Abstract This paper addresses the Afro-centric Social Work paradigm, giving the definition and meaning of "Afro-centricity" and further describing the values and concepts of Afro-centricity as a social science paradigm on which social work practice can be built. The article describes the origins and principles of the Afro-centric or African-centered paradigm, the relationship of Afro-centricity to social problems, and explains the reasons for the emergence of an Afro-centric social science perspective.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Afro-centricity - Definition and Meaning
Afro-centricity as an Emerging Paradigm in Social Work Practice
Effects on Male and Female Groups
Conclusion
From the Paper "Peoples of African origin have a unique place within a multicultural society. The history of African Americans in the United States differs from those who came to US as immigrants. Despite African Americans' social and economic progress, they continue to lag behind White America in the areas of income, education, and health (McKinnon, 2003). While several models of social work practice that can assist colored people have emerged, the concept "Afro-centricity" better describes the cultural values of people of African descent and deployed for the social work practice. Social workers are encouraged to follow the Afro-centric paradigm because of its emphasis on eliminating oppression of the colored people."
Abstract This paper discusses Afro-Brazilian dance forms. It looks briefly at the history and origins of the dance form and discusses its importance in understanding the culture in Brazil. The paper then focuses on specific forms of Afro-Brazilian dance. It describes each dance form, the occasion in which the dance is used and how it is performed by the dancers.
Table of Contents:
Candomble
Samba
Capoeira
From the Paper "The Candomble dancing is a ceremonial, religious dance, done during one of the numerous terreiros de candomble scattered throughout the city of Bahaia. Women wear long skirts, usually colored ones. They dance to be respectful to the orixas, or gods. "Each deity represents a given force or element in nature, and has a favourite colour and type of food. Yemanja, for example, is the goddess of the sea, who usually dresses in blue and white. The favourite colour of Oxun, the goddess of beauty, is yellow. In the religious ceremonies, practitioners dress in the colours of the orixas and place food at the altar before singing special songs and dancing precisely choreographed steps to the sacred drums. The anthropomorphic nature of the orixa allows an intimate contact between believer and deity, and the highlight of the Candomble ceremony is the epiphany, or possession, when the orixa takes over the believer's body" (Davis)"
Abstract The paper looks at the economic and social situation in the Oakwood/Eglinton areas, examining the integrationist efforts which have been undertaken to alleviate some of the struggles men, women and children face. The paper discusses the inclusionary tactics practiced by the larger communities housing Afro-Caribbean families and investigates the barriers which frustrate any sort of integrationist initiative. The paper concludes that the past and present have been difficult for recently-arrived Jamaicans in a city that prides itself on its racial tolerance, but there is hope that concerted community action can brighten the future.
From the Paper "The first thing which must be done in a paper of this sort is to look at the economic and social situation which exists within Oakwood and within Eglinton. In truth (simply by glancing at the ward profiles provided on the official web site of the City of Toronto), it appears as though Oakwood and Eglinton are not conjoined as many might think at first glance. Furthermore, a look at the city's neighborhood profiles is only a little more helpful - and it, too, marks the two areas as distinct. Be that as it may, some things can certainly be deduced which offer insight into how the Jamaican community is treated in Canada. For one thing, when looking at household income distribution in the neighborhood of Oakwood-Vaughan (for 2001), it is striking that the income bracket with the largest percentage of the population is that bracket housing those making $10,000 - $19,999 per annum. Ironically, the next-largest income bracket is comprised of those making $100,000 per annum or more (City of Toronto, "Oakwood-Vaughan: Social Profile #3," 3)."
Abstract This paper is an overview of Afro-American history, beginning with slavery in the 1700s. The author looks at how slavery affected the nuclear family, both economically and psychologically, and how this pattern continues to be prevalent in today's Afro-American families. Some of the issues discussed include, the owner-slave relationship, marriages between slaves and how slavery affected children and their identity. The paper also looks at the post-Emancipation period and the hardships that the freed slaves continued to encounter including poverty, unemployment and racial discrimination. According to the author, migration from the South to the North was one of the most significant changes that occurred as a result of Emancipation. The Afro-American families' strong bond, which may not be categorized as a
'traditional' but 'extended' family can be traced back to the period of slavery and in this author's opinion, shows the strengths of the community as a whole.
