African Diasporic Voices - Adaptation

adaptation-(People and cultures evolve as the traditions and memories we carry with us creatively engage new surroundings and other cultures.)

Today, I continue my postings on the Museum of African Diaspora’s “I’ve Known Rivers” project. This week I challenge you to look at the topic of Adaption. 

Children of the African Diaspora have always had to adapt in order to survive.  Very often that adaptation has led to a new level of thriving. At other times, the adaptation has led to destruction.  Adaptations made in the face of survival are not always the best choices.  They are just adaptations.  Think of the flames that lit up our major cities when The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.  Think of the destruction of our inner city neighborhoods with the addition of the different drugs and controlled substances. Think of the explosion of African-Americans in professional fields in the 70’s and 80’s, and the increase of African-American artists and writers during the new deal arts programs. 

All of these adaptations have their own merit.  Some might see that they provide a “good” some might say that they are a social “ill”.  What do you say about adaptation?  (Link, Subscribe, Share, Post comments!)

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