In this episode of The Global African we had the opportunity to explore the history of the maroon communities in the Western Hemisphere, that is the settlements established by runaway African slaves. These communities have had a lasting, though frequently ignored, legacy in the hemisphere.
If you get a chance, please take a look at the episode. I think that you will enjoy it.
I watched the episode, as I have watched TGA faithfully for the past few months. I was disappointed that this episode managed to not even make mention of our own maroon communities. By “our own”, I am speaking of the native Black population of the US, which likely makes up the majority of your viewers. I don’t first think of another country, Jamaica, when I hear the term “maroon”. I think of our own maroon populations, those who took refuge in the swamps of Virginia, North Carolin, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. The maroons of the woods inland in the US, the maroons of the US who took refuge in Canada and in Mexico. While a great concept, TGA has a tendency (to me) to be alienating. We need to learn about ourselves and pass down our own history. Not only must parents do so, but it would be ideal if our media outlets also engage us by passing down our history or discussing issues important to us – preferably without feeling compelled to reduce it to “hip-hop”, either.
Also, I forgot to mention: “Congo” speech in Panama is NOT a creole language. It’s closest equivalent is what the native Black population of the US refers to as “Jive”. The two are cryptolects. Congo speech in Panama is NOT a “creole” language, contrary to Dr. Sheila Walker’s assertion in this TGA episode.
Thank you. I will aim to pursue this issue with Dr. Walker.
Thanks for the feedback. I am distressed to hear that you feel that the program is alienating.
In terms of your critique, the point of the episode was to draw attention to maroon communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. That was our objective.
Your point about maroon communities in the USA is well-taken, but was not the thrust of our examination.
In either case, I very much appreciate your following the program.