From the Paper "Roberson reported that some of the migrating families were quite large, with six or seven children. It could be very difficult to find housing to old a family of that size, even with extensive family and community support. So often, these parents would have to make hard decisions to break the family apart, at least temporarily. Some of the children would be taken in by aunts and uncles, but given that the extended family was so strong, connected and well bonded together, this wasn?t as wrenching as it might have been. The extended family continued to watch out for and support the new arrivals until they had work and a place to stay. (Roberson, accessed 2002)"
Abstract This study will seek to understand the different ways that violence and substance abuse can be stopped, or at least, minimized in the current events of social working. By using the Code of Ethics of National Association of Social Workers, we can see how this issue can be dealt with along these guidelines. By making new approaches to the Afro-American community in this regard, the strategies and approaches that are possible will be attended to here. By creating out reach programs in various neighborhoods to help teach the black community these devastating issues on drug abuse, and violence (gang and domestic), perhaps this and other methods of social construction can help build a new culture for Afro-Americans in America at this time
Abstract This paper focuses on the issue of African-American women and feminism, from the 1960s to the present, while focusing on the views and opinions of various authors such as Patricia Hill Collins. Collins, a powerful voice in matters of black feminist epistemology, contends that because black women have access to both the Afro-centric and feminist standpoints, then, for a full analysis, both traditions should be represented through an "alternative epistemology." Collins also states that the key dimension of an Afro-centric feminist epistemology is the black woman's centrality in families and community organizations.
The writer of this paper discusses the issues that pertained to many African-American women in the 1960s and 1970s, who felt that the objectives and practices of feminism pertained mainly to white women. In the early 1970s, black feminists challenged this situation, questioning the assumption that white feminists spoke for all women and demanded -and eventually were given- women's studies programs on the experiences, culture and literature of black women. At that time, the activist black women who made the demands were denounced for espousing black nationalism, nonetheless, appropriate courses on "women of color" were eventually added to the women's studies' curriculum, which are detailed in this paper. This paper examines the progress and empowerment of African-American women over the years who are now able to lead in ways they had never thought possible, prior to 1960.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Main Body of the Paper: Literature Review
Epistemology
Conclusion
References
References Not Included in the Body of the Paper
From the Paper "In her book, Collins suggests that the Black feminist thought processes speaks to "the importance that knowledge plays in empowering oppressed people." Moreover, Black feminist thought offers a "fundamental paradigmatic shift in how we think about oppression," though the process of reconceptualizing "the social relations of domination and resistance." Black feminist thought also empowers "subordinate groups" by infusing them with "new knowledge" that helps them define the reality of their own existence. What is impressive about Collins - besides the fact that clearly she's brilliant, alert to what real Black women are doing and feeling - is that she is fair-minded when it comes to her scholarship, and generally eschews long and emotional harangues about the white culture, and about white feminist epistemology that has in the past stood in the way of African-American feminists reaching out to the world with their vision."
Abstract This paper describes the literary work of Ralph Waldo Ellison, an Afro-American author and intellectual named after Ralph Waldo Emerson. There is a particular focus throughout the paper on Ellison's representations in the writing of the ?Invisible Man,? his most accomplished novel.
From the Paper "Critics often place the "Invisible Man" under the proverbial lines of a "one hit wonder" for Ellison, obviously pertaining to a book rather than a song. Like a one hit wonder, this paper will show that Ellison's work lives on in the literary discussions of today and on America's bookshelves. The significance of Ellison's work is discussed throughout this paper. Today, there are a vast number of topic groups and symposiums that revolve around the book and its meaning. "
From the Paper "This paper will be concerned with African influences on Afro-American jazz and dance. The roots of Afro-American jazz can be traced back to the early 17th century, when African slaves were first brought to America from their homeland. These slaves came from various parts of Africa, and they brought a great variety of indigenous music and dance with them. In Africa, music and dance had played a vital role in both religious worship and everyday life. The tribal peoples of Africa had developed many types of songs for special occasions as well as specific dances which were intended to accompany the songs. The closely woven interrelationship between music and dance was thus strongly fixed in the minds of the early African slaves. As noted by one music historian, "in Africa . . . dance and song are intimately associated aspects of a single art" "
Abstract This paper presents a literary review of the work of Zora Neale Hurston, an early twentieth century Afro-American feminist author who was raised in a predominately black community. The paper flows with excerpts from her work which the writer then relates back to the author's own life and experiences. The main text used to complement the paper's viewpoint is "Their Eyes Were Watching God" where the main character Janie must continue in her self discovery, much like Hurston herself. The writer also claims that Hurston uses her novel to express her own feelings on race, despite her public not always agreeing with her views.
From the Paper "While the literature she composed in college was by no means inferior, she remained a defiant free-spirit during even her early college career. While working on an anthropological study for her mentor, Franz Boas, she was exposed to voodoo, which she quickly embraced. She was deeply interested in the subtle nuances that voodoo had left scattered throughout Afro-American culture. She also adopted this religion, which contrasted completely with her Baptist up bringing, because it gave her a new artistic sense."
