Cultural Background Paper: Exploring My African-American, Haitian, and Cherokee
Indian Heritage
Kierra Taylor
Liberty University
CEFS504
2/2/24
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Cultural Background Paper: Exploring My African-American, Haitian, and Cherokee
Indian Heritage
Introduction
As a woman in her 30s, learning about my ethnic past has been both educational and life-
changing for me. As a child who grew up mostly in an African-American neighborhood, I
learned important skills that have become the foundation of who I am. My mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother taught me to have a strong sense of self and to always work hard. These
traits have not only shaped who I am, but they have also shown me the way in life. But what I
recently learned from a DNA test has given my ethnic identity new depth. Finding out that I'm
14% Haitian and 12% Cherokee Indian has helped me understand the rich fabric of my ancestry.
This new information makes me want to learn more about and value the variety that runs through
my veins.
In this Cultural past Paper, I will talk about my African-American ancestry and how it shapes my
identity and personal past. I will also talk about the basic values and traditions that have been
passed down from generation to generation. Also, learning more about my Haitian and Cherokee
Indian roots will help me understand parts of my culture that I didn't know before. This story will
not only help me learn more about myself, but it will also help me see how the different culture
threads that make me who I am today are all linked.
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My Family's Cultural Background: A Tapestry of Resilience and Strength
The cultural origins of my family are in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where the legacy of our
ancestors' impact can still be felt in the very fabric of who we are. Our ancestry, which is
primarily African American, fits into the rich fabric of a society that fought and overcame
hardship. Through the history of Natchitoches, our family played a part in building the township.
Stories have been passed down that our ancestors, the Phanor’s, helped lay the roots. This link to
politics shows how deeply rooted the community is, setting the groundwork for the beliefs and
principles passed down from generation to generation. But the trip wasn't all fun and games. My
great-grandmother was a strong woman who dealt with unfair times in a way that said a lot about
her character. She worked as a maid for a white family and had to pick cotton every day, which
was hard because she was from a time when racism was common. Despite the humiliations she
went through, she remained loyal to them and taught us lessons about honesty and loyalty.
Engaging in historical conversations with my grandmother, her narratives resound with the stark
truths of racial discrimination, clearly depicting the segregated environments and the degrading
mistreatment she experienced. Despite the challenges she encountered, she emerged as a symbol
of resilience, imparting upon us the need to treat all individuals with respect, irrespective of the
difficulties we encounter. The concept of preparation for bias becomes palpable in her narratives
as she shares strategies for dealing with ethnic and racial bias, shaping our worldview and
approach to life (Bryd, 2015). The tales of her exhaustion were juxtaposed with the nobility of
keeping one's word, a virtue she held in high regard. She conveyed that perseverance was the key
to success, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on without making excuses.
Her commitment to two families, her own and the one she served, became a testament to honor
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and integrity. Moving forward in the lineage, my grandmother emerged as a single mother with
an indomitable work ethic and a heart overflowing with love. A billiard player who understood
both street smarts and conventional wisdom, she became a beacon of consistency in our lives.
Her directness, the absence of sugarcoating, became a powerful lesson in navigating the
complexities of life.
In sharing my family sharing their experiences of walking home from school due to racial
segregation on buses and working in the fields to contribute to the family's sustenance, she
provided valuable insights into the struggles that shaped her generation. These stories became
building blocks for resilience, strength, and an acute understanding of the diverse perspectives
that exist in the world. As I reflect on the wisdom passed down from my great-grandmother to
my grandmother, I see the interplay of history, resilience, and love that form the foundation of
my cultural identity. These narratives are not just stories; they are lessons etched into the very
core of who I am, influencing my values, perceptions, and approach to life.
My Family's Cultural Background: A Legacy of Resilience, Love, and Perseverance
The narrative of my family's cultural background extends beyond the stories of my great-
grandmother and grandmother to include the indomitable spirit of my mother, a woman whose
life has been a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. At the tender age of
two, my mother faced a life-altering incident — a burn from hot grease that marked the
beginning of a journey defined by resilience. Her experience serves as a profound example of
pushing through adversity, demonstrating that the human spirit can triumph over even the most
challenging circumstances. From a young age, she showcased an unwavering determination,
revealing a "can" spirit that refused to acknowledge the word "can't" as a part of life's
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vocabulary. Despite the physical challenge of having a portion of her right arm missing, my
mother defied stereotypes and discrimination. Her tenacity and ability to type 50 words a minute
are not just skills; they represent a defiance of limitations and a commitment to excellence. Her
heart, one that radiates kindness, exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over preconceived
notions.
In the face of discrimination as a Black American woman with a disability, my mother
emerges as a shining example of breaking through societal barriers. The initial perceptions,
rooted in stereotypes, dissolve when people come to know her and witness her capabilities. Her
journey becomes a poignant reminder that true understanding goes beyond appearances and
challenges the ingrained biases that persist in society. Her teachings extend beyond the practical
skills of typing or navigating a world that often misunderstands her disability. My family imparts
profound lessons on approaching life with a thoughtful and Christ-like spirit. They advocate for
thinking things through and responding to situations with a rational mindset. In a world where
misunderstandings and prejudices abound, she emphasizes the importance of empathy,
encouraging me to step into others' shoes to understand their perspectives before responding.
