You’ve learned that it was important for African-Americans to attempt to retain their African musical traditions in America. In order to do so, they had to compromise, finding ways to blend their musical practices with European values regarding music, religion, and society.
Instructions:
1. Describe some of the incredible hardships Africans faced traveling against their will to America that you’ve learned. Unquestionably their journey was frightening beyond belief. Because they were not allowed to take possessions with them, how important do you think their musical traditions became to them on their journey? What did their music mean to them in a foreign land?
2. Next, describe when you many have been in an unfamiliar, frightening, or disappointing situation. Did you perhaps seek familiar music for comfort? Did music help you through those moments? Briefly describe a situation in which you may have sought music as an antidote to disappointment, or as magic to enhance a particular moment. What music did you choose? Does that particular music still have a similar effect when you hear it now?
*** Remember to begin with your thesis statement and purpose and end with a summary that restates your opening statement, using different words. Remember to use your own words–paraphrase all work and cite all sources. Your work will run through SafeAssign to check for plagiarism.
