About African
Caribbeans
Major Cultural Considerations
All African and Caribbean countries have experienced
a colonial past and all have suffered from the slave trade.
Afro-Caribbean people are therefore multi-ethnic/multi-cultural,
having a great many: religions, languages, foods, art forms, music and
social institutions, i.e. ideas, attitudes, beliefs, values inherited
from those who lived and are living in these Islands. There is an
amalgamation of African, Asian, American and European influence.
African Caribbeans who have original African ancestry or simply
Caribbeans (of the Carib Indians) are people who migrated to Britain
from the West Indies. The majority are from Jamaica, though other
islanders are represented. The acquisition of a Caribbean or black
identity is relatively recent. Older Afro-Caribbeans were brought up
in societies in which island distinctions were of primary
significance. Middle age migrants may have fewer family ties in
Britain and will have left most of their close kin and other contacts
in their former country, whereas the youngest generation of migrants
and certainly the British born second generation, have most of their
family and friendship ties in Britain. Therefore, one generation's
experience of history and of old age will be different from that of
the succeeding generations. This is relevant to most people settled in
Britain who have a diverse heritage.
The meaning of being West Indian or Caribbean is
dependant on the life course they have experienced and the historical
period in which they are located. In their former country they would
have thought of themselves as Barbadians, Jamaicans, Trinidadians, or
whatever, and in some circumstances still do so. Other groups that may
identify with a Caribbean identity are those from Guyana - South
America, (British and French Guyana) and the descendants of Indian
indentured labourers brought over from the East (sometimes also
referred to as West Indians).
Among younger migrants, however, there have been
different experiences: independence from colonial rule, the experience
of the West Indies Federation (though short-lived) and the development
of Black Consciousness and "black identity". The development
of a common racial identity is yet more prevalent among the second and
third generations, and has taken on new forms among the British-born.
So while an "ethnic group" such as
"Afro-Caribbean" may be defined as one which shares a common
past or history, it is important to remember that the past has
different meanings for different age groups.
Food
Every Island has their own distinct dishes
associated with tradition/passed down through families. Strong
influence from Africa, which forms the basis of Caribbean cuisine,
i.e. Cassava, Cornmeal, Sweet Potato, Yams, Plantains, Okra etc. Rice
dishes may form staple part of diet. Food is highly spiced and/or
seasoned.
Focus for Community
The place of worship is usually the focal point for
most community activities. For example, the potential isolation of
elders from the Caribbean community has been considerably reduced
thanks to the important role of black church organisations in
providing them with a social, cultural and educational focus. However
these benefits may be restricted to churchgoers only. Therefore those
people who have spent their substantial lives in Britain, who may have
less church involvement, will need to have an increasing role placed
by other agencies.
Report by Cambridge County Council, UK |
