African Americans share many characteristics, beliefs, and values; however, each individual member of this culture is unique. I was born and raised in a small rural area called Boykins, Virginia in Southampton County. The history of slavery this area dates back to 1831. Slavery’s pivotal role in Southampton County has been recognized by the community, schools, and news reporters. Slavery is embedded in the African American roots. Today, African Americans, including myself, have experience discrimination and acts of racism. Like many African Americans, my personal history involves family, religion, and hardships. This paper explores my recognition of my culture. I have gain insight about my cultural roots, historical events, cultural assumptions within the African American culture. This paper present research and interviews with family member to discuss my personal reflection of the research I have done regarding my cultural identity.
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In fact, some events have caused us to challenge, change, or get rid of some values and beliefs. I never really understood why I am so protective over my family until I interview some of them and found out they value family as much as I do. I found out that when my sister and I were younger, my mother and father made sure we stuck together; even sometimes to the extreme that when we fought, we had to sit beside each other for a while, hug, and basically “get over it”. In agreeance with my aunt, I believe this is a positive value my family have; we stick together at all time and have each other’s back regardless. However, there are some beliefs that even today I struggle with and found out my mother feels the same way. We both feel that majority of our family settle and succumb to stereotypes and low exceptions established by society and family history (S.E. & T.K., personal communication, September 6,
In fact, some events have caused us to challenge, change, or get rid of some values and beliefs. I never really understood why I am so protective over my family until I interview some of them and found out they value family as much as I do. I found out that when my sister and I were younger, my mother and father made sure we stuck together; even sometimes to the extreme that when we fought, we had to sit beside each other for a while, hug, and basically “get over it”. In agreeance with my aunt, I believe this is a positive value my family have; we stick together at all time and have each other’s back regardless. However, there are some beliefs that even today I struggle with and found out my mother feels the same way. We both feel that majority of our family settle and succumb to stereotypes and low exceptions established by society and family history (S.E. & T.K., personal communication, September 6,