Project Statement

Of the more than estimated 15-20 million Africans brought to the western hemisphere as slaves, the six percent taken to North America were not allowed to continue their indigenous lifestyles. Unlike their Caribbean and South American counterparts, they were stripped of their culture. However, the traditions of music, dance, and (what westerners consider) art were not lost, but were embedded in their souls and are still prevalent today in their creative expressions.

Until recently, well into the 20th century, neither Africans nor people of African descent knew much about each other and what they knew was distorted. How many know slavery was ousted in Haiti in 1804 making it the first independent African republic in the world? How many know slavery was lastly abolished in Brazil in 1888, giving blacks in that country a unique bond with blacks in the United States iwith their struggles for freedom and dignity? How many know Brazil has a large African population of 80 million second only to Nigeria with 120 million?

This photographic project, Africans within the Americas, emphasizes the commonalities of lifestyle among people of African descent in countries within the circumference of the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the global influence of western ideologies, indigenous traditions are becoming commercialized and are fading away. These disappearances are very evident as our urban communities become more diverse and neo-colonization is more prevalent. The project's intent is to visually educate and inspire people to hold on to their cultures and pass down daily rituals and traditions through the generations so they are not lost.

Since 1998 I began to focus on the increasing social problems with people of African descent specifically within the western hemisphere. What prompted my attention was the lack of understanding, clear communication and unity, especially in Black communities throughout North America. I believe these problems comes from a lack of identity and oppression. I believe visual imagery can be useful in helping people (of different languages and cultures) identify true feelings of fear, anger, and mistrust. Seeing mirror images with positive affirmations help support changes and motivation.

In 1999, I went to the west coast of Africa where I was able to observe the traditional African lifestyle. It became apparent to me why Blacks in the Americas do what they do in their daily lives; why they eat certain foods; how they worship God in a certain manor; the reason for the "village" with extended family of non-blood related uncles, aunts, and cousins. There is a strong common bond among people of color around the western hemisphere, but it is sometimes not recognized.

Creolization with the European colonists developed a western philosophy in the minds of black people, mainly for survival. However, countries populated with Africans such as Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica (just to name a few), managed to blend the cultures together proving the Africana spirit still lives within the soul of the people wherever they root.