Tags: black, african, american, racism, culture, voodoo, afro, women
Abstract John G. Jackson dispels many myths about African civilization. He demonstrates that it was actually African civilization that provided the foundation for Western greatness in general. Afro-centrism, in other words, is very much validated by this important book. We begin to understand that the white dominant power structure in Western society has, for a long time, socially constructed the image of an Africa that is savage and backward. And yet, as Jackson shows, this portrayal is a complete contradiction of reality.
Abstract This paper discusses the dilemma faced by twentieth century Afro-American writers to either embrace or reject Anglo literary traditions and devices in their works. Gwendolyn Brooks and Zora Neale Hurston are used as examples.
Abstract This paper explains that merengue, a combination of African and European musical influences that is uniquely Caribbean, is a distinctive, enduring musical form associated with the national identity of the Dominican Republic and the dictatorship of Trujillo, who mandated that it be played all the time. The author points out that, traditionally, merengue music was played with four primary instruments, each of which had their part to play within a basic 2/4 signature and a series of set periods that took the merengue in and out of call-and-response patterns. The paper relates that the merengue has changed over the years from a proletarian means of expression to an international medium, more Euro-centric in origin than African drumming or reggae, although it still represents an Afro-Caribbean synthesis of European forms.
From the Paper "One of the key representational artists to emerge for merengue during the 1960s was Johnny Ventura. Ventura brought outside influences to a new kind of merengue that was classically Dominican in flavor (and more direct than big-band salon merengue), but also brought some of the elements of disco into the equation. Ventura's brand of merengue utilized traditional form and instruments such as the guitar and guira, added an expanded horn section, and kept the rhythm steady with a bass drum. Ventura's lyrics were often full of social and political commentary, which brought new life to the standardized lyrics perpetuated under the restrictive dictatorship. Ventura also took some cues from the flash and glamour of soul and Motown singers from the United States, incorporating onstage dance-moves and stylish outfits. He is seen to have started what came to be the modern tradition of merengue groups, along with fellow innovator."
Abstract This paper is a personal discussion on Cuba from an anthropological which includes academic sources. It explores arts in Cuba, focusing on music and dance as cultural expressions also mentioned are Afro-Cuban rhythms. The paper also highlights music before and after the revolution. The author researches the Santeria religion.
From the Paper "The new trend in anthropology today seems to be to conduct research in your own backyard. As a person with two backyards one in my homeland of the United States and the other in the Cuban homeland of my father's ancestors, I was fortunate to be able to take ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "The Killing Time" written by Gad Heuman. It describes how, in 1865, a few hundred Afro-Jamaican farmers and sugar workers advanced on Morant Bay, in retaliation for the way they had been treated politically, socially and economically, regardless that slavery had been abolished many decades earlier. The paper describes the events as set out in the book.
From the Paper "According to Heuman, the 1865 rebellion came in large part as the culmination of grievances after the 1834 emancipation had led to ultimate freedom. The black majority still had unequal access to farmland, high taxes, unemployment, low pay and supervision primarily by white management personnel. Many of the African-Jamaicans were involved with the Great Revival that had encouraged a lack of credibility in the real outcome of the emancipation as a means of true freedom for the blacks. Many were members of the Native Baptist church, which for a long time had made up many of the judicial staff including judges, attorneys, police, justices of the peace and clerks for the parish affairs."
Abstract This paper explores some of the parenting beliefs of church attending ethnic minority mothers. It specifically examines African/Afro-Caribbean mothers from East London. The paper discusses their values and beliefs in relation to their daily interactions with their teenage children. It analyzes the data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to ascertain emergent themes and structures.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research plan
Introduction
Relationship Between Systems of Meaning and Mental Health
Religion
Therapeutic Work and the Use of Religion as a System of Meaning
Debates Relating to Religion and Spirituality in Work with Family Systems
Belief
Religion and Effective Family Functioning
This Seems to be a New Section on Methodology
Motherhood and Ethnic Minority Women
The Growth of Church Attendance in Minority Groups in the UK
Suicide
Conclusion
From the Paper "Incredibly powerful and talented Black lesbian and bisexual women have either isolated themselves in lonely closets or succumbed to drug addiction, and even committed suicide because they feared both societal and familial rejection. From a historical perspective, the pressure lesbians faced in the past is understood. However, even today, black lesbians in the upper echelons of society still have to choose between silence and success (Asanti, 2001). Until the year 1969, most people who identified as GLB generally could not be open about their sexual orientation and publicly respected in the United States, unlike to European countries. Same-gender sexual behavior has existed throughout history;. However, until about 1850 the labels heterosexual, lesbian, and gay male did not exist in Western societies. Many adolescents are likely to experience sexual interests and behaviors for the first time in their lives during puberty. Many sexual attraction, but not self-label as lesbian or gay male (Anhalt et al., 1998)."
