HHU Assignment

2

Chasity Johnson

March 26, 2022

HHU 250 : The African American Experience

Critical Essay

Religion and African American lives

Dating back to the days of slavery when African Americans were not allowed to mingle together with the whites, Black churches became significant to the African American experience. Black churches were not only places where people met to worship, but it was also a place where people met and discuss issues that affected the community, and it was the sole place where people got an education since they could not get it anywhere else. Even today the church is an avenue where the young are given leadership opportunities. (Taylor, R. J., Chatters, L. M., & Levin, J. 2003)

African Americans Music borrowed a lot from the African style of music. The call and response style are the most prominent. It also involves a lot of improvisation and dance. These elements of music are present in all music associated with African Americans. From blues to jazz and rap music. While there is a dichotomy between secular and religious music. African American music has its roots in their religious life. It is no wonder that many artists started their musical careers in church before venturing out. Most Afro-American music drew and still drew their inspirations from the African American spirituals.

In the days when African Americans were not allowed to either read or write, Black churches became avenues through which African Americans gained an education. Later even after emancipation, the black church provided basic adult education and basic kindergarten education. Children in Sunday schools for example were told to read loudly to improve their reading skills. (Childs, D. J. 2009). 

Lastly, Black Churches gave avenues for young people to develop their leadership skills. It was also a venue where African Americans discussed their political future. Most notable African American leaders had their roots in black Churches. For example, Martin Luther King JR. Martin Luther King was a preacher, and he became a famous leader during the civil rights movement.

References

Childs, D. J. (2009). The black church and African American education: The African methodist episcopal church educating for liberation, 1816-1893 (Doctoral dissertation, Miami University). Taylor, R. J., Chatters, L. M., & Levin, J. (2003). Religion in the lives of African Americans: Social, psychological, and health perspectives. Sage Publications.