My family’s humility is a guiding principle, reminding me to remain humble in the face
of achievements and adversities alike. The value of education takes on a deeper significance as
she underscores the additional obstacles faced by a Black woman, emphasizing the importance of
knowledge as a tool for overcoming systemic challenges. The research by Bernstein and Sasson,
highlighting black-white inequality in longevity, echoes the disparities my mother speaks of,
underlining the need for awareness and action to dismantle such disparities. In every difficulty
she faced, my family never allowed bitterness or resentment to take root. Instead, she instilled in
me the importance of standing up for what is right and recognizing the intrinsic equality of all
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individuals. The lessons she imparts transcend the personal, becoming a call to action against
societal injustices. As I reflect on the collective wisdom of my great-grandmother, grandmother,
and mother, I see a mosaic of strength, love, and resilience that shapes the core of my cultural
identity. Their stories, woven together, form a narrative that goes beyond individual struggles,
offering profound insights into the human experience and inspiring a commitment to justice,
empathy, and continuous growth. In the subsequent sections of this paper, I will explore further
how this rich cultural background influences my spirituality, work ethic, and perspectives on
racial and cultural identity development.
Influence of Cultural Background on Spirituality and/or Religion
The profound influence of my cultural background on my spirituality and religious
beliefs is deeply rooted in the resilience and strength displayed by my family throughout its
history. As I navigate through the rich tapestry of my family's past, I am reminded that our
journey has been marked by tribulations, discrimination, racism, and prejudice solely because of
the color of our skin. Despite facing these adversities, my family's unwavering faith in Christ
Jesus has been a cornerstone, keeping us grounded and fostering gratitude for the strength that
has carried us through generations.
stories of my ancestors, particularly the women in my family, serve as a testament to the
transformative power of spirituality. Their experiences of enduring discrimination with grace and
dignity, coupled with their ability to face adversity head-on, have become guiding principles in
my spiritual journey. In the face of challenges, my family turned to their faith, finding solace and
strength in the teachings of Christ. This spiritual foundation has instilled in me a profound sense
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of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who came before me. The women in my family, in
particular, have been pivotal in shaping my approach to spirituality. Their ability to navigate
through life with their heads held high, despite the injustices they faced, serves as a daily
inspiration. Their strength has become a beacon, guiding me as I strive to emulate their resilience
and unwavering faith. The lessons of grace and dignity in the face of adversity have cultivated a
spirituality that is not only resilient but also compassionate (Bernstein & Sasson, 2023). Daily, I
find myself drawing strength from this spiritual heritage. It serves as a source of grounding,
reminding me of the enduring power of faith and the ability to face life's challenges with a spirit
of grace. My cultural background has taught me that spirituality is not merely a set of beliefs but
a lived experience, that influences the way I navigate the world and interact with others.
New Discoveries about Family's Cultural Background
Through recent research, I have come to a profound realization that the traits and values I
hold dear are remarkably similar to those exhibited by the women who paved the way for me in
my family's history. The common thread that runs through generations is the capacity to love
wholeheartedly and act in the best interest of all, without succumbing to selfishness. It is a
revelation that resonates deeply within me, highlighting the enduring nature of familial bonds
and shared values. This newfound understanding reinforces the importance of continuing the
legacy of love and selflessness that has defined the women in my family. It underscores the
significance of treating others with kindness, even in the face of ignorance or outdated
perspectives (Lindsay, 2023). The commitment to greatness and compassion, despite prevailing
challenges, has become a guiding principle in my interactions with others. I also noticed the
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different dynamics of cultural background and cancer patients through the experience with my
grandmother being diagnosed with ovarian cancer 6 years ago. African American cancer patients
endure the greatest overall death rates and more advanced stages illness than any other US
racial/ethnic group (American Cancer Society, 2019), making their emotional suffering more
visible than in any other group. According to a recent study conducted by Donnelly et al. (2020),
it was shown that the occurrence of familial fatalities throughout one's life, which tends to be
more prevalent among individuals of African descent compared to those of European descent, is
inversely correlated with subjective perceptions of survival prospects into old age.
The African-American culture, though distinct in many ways, shares several similarities
with mainstream culture. Both cultures value education as a means of social and economic
mobility. Additionally, music plays a significant role in both cultures, with African-American
music genres like jazz and hip-hop influencing mainstream music. Furthermore, family is highly
regarded in both cultures, emphasizing the importance of strong familial bonds. Despite their
differences, these shared values demonstrate that the African-American culture is not entirely
separate from mainstream culture but rather an integral part of it. African American culture
differs from the predominant culture in several ways. African Americans have a rich history
rooted in slavery and oppression, which has shaped their unique cultural expressions. From
music to art, African Americans have created distinct forms that reflect their experiences and
struggles. Additionally, African American language and dialects differ from the standard English
spoken by the majority. This linguistic diversity showcases the resilience and creativity of
African Americans. Furthermore, African American cuisine is renowned for its soulful flavors
and influences from West Africa. Overall, these differences contribute to the vibrant tapestry of
American society, my awareness of structural impediments for people of color, especially
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women, drives my battle for justice and equality. Furthermore, being an African-American
woman has given me perseverance and determination. Despite hardships, my community has
shown strength and resilience. This motivates me to fight for my clients' rights and voices. Being
an African-American woman gives me a unique viewpoint, sensitivity, compassion, resilience,
and drive while advocating for social justice and clients. Through these views, I work for
equality and justice to improve people's lives.
References
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