The Birth of African-American Culture: An Anthropological Perspective

by Sidney W. Mintz, Richard Price

This compelling look at the wellsprings of cultural vitality during one of the most dehumanizing experiences in history provides a fresh perspective on the African-American past.

Genres: Anthropology, African American, Nonfiction, Race, History, Africa, Justice

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

Sidney W. Mintz was Research Professor and William L. Straus, Jr., Professor, Emeritus, in the Department of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. He was the author of Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History and Tasting Food, Tasting Freedom: Excursions into Eating, Power, and the Past, among others.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it was short, it taught me more than a book many times its length.

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everything is either black or white, pun intended. This is a great intervention in the sometimes polemical debates about Africanisms in the African diaspora.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. There is a lot here to dig into. It is more of a critique of how academics have approached African American studies, but of course details quite a lot of culture, history, etc. I need to read through it again, or at least my notes, to give a proper review, but it was well written and engaging. The writers are clearly respectful and careful observers and are treading lightly in a supercharged field, yet still make challenging and poignant assertions. I just had the feeling that they would be the kind of guys you want to have a pint with. They came across as humble, but seriously sharp eyed and intelligent. Highly recommend.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This essay examines the study of African-American culture through an analysis of methods previously employed in the field. A focus is placed on the cultural heterogeneity of African slaves and manner in which this circumstance affected the formation of African-American institutions. Mintz and Price present a multitude of opportunities for further research but do not thoroughly expand upon many in this small volume.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of the most incisive investigations as to the origins of Afro-American culture.

[Mike Mena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important contribution to anthro literature. Required reading, for sure.