Let The Circle Be Unbroken Chapter Summary

Let the Circle Be Unbroken, is an informational text, written by Marimba Ani which, recognizes spirituality as a necessity in maintenance and progression of African culture throughout the African Diaspora. Throughout the reading she emphasizes the importance of spirituality to the preservation of African culture. Marimba Ani argues that our African ethos and heritage survives through our spiritual make-up. It is the strength and depth of this spirituality that allows the survival of African Americans in European culture. In fact, Ani also points out that the response to European culture manifests spiritually and universally throughout the African American community. This promotes an understanding of spirituality as the foundation of African-centered
The customary use of symbolism in everyday activities such as cooking, raising children, music, dance, and language allowed the African people to maintain intimate connection with god and each other. Once introduced to slavery these oppressors attempted to destroy and exploit these ideologies and concepts because they feared what they couldn’t replicate or understand. In fact, slavery was an attempt to instill a constant sense of terror and chaos into the lives of these inferior people (Ani, pg. 13). However, Leonard Barrett states, “Africans indigenized their surrounding in order to be able to function as a united people in a new world, “(Ani, Pg. 15). Enslaved Africans found unique ways to preserve their culture. For example, songs, dances, secret language, and African folktales were used to pass on tradition, history, and customs. Poetry and plays were created to reconstruct the emotions and experiences of the ancestors. Moreover, music, and even church processionals replicated the customs carried over from Africa. Even in those whom disconnect from their heritage, evidence of their Africaness can still be found in how they celebrate life and