African american Quote by Kerry James Marshall
“The invention of the African American, or the Haitian or Jamaican, is a consequence of the transatlantic slave trade.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Black Atlantic, 2015
The African diaspora emerged as a direct result of the transatlantic slave trade, shaping distinct cultural identities.
In simple terms: Slave trade created African diaspora.
Key Takeaway
Understand historical roots of identity.
Themes
history
identity
diaspora
Mood
educational
critical
Type
historical
social
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- community storytelling
- museum exhibitions
- social justice work
Key Concepts
colonialism
cultural formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this history influence modern identity?
- What responsibilities arise from this legacy?
A Different Perspective
Complex histories can be oversimplified; multiple narratives exist.
![“In [Ralph] Ellison's case, it's more psychological than it is phenomenal, and it's conditioned by anger, animosity, and lack of desire to engage with the black body. There was always simultaneity that had nothing to do with visuality. You can be there and not be there at the same time and be fully…” quote by Kerry James Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a13/kerry-james-marshall-5157_animosity_in-ralph-ellison-s-case-it-s-more-psycho_338598.jpg)
