Vincent Harding

African American History, African American literature, African Diaspora, American politics, ancestors, captured Africans, descendants of slaves, Middle Passage, slavery, transatlantic slave trade

The formal public inauguration of The Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project in Baltimore, Maryland is quickly approaching.  As we come close to that first commemorative event in August, we want our readers and supporters to become acquainted with members of our advisory and honorary boards. We believe that with a better understanding of the people who have chosen to be affiliated with the project, our vision and mission Read More

Source Documents for Blog Posts (February – April, 2012)

African American History, African American literature, African Diaspora, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinos, American legal system, American politics, ancestors, captured Africans, descendants of slaves, ethnic studies, Middle Passage, slave ships, slavery, transatlantic slave trade

Audio/Visual: “First Time I Saw Big Water” Composed and produced by Bernice Johnson Reagon, performed by Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon for the PBS-WGBH film series Africans in America, Executive Producer, Orlando Bagwell “Betye Saar, National Visionary”: National Visionary Leadership Project: African American History. The video consists of ten interviews in which Ms. Saar personally relates her artistry, family background, professional experiences and influences during a life time dedicated Read More

It’s Like Having No Navel

African American History, African American literature, African Diaspora, ancestors, descendants of slaves, oral history, slavery, transatlantic slave trade

In Toni Morrison’s novel Song of Solomon, one character, Milkman’s aunt Pilate, is described as having no navel, no evidence of connection with a progenitor, no root. That was always an unimaginable, impossible image. It grates against all that we know to be human and natural. She went from place to place with a box pierced into her ear containing a clue of the past and  also carried a sack Read More

A History Ignored

African Diaspora, Afro-Caribbeans, ancestors, captured Africans, descendants of slaves, Slave economy, slave ports, transatlantic slave trade

On St. Croix in the U.S Virgin Islands, both residents and visitors daily enjoy a visual paradise and few are aware of the history and people who created this beauty. From the Cay in the Christiansted Harbor, the view of Fort Christiansvaern, with its manicured lawns, lush green hills in the background and the crystal blue waters of the bay in the foreground produces a striking image in the perfect Read More

The Negro National Anthem–As You’ve Never Seen it Before…/ A Black History Moment

African American History, African American music, American politics, ancestors, descendants of slaves, music, slavery

Although February has been established as Black History Month the Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project wishes to post this video on this first day of March. We acknowledge that our history spans every day of the year and we hope that you will keep that in mind as you visit our site and read the posts. Please remember all those whose shoulders and backs we stand upon today. Read More

Adinkra Symbols

adinkra symbols, African ethnic groups, ancestors, ethnic studies

This month the project began soliciting post topics from board members and interested persons. There was a suggestion to explore the significance of adinkra symbols to the Akan, Ghanaians, and persons in the Diaspora. It seemed like an easy subject to tackle and so research was started. In exploring this subject, the use of symbols, pictographs and hieroglyphics as language mushroomed. In the same manner that advertisers and manufacturers create a Read More

Ancestors in the African Tradition

ancestors

As we prepare for the kick off of the Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project in Baltimore during August, 2012 a clearer explanation and background is required for those who question the expenditure of energy and other resources on such an undertaking. We always cite proper burial, an internationally recognized human right; and we also include the anticipated healing that will take place as a result of this initiative. Read More

African Americans: The Canary in the Mine

African American History, American legal system, American politics, ancestors, descendants of slaves, ethnic studies, slavery

Through conditioning and experience, especially after age 35, African Americans, almost to a person, understand the United States from a different perspective than other Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois described it as living in two worlds, having two voices. In The Souls of Black Folk, Du Bois said that African Americans were neither African nor American, but both. That has held true throughout the history of the United States. For example, Black Read More

Blessed: Thanksgiving

African American History, ancestors

Have you ever asked people how they were, and the response was “blessed,” and then wondered if this is a statement of faith, a celebration of life, or a comparison to all those who are worse off. Sometimes it seems like a litmus test for inclusion. “I’m blessed; are you?” This post is prompted by two recent occurrences. One took place in an African American history class when a student Read More