Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about African prints (also known as African wax print, Holland wax, Dutch wax, ankara (Nigeria and other West African nations; kitenge or chitenge in Tanzania and other East African nations, and other names.)
Part II showcases various YouTube videos about African print fabrics/clothing. Part II also features a video that includes Black female vocalists wearing African print fabrics.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/02/online-article-excerpts-about-african.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents excerpts from various online articles about African prints.
Part II showcases various YouTube videos about African print fabrics/clothing. Part II also showcases a vudei if a group of Black female vocalists wearing African print fabrics.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, educational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in this videos and those who published these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
These videos are given in no particular order.
Video #1: DIY WITH ZATHU | A (Brief) History of African Fabric
ZathuNation, Published on May 1, 2015
Join me on a journey to get to know the beautiful continent of Africa through it's diverse and colourful fabrics! (That's right, i said continent NOT country!)
The challenge is on! 54 countries. 54 weeks. 54 African Print DIY's to help you colour your world!
Tiyeninazo!
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
Comments:
1. Ma'at Meru, 2015
"Greetings, I live in Atlanta Georgia area in the states. I have seen fabrics in your videos I have never seen before. I would love to purchase some of these wonderful fabrics. Any suggestions on how I could go about that??? Thanks for your help and I look forward to more videos!!!"
**
REPLY
2.ZathuNation, 2015
"@Ma'at Meru hey there! thanks for watching and subbing!! :-) Hope all is well in the ATL! I purchased most of my fabrics in malawi - though most of them are produced in zambia, nigeria or tanzania - those are some of the leading countries in African prints. Unfortunately, apart from the really big (expensive) brands like Vlisco - there aren't that many online stores where people can purchase fabric. you can check out the following links and see if they work for you. I haven't shopped on them personally but they seem reputable enough:
http://www.anansevillage.com/home/ana/smartlist_62/african_wax_prints.html
http://en.dawanda.com/category/6881-Supplies-Patterned-Fabric-African-Print-Fabric
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tambocollection
http://www.africaimports.com/PSearchResult.asp?selcategory=wp&Tp=&radsort=6
**
3. Luly, 2017
"Do you know that most of these wax fabrics are European? they are from Holland . its called hollandaise dutch wax print. I don't buy them anymore. now that I knowing that I'm making Europe rich. nope. never again... if you all were smart you would do the same"
**
REPLY
4. ZathuNation, 2017
"you should just make sure you buy the ones made in Africa... the fake/cheap kind are usually (but not always) made in china are generally inferior in quality so you can use that when shopping for the real deal. but you shouldnt stop supporting African fabric producers just cause some people choose to counterfeit them...plus think of how much colour you're missing out on! :0)"
**
5. Denise Simpson, 2019
"Great tone for the video. I'm interested in African prints and love the shapes and colors. They fill me with pride."
****
Video #2:QUEENS SING KING
Michael Korte, Published on Dec 17, 2018
Michael Korte presents 'Queens Sing King' a soulful medley of songs from Broadway's Lion King featuring 9 ferocious female vocalists.
đžđŸQueensđžđŸ
Dottie (follow @aphrodottie1) | Lisa Oduor-Noah follow (@lisaoduor) | Trenyce (follow @trenyce1)
Jada Somiah (follow @jada.somiah.music) | Shaylin (follow @shaylinb)
Jada Arnell (follow @Jada_Arnell) | Jeniffer Criss (follow @jenifferlauren)
Bryce Charles (follow @Bryce_Charles) | Lencia Kebede (follow @lenceee_)
đ§ Creator & Producer: Michael Korte đ€ Vocal Arranger: Bryson Camper đ„ Filmed By: Baxter Stapleton đ Stylist: Asia Lee đ Mixed By: Bryson Camper
-snip-
The names of the clothing designers are also given in this summary.
"Queens" here is used as a referent for Black women. I gathered from the comments that these women aren't part of