Welcome to our illustrated Roots and Routes series exploring Black cultures around the world. The series is both a celebration of cultural diversity and a platform to smash the Black monolith stereotype.
This illustrated series reflects our aim to foster greater respect for the global Black identity. We do this through challenging misconceptions, promoting inclusivity and inspiring dialogue with easy to understand visual and graphic representation.
You’ll discover a treasure trove of information in these infographics about cultural traditions, history, politics and more. Our ultimate aim is to enrich your knowledge of Black cultures for a fresh perspective.
Table of Contents:
The Importance of Showcasing Black Cultures Globally
In order to truly understand and appreciate anything you need to know it, see it, feel it, and experience it. This is learning, and this is why we are excited to showcase the wealth of different Black cultures globally. By exposing this diversity, we can cultivate a better understanding of the variety, beauty, value and impactful role these cultures and people had and have in society.
This is a vital step in busting the Black monolith stereotype — one that purports that all Black people fit the negative stereotypes, and share identical cultures and values.
The result is greater cultural awareness of the distinct cultures that make up the global Black identity.
What Defines Global Black Identity?
Global Black identity is one of the themes we’ll be exploring in this series. Black people are not one homogenous group. Instead, think of global Black identity as a mosaic of numerous communities, each with their own distinct identity. But they do share many common experiences and treatment based on the colour of their skin and depending on where in the world they are.
The Roots & Routes series represents this identity as a dynamic and varied force, full of surprises and discoveries to be made.
How Does the Series Increase Cultural Awareness and Appreciation?
We’re going to take you on a journey through Black cultures to present the depth and variety of communities that make up the global Black identity.
We’ll look at the cultures in all four corners of Africa. We'll also discover African heritage in the Caribbean and central and South America. This will include English-, French-, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking countries.
We'll also pay tribute to Aboriginal cultures and Black cultures in other nations to present a complete view of global Black identity.
The Roots & Routes series highlights key cultural factors that make up individual Black cultures:
Language and dialects: Exploring linguistic diversity.
Traditions and practices: Showcasing unique cultural customs and rituals.
History and heritage: Highlighting rich historical backgrounds.
Art and music: Presenting distinct artistic expressions and musical styles.
Food and cuisine: Celebrating culinary diversity and traditional dishes.
Benefits of Increased Exposure to Diverse Black Cultures
Working through the Roots & Routes series offers deeper exposure to diverse Black cultures, and helps both non-Black and people of colour to:
- identify differences and similarities among diverse Black cultures
- find customs, traditions and values you can relate to
- unlearn unconscious bias(es) and stereotypes
- increase your appreciation for people whose customs are different form yours
It also promotes unity and allyship, a way of life where non-marginalized folks can get proactive in their support of others.
This is a future we’re striving for — an awareness of our differences in the spirit of inclusivity, understanding and unity.
Part 1: Featured Cultures - From Kingston to Khartoum
Here in Part 1, we’re going to take you on a journey through our first seven featured cultures, exploring some Black cultures from different continents around the world.
Jamaica
For many people, Bob Marley is Jamaica. His life and music represent the spirit of Jamaica, particularly its full independence post-1962.
Jamaica offers intriguing contrasts. While it is associated with a relaxed way of life, there is a dynamism that has produced iconic sporting and artistic figures.
This culture is a compelling mixture of the expected and unexpected, an outward serenity with fire in its belly.
Ghana
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. And so it has become a symbol of African resilience and unity.
This defiant character can be traced back to the Ashanti Empire, which operated in modern-day Ghana from 1701 to 1901. This was an era of power, wealth and expansion, the spirit of which remains today.
This spirit goes hand in hand with a continuing tradition of hospitality, where strangers are always welcomed and guests honoured.
South Africa
Think of South Africa and Nelson Mandela emerges as its icon, a figure who coached the country from apartheid to democracy.
Like many African cultures, South Africa demonstrates the spirit of resilience and hard-won battles.
But there’s a vibrancy and optimism too. It’s a young country with over a third of its population aged 0-19. It’s a place where hope is emerging as its key characteristic.
Cuba
Cuba is a country rich with natural resources, an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes. It’s synonymous with rum, cigars and vibrant music, but there’s more to this distinct culture than meets the eye.
It’s a seat of revolution, known for the long leadership of Fidel Castro. It’s also known for its defiant character, epitomized by its motto, "¡Patria o Muerte, Venceremos!" translated as "Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome!".
Fairness and equality are also reflected in its free universal healthcare for its citizens. Innovative touches such as these have put it ahead of many of its neighbouring countries.
Australia
Australia’s indigenous cultures — made up of many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — represent the world’s oldest cultures.
After losing their land rights in the 18th century, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to fight for recognition.
Their motto "Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land” reflects their innate dynamism and link to tradition.
Sudan
Sudan is known for its cultural diversity with over 500 ethnic groups speaking more than 100 languages.
It is synonymous with some of the earliest civilizations in Northern Africa, including the Nubian people and the Kingdom of Kush.
Today, we celebrate modern icons such as the model Alex Wek, the singer-songwriter Rasha and the writer Tayeb Salih.
Haiti
The outstanding figure linked to Haiti is Toussaint Louverture (1743-1803). This leader in the Haitian Revolution led enslaved Africans to victory against French colonial rule.
This chapter of history has left a lasting seam of revolution and freedom in Haitian culture, as part of its Caribbean heritage.
While Haiti is an economically deprived nation, the vibrancy of its artwork and fashion represent the other side of the coin.
How Can Educators and Event Organizers Use the Content from the Series?
These illustrated collections of Black cultural values, customs and figures are downloadable in a full infographic format and can be broken down into bite size illustrations to suit your needs. Engage with us to create educational content for your classroom, staff room, DEI workshop or next cultural event. We’re here to help and guide you!
What’s Upcoming in the Series?
If you've enjoyed the series so far, share this with others and subscribe to our newsletter for more fascinating insights into Black cultures. Next we'll be looking at Black Mexicans, with a focus on Gaspar Yanga, leader of one of the first slave uprisings in colonial Mexico, Black Brazilians, Mali, Ethiopia, Curaçao, Congo and Saint Barthélemy. And if there is a country in mind you would really like to learn about let us know in the comments!
The Roots & Routes series is here to educate and empower. While it may expose uncomfortable truths, you’ll find balance in discovering numerous stories of strength, resilience and hope.
Stay tuned for more cultural explorations in Part 2 of our Roots & Routes series and to learn more about the incredible story of African diversity. Contact us for inquiries and collaborations on the series.
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