In a recent episode of the Obehi Podcast, Loretta Green-Williams delved into the conversation of Cultural Anthropology and Community Advocacy within the African Diaspora. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Green-Williams explained the significance of these disciplines in shaping the narratives and destinies of diaspora communities worldwide.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.

What is Cultural Anthropology?

Cultural anthropology is the study of human cultures, societies, and behaviors within them. It delves into the intricate history of human diversity, examining the beliefs, customs, practices, and norms that shape the way people live and interact with one another. See the full video period:

Cultural Anthropology and Community Advocacy In The African Diaspora With Loretta Green-Williams

Cultural anthropologists immerse themselves in the daily lives of various communities, seeking to understand the complex web of relationships, traditions, and values that define their identity. Through participant observation, interviews, and ethnographic research methods, they uncover the nuances of cultural expression, from rituals and ceremonies to language and symbolism.

At its core, cultural anthropology seeks to illuminate the shared humanity that binds us together while celebrating the rich heritage of cultural diversity that makes each community unique.

See also our previous article – Building The Diaspora Connection Through Generational Stories – The Diaspora Storytelling Series

By shedding light on the intricacies of human experience across different societies and historical contexts, cultural anthropology not only deepens our understanding of the world but also challenges us to confront our own biases and preconceptions.

This in the end serves as a bridge between different cultures, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, empathy, and appreciation for the different ways in which people navigate their existence in an ever-changing world.

Loretta Green-Williams, Founder of WOCPSCN

As the Founder and CED of WOCPSCN (Women of Concern Professionals and Strategic Conscious Networking), a Cultural Anthropologist, and a Certified Human Rights Advocate, Loretta Green-Williams is a true pillar of advocacy and cultural preservation.

Her role as the Board Chair of the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation underscores her commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the diversity of Caribbean heritage.

If you are passionate about celebrating the Caribbean and African Diaspora Heritage. Then consider the following recommendations:

Cultural Festivals and Events:

Organizing or participating in cultural festivals and events dedicated to celebrating Caribbean and African diaspora heritage is a vibrant way to showcase traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and art.

These gatherings provide platforms for community members to come together, share their heritage, and foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Education and Awareness Campaigns:

Promoting education and awareness about Caribbean and African diaspora heritage is essential for preserving and honoring these rich cultures. This can involve hosting workshops, lectures, and discussions on history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing diaspora communities.

See also African Belief Systems And Its Influence On The Diaspora Community

In AClasses, for example, we are continuously working with different professionals in the diaspora to co-create educational content for members of the African diaspora community.

The importance of this is that we are creating this content, (online courses and books) with the target audience in mind. We care about them and their sensibilities. And we are fully sure that these educational resources can help disseminate the right knowledge and promote cultural understanding in the African diaspora community.

Learn more by visiting the page: Become an instructor by contributing your knowledge to help others.

Supporting Cultural Institutions and Initiatives:

Supporting cultural institutions, museums, and initiatives dedicated to Caribbean and African diaspora heritage is crucial for their sustainability and growth. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or attending exhibitions and programs, individuals can play a significant role in preserving and promoting diaspora cultures.

It helps also to advocate for the inclusion of diaspora perspectives in mainstream cultural institutions. This will ensure broader recognition and appreciation of these diverse heritages. This is one of the most beautiful things about Green-Williams’s works and she is continuously working to advance her course.

Green-Williams’s Journey of Research and Recognition

Loretta’s research exemplifies the profound importance of documenting African diaspora history and experiences. Through her scholarly endeavors, she not only delves into the complexities of African American communities in South Jersey but also contributes to a broader narrative of diaspora heritage preservation.

By accurately researching and documenting the stories, struggles, and triumphs of these communities, Green-Williams ensures that their voices are not lost to time.

If you want to understand why we are so passionate about this topic, you might also want to check out our Life & Legacy Project, where we talk about the stories of past African leaders, learning from prominent people of the African diaspora, and preserving the legacy of those who have shaped our history.

This has remained our primary drive since 2013 when we started our research project in Verona, about the presence of Africans in northern Italy and it has now turned into a global initiative. This is not a one-day project, but we must keep pushing because this is the right thing to do for those who will be here after us.

While listening to Loretta Green-Williams meticulously responding to my questions at the interview, I could see the energy and true commitment in her face. And I really mean that.

“There is a need for a solid foundation,” she said leaving a message to fellow members of the African diaspora community who are interested in learning about their heritage. “You have to read, going back to hundreds of years old literature,” she added, affirming that the 20^th, 19^th, and 18^th centuries had some of the most prolific African diaspora writers and that even though people were not allowed to write, some members of the diaspora community still got their words out.

You might consider seeing our recent article – Banning Books By African Diaspora Authors: What Should You Do Now? where we talked about the government banning books by African diaspora authors.

What this means is that the repression of African diaspora literature has not stopped in a so-called free world or democratic society like the United States. So, we must never stop upholding our name and celebrating our heritage. It’s the least we can do for ourselves. It’s also the reason we must keep celebrating the works of people like Green-Williams.

The acknowledgment from the New Jersey Historical Commission serves as a testament to the significance of Green-Williams’s work in preserving and documenting diaspora history. In a world where marginalized narratives are often overlooked or erased, her efforts shine a spotlight on the resilience and contributions of African diaspora communities.

By documenting their experiences, Green-Williams not only honors African diaspora literature and heritage but also empowers future generations to connect with their roots and identity. In doing so, she paves the way for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history, one that celebrates the diversity and richness of the African diaspora experience.

With her academic pursuits, Green-Williams is surely a leader in creative expression. Alongside her daughter, filmmaker Dana Verde, she co-founded Caribeme Magazine and produced the documentary “Caribeme: New Yorkers of the Caribbean Diaspora.” Through these ventures, Green-Williams amplifies the voices and experiences of diaspora communities, enriching the cultural landscape with diverse narratives.

In recognition of her tireless efforts, Green-Williams was honored with the University of San Francisco’s Fr. Stephen A. Privett Living the Mission Award in 2023. This accolade highlights her unwavering commitment to advancing social justice and fostering inclusivity within academic and community settings.

The Importance of Upholding Dignity and Sharing Stories

The importance of upholding dignity and sharing stories within the African diaspora lies in the affirmation of identity, empowerment, and collective memory. By honoring one’s heritage and narratives, individuals can reaffirm their dignity and assert their place in history, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within their communities.

Sharing stories not only preserves cultural heritage and knowledge but also serves as a tool for empowerment, inspiring resilience, and solidarity in the face of adversity. Through the exchange of narratives, experiences, and perspectives, the African diaspora cultivates understanding, empathy, and connection, forging a collective identity that transcends borders and generations.

See also Arikana Chihombori-Quao: Champion of African Unity, Diaspora Engagement, and Economic Empowerment

At the heart of Green-Williams’s work lies a profound belief in the importance of upholding dignity and sharing stories. By preserving heritage, empowering communities, and fostering connections, she champions a narrative of resilience and strength within the African diaspora.

“If they disrespect you, call them out,” she told me in the interview. She added that white Americans and Europeans by extension have been doing these to African people for over 500 years. It is natural for them to mistreat you. So, watch out and call them out for an order.

Through cultural anthropology and community advocacy, Green-Williams inspires change and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring that their stories are not only heard but also honored for generations to come. This is what this is all about.

Conclusion on Celebrating African Diaspora Heritage

In conclusion, the journey of preserving and sharing African diaspora heritage is one of profound significance. It echoes the resilience and strength of generations past while illuminating paths toward a more inclusive and empowered future.

Upholding dignity and sharing stories not only honors the legacies of those who came before but also empowers individuals to embrace their identity and contribute to a history of diversity and resilience.

As we continue to celebrate and preserve our heritage, let us remember that our stories hold the power to inspire change, foster understanding, and unite communities across the globe.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.