The Origin of Chitterlings (pronounce Chit-lins)

Chitterlings is an example of a dish that may be traced directly back to slavery. Typically at Christmas time, pig entrails (i.e. the intestines) were given to the slaves who would then prepare them, creating a dish that became “chitterlings”. This is why this dish is still eaten---- to this day---- by some African Americans at Christmas. We here at ASFS don’t do chitterlings though.

 

 

Christmas for Slaves on a Plantation in the South

Christmas was indeed celebrated by the slave; but all that meant was that a slave was going to eat better than he or she has eaten all year. It was during this time that of the year that soul food probably came into existence, as slaves were able to eat and prepare a large variety of foods. The slaves depicted below (on the left) are believed to be celebrating Christmas at the time of this photo. 

 

 

Groundbreaking Female Performers

Three early performers clearly stand out from the rest (Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge and Diana Ross), but it was Diana Ross (on the right) that essentially set the standard for today's star. As the lead singer for the Supremes, she had 12 number-one singles (second only to the Beatles), and sold over 150 million records as a member of the Supremes and as a solo artist.

 

 

Josephine Baker (1906-1975)

Dorothy Dandridge (1922-1965)

 

Diana Ross (born March 26, 1944)

 

Early African American Scientists

George Washington Carver (1864?-1943), born a slave, is regarded as one of America’s preeminent scientists, and one of the fathers of modern research and development. Mr. Carver pioneered agricultural science, and was responsible for helping to restore the southern agricultural economy following the Civil War. During the course of his research, he discovered over 300 products made of peanuts, including cosmetics, plastics, and gasoline, among other things.

 George Washington Carver (1864?-1943)

 

The Middle Passage- Transatlantic Slave Trade

It is unclear why Africans were chosen to be slaves in the New World. Many scholars have speculated that they were the best suited to endure the harsh labor, and were not susceptible to disease as was the case with Native Americans and West Indians. Moreover, a ready-made market for slaves already existed in Africa. The process of transporting the slaves was known as "The Middle Passage", and it lasted for approximately 200 years.

America's First Slaves

African Americans may trace their roots to the original Jamestown settlement. America's first slaves arrived in August 1619, as recorded in John Rolfe's journal as "20 odd Negroes". There is evidence that these first slaves were originally from Angola in Southwest Africa, and were brought over in a Dutch ship.

 The affects of whipping can last for a lifetime.

This photo depicts primitive shackles that were used during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A whip was a weapon that would enable masters to exact compliance from slaves, without significantly jeopardizing their value.

Early African American Patriots-- Crispus Attucks (1723-1770)

 

Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave (depicted on the left), was one of the first men to die at the Boston Massacre (depicted on the right). It is unclear whether he was there to fight a fire or the British soldiers. What is clear is that he was the first of five men killed in a pivotal event that led to the American Revolution.