the farming technology that grew the crops was largely developed in
West Africa -- and then imported to the American South by captive
Africans.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Symphonic Work In Pittsburgh Honors Enslaved Africans On Rice Plantations
the farming technology that grew the crops was largely developed in
West Africa -- and then imported to the American South by captive
Africans.
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2 comments:
I love the idea of telling a story through music. This art form can express emotion and tragedy in a manner that is not necessarily explicit and can be more poetic. I also see the importance of telling the story of enslaved Africans on plantations, especially because it is usually only taught in a broader context of American history when explained in public school. This winter break, I took a road trip down the eastern coast, and passed by the remains of historically slave-populated plantations. My grandparents (who were born and live in South America) were unaware of details of slave life, so my siblings and I would explain the history to them along the way. I found that I remembered major concepts but stumbled when recalling intricacies. This is one primary reason that I support the continuous retelling of history in contexts outside of the classroom. It can make it easier to approach a dark past because it is presented in an artful manner.
Not going to lie but I did not even know that there were rice plantations in America. We are taught so incredible little about them. In the back of my mind it sounds familiar, like a one liner dropped in a history class long ago before we talked about tobacco and cotton and sugar in the West Indies. I think that this piece is a good way to remind people of this history. I like that I am not being taught or read their story, but have to go out myself now and learn to fill the gaps in my knowledge. I think it’s a good habit to encourage. I also think music is perhaps one of the most powerful forms for memorial and honor pieces. There is an excellent ability of music to convey emotion. It also has the formality of it that comes from the grandeur of high level orchestras that convey a respect level excellent for honoring the memories of those forgotten.
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