How to Study Afro-Creole History

Afro-Creole is term used to describe people of color who were descendants og the French Louisiana colony. It is a very unique piece of southern American history, as well as African-American culture. There are many ways to celebrate this culture, from music to food to literature.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit Louisiana. Creole history is very rich in the parts of the country that were once colonial French territories. The culture is still tangible and thriving in areas like southern Louisiana, specifically New Orleans. Visiting these places can give you the ultimate experience of the art, music, language and food of these people.
2. Try Creole cuisine. Creole cuisine is from where Cajun food stems. It is very unique and comes from New Orleans. Foods such as gumbo and jambalaya are staple items, and many foods are spicy and feature ingredients such as shrimp, sausage, chicken and rice.
3. Immerse yourself in Afro-Creole literature. Many educated, outspoken and talented Afro-Creole persons flourished in the antebellum south near New Orleans. These free blacks helped to establish a distinct cultural identity and give a voice to the entire movement. Some important works include "Les Cenelles", "Choix de Poésies Indigènes", "Les Ecrits Louisianais de Langue Francaise", and "Nos Hommes et Notre Histoire".
4. Celebrate the culture through music. Jazz is the most popular form of music stemming from the Creole culture. New Orleans is the capital of jazz music. Zydeco is considered by most as the truest form of black Creole music. Blues and swamp pop both originated from Afro-Creole culture as well.