The discussion on the concept of Jubilee and the Abolition of 'Slavery to Freedom' wound not be complete without the inclusion of Africa, the place where the history of African Americans began
Africa was the seat of civilization, a continent with an array of vast empires. Among its inhabitants were a myriad of people with a plethora of gifts and talents. Such as prophets, teachers, business men and commerce icons. Many leaders in Africa had distinguished themselves with visionary acuity, knowledge, wisdom, prowess and highly skilled attributes.These established empires were known to have maintained their respective prominence by becoming aggressive traders in the wide world and by expanding their territories through deliberate maneuver of conquest in faraway lands of cities.
In their quest to seek and do successful commerce albeit sometimes in the midst of the throes of wars the African people began a migratory process that led them away from their original regions. Which resulted in an eventual spawn of powerful Kingdoms especially in West Africa, Ghana, Mali, Songhay, and the Mossi States who are among the most notable.
Ghana dates back to the seventh century. It was comprised of a major well-organized empire, which possessed effective systems of democracy. Its vast riches came from an abundance of gold, a lively slave trade, mining, farming, and artistry. But due to later internal strife, invasions from neighboring rival states and severe climate changes caused Ghana to decline and fall in the 13th century.
Entering The Period of the "Diaspora"
It is significant to examine the African culture and trace the Diaspora from Africa to the Western Hemisphere because it provides a fuller clearer understanding with respects to the importance and proclivities of Jubilee. It also provide an historical link and cultural. identity to the people we now know as African Americans.
Most of the Africans who were enslaved in the United States came from the western part of Africa. Many from the area near seacoast, from Senegal River in the north to the area which is now known as Angola, Others came from Zaikre, Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sudan. Among the ethnic groups were the Wolof, Mandingo, Bambara, and Yoruba. There was a large population of Muslims, as well as the Akan, Kru, Ibo, and various Kongo people.
Since the beginning, African slaves worked without pay, grueling and inhumane conditions, no freedom of movement, family disruption and separation. In many instances ties to tribes, language, education, religion, and culture all yielded to the necessities of American Slavery and post slavery "Jim Crow' laws. No state in the union had been immune from the practice of involuntary servitude. It took a "Civil War" from 1861 through 1865 (4 years) to free slaves from permanent bondage in the United States of America.
For more details see: "The Alleged Curse on Ham by Gene Rice
History records: Approximately 9.56 million Africans survived the "Middle Passage"and were enslaved in the Western Hemisphere-trip from Africa to West Indies and South America
Estimated Slave imports into the Americas (1451-1870)
~British North America 339.000
~Spanish America 1,552,100
~British Caribbean 1,665,000
~French Caribbean 1,600,000
~Dutch Caribbean 500,000
~Brazil 28,000
~Old World 175,000
Totals: 9,566,100
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