African Diaspora in America from Enculturation to Acculturation up to 2000

Abstract

The United States is known for its cultural diversity. African immigrants, in particular, came to the U.S. with the aim of securing a better life or escaping persecution. They originate from totally different cultures, languages, and religious backgrounds, and this makes them encounter various obstacles such as assimilation, integration, or separation. The African's existence in America has been shaped by different immigrations, both forced and voluntarily, first slavery in America found its roots in the early years of European colonization. In the 17th century, as European powers established settlements in the colonies, the need for labor on plantations grew. Initially, European indentured servants fulfilled this need, but as their supply decreased and efforts to enslave Native Americans proved unsuccessful, African slaves were brought to the colonies as the last option. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, African American life underwent yet another transformation through a new migration, this time on a global scale. People of African origins from different parts of the world have been entering the United States, contributing to the evolving dynamics of African American experiences. Leaving the home country and migrating to a new one, whether driven by choice or necessity, has a great effect on both individuals and society. The findings reveal numerous potential hurdles that impede the successful integration of African immigrants into American society, including cultural and religious disparities, divergent moral and ethical values, the perception of gender relations, and discriminatory practices. These factors collectively contribute to the overall challenges encountered during the assimilation process. This dissertation aims to explore the assimilation of African immigrants from central and west Africa in the United States, examining its consequences and impacts from the initial significant wave in the 1500s to 2000.