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The story of historic Black communities is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, creativity, and cultural vibrancy. This series will introduce communities that are not just geographic locations, but living legacies.

We’ll start with the shores of Liberia on Africa’s west coast, where formerly enslaved African Americans and free Black individuals established a nation on their own. Then, onto the streets of Brixton in South London, where the Windrush Generation infused their Caribbean heritage into the city’s multicultural identity. Finally, all the way to Salvador, Bahia, often referred to “Black Rome” for its deep-rooted African culture and history.

Liberia: The Land of the Free

Founded by Early Pioneers

Located on the west coast of Africa, Liberia stands out in the annals of history for being founded by formerly enslaved African Americans and free Black individuals in the 19th century. Established as a homeland for those who escaped slavery in the United States and other parts of the Americas, this community offered freedom and self-governance. The story began with the American Colonisation Society (ACS), a group founded on philanthropic principles, who began sending free Black settlers to the region. This first group of early pioneers arrived on the ship “Elizabeth” in 1820, followed by other Black immigrants who gradually built a network of settlements along the coast. Most notably, Liberia’s early leadership came from African Americans: Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Liberia’s first president, is just one such prominent figure who played a pivotal role in the nation’s development.

Journey to Independence

What followed was a unique cultural identity, one that evolved as a blend of American and African influences. Those who settled in Liberia, perhaps in the political and economic capital of Monrovia, brought elements of America’s society but embraced African traditions and customs. In 1847, Liberia declared its independence from the American Colonisation Society and became the first African nation to establish a republic with Joseph Jenkins Roberts at the helm. Over the years that followed, challenges arose, such as territorial conflicts with neighbouring indigenous groups and European colonial powers. As the country expanded, such tensions resulted in wars and political instability as communities navigated economic disparities, ethnic tensions, and power struggles.

Rebuilding and Reconciliation

Once into the early 21st century, Liberia began the healing process. After a period of suffering and displacement came efforts towards rebuilding and reconciliation. International outreach and peacekeeping missions played a vital role in ensuring the nation’s stability. What’s left today? A sovereign nation with a diverse population that includes descendants of the original settlers living among various ethnic groups. Equipped with a democratic government, work continues to promote unity and development. Liberia’s history is a complex narrative, reflecting the broader struggles of African nations in their quest for self-determination and progress.

Brixton: A Cultural Tapestry

Caribbean Community

South London’s Brixton reflects the multicultural identity of modern London: it’s transformation into a prominent Black community began in the mid-20th century when Commonwealth citizens from across the Caribbean arrived in the United Kingdom as part of the Windrush Generation. Many members of this community settled in Brixton, and it quickly became a hub, particularly given the influence of their culture, traditions, and customs. This hybrid cultural landscape included food, music (reggae and ska), and religious practises, including the Rastafarian movement. As the Caribbean community and presence grew, so did efforts to establish familiar institutions and organisations, such as churches, social clubs, and community centres to sustain support and promote cultural preservation.

Activism and Ongoing Change

Like many Black communities worldwide, Brixton has faced issues related to racial discrimination, inequality, and police brutality. In the 1980s, Brixton was the site of several protests and civil disturbances, including the Brixton Riots of 1981 and 1985, which were driven by deep-seated social and economic unrest. These events spurred critical activism and discussions about race and discrimination in the UK. Against this backdrop, more recent years have seen a sense of unrest from gentrification, rising property prices, and other significant societal changes. As a result, debates about preserving Brixton’s cultural heritage and preventing the displacement of long-standing residents have surfaced.

Carnival & Multiculturalism

Brixton is closely associated with the development of one of Europe’s largest street festivals celebrating Caribbean culture: Notting Hill Carnival. This event was founded in the 1960s by London’s Caribbean communities and is just one such testament to their resilience, creativity, and cultural contributions. As a centre of multiculturalism, Brixton has played a crucial role in shaping London’s overall identity as a diverse and vibrant city. It’s important to note that the challenges faced by the community over the years, including issues relating to racial discrimination and gentrification, continue to be important topics of discussion and activism in Brixton and beyond.

Salvador: Afro-Brazilian Heartland

African Heritage

Salvador, Bahia, in Brazil is often referred to as the “Black Rome” due to its deep-rooted African culture and history. During the period of slavery, millions of Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil, and many of them arrived in Salvador. Located in Salvador’s old town, the historic district Pelourinho stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, punctuated by colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, churches, and squares. Given the connection to the transatlantic slave trade, it’s Salvador’s African heritage that ultimately stands out and the Black community has worked diligently to preserve this and promote racial equality. To this end, organisations and cultural centres in the city focus on Afro-Brazilian traditions, as well as addressing social and economic disparities.

Cultural Celebrations

Salvador’s strong Afro-Brazilian culture is celebrated through an assortment of music, dance, religion, and festivals. Considered to be the birthplace of many hybrid traditions, Candomblé (an Afro-Brazilian religion), Capoeira (a martial art and dance form), and Samba de Roda (a traditional dance and music style) all originate from here. Salvador is perhaps most famous for having one of the most vibrant and exuberant Carnaval celebrations in Brazil. This fantastic spectacle is iconic for its trio elétrico music trucks, where artists perform on moving stages. These cultural expressions have had a profound impact on Brazilian and global culture.

Impact on Tourism

For anyone interesting in experiencing the melting pot of Afro-Brazilian culture and history, Salvador is a popular tourist destination. The mix of traditional ceremonies, music and dance scenes, and museums put it on the map for local immersion. Those who are a part of this historic Black community continue to advocate for social justice and equal rights, where racial inequality, poverty, and violence surface. A testament to the resilience and enduring influence of African culture in Brazil, its cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions to the arts make Salvador a unique and culturally significant city in the Americas. Efforts to celebrate and preserve African heritage are at the heart of shaping Salvador’s identity and inspiring people worldwide.

These three locales demonstrate the spirit of those who sought freedom, identity, and equality. Having considered the histories, cultures, and struggles of these remarkable historic Black communities, there are plenty more stories to be told from around the globe. Before we embark on the next journey, why not discover African Empires and Kingdoms, or read about our enduring Black History Campaign?

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