Oral Presentations - Session 2C: UC 330
Black Magic: Saving the Soul
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Tobin Shearer
Faculty Mentor’s Department
History/AAS
Abstract / Artist's Statement
There is misunderstanding surrounding the religious practices of some island, or rural African based communities. “Black” magic as demonstrated in such forms like Santeria of Cuba, Candomblé of Brazil having found a mode of cultural continuity, and integration between these religious practices with the fusion of Christianity in order to ensure a distinctly African spiritual survival has also left its mark on the white minds throughout history. While there has been outside, and Hollywood stigmas attached to these ritualistic behaviors it has also functioned as a unifying device for reconnecting to, healing and saving the Black soul / African community. Some may argue that religious influences serve as an opiate to keep the community passive and accepting of the status quo. Yet conversely others may see it as a vehicle that moves people into positions of social and political power developments throughout history have seen religion as a function for action against the oppressed. Regardless of the argument it is, and has always been a unifier therefore highlighting the argument that the “Black Soul” is alive. In what ways did the surviving African spiritual practices help save the African community either by mobilizing unity, or social contribution? In order to achieve a better understanding we should first look at some historical indigenous beliefs, former rituals, communal or common practices, and finally the importance of community within all African tribes of West Africa as well as the relevance to the current day African based religious communities.
Black Magic: Saving the Soul
UC 330
There is misunderstanding surrounding the religious practices of some island, or rural African based communities. “Black” magic as demonstrated in such forms like Santeria of Cuba, Candomblé of Brazil having found a mode of cultural continuity, and integration between these religious practices with the fusion of Christianity in order to ensure a distinctly African spiritual survival has also left its mark on the white minds throughout history. While there has been outside, and Hollywood stigmas attached to these ritualistic behaviors it has also functioned as a unifying device for reconnecting to, healing and saving the Black soul / African community. Some may argue that religious influences serve as an opiate to keep the community passive and accepting of the status quo. Yet conversely others may see it as a vehicle that moves people into positions of social and political power developments throughout history have seen religion as a function for action against the oppressed. Regardless of the argument it is, and has always been a unifier therefore highlighting the argument that the “Black Soul” is alive. In what ways did the surviving African spiritual practices help save the African community either by mobilizing unity, or social contribution? In order to achieve a better understanding we should first look at some historical indigenous beliefs, former rituals, communal or common practices, and finally the importance of community within all African tribes of West Africa as well as the relevance to the current day African based religious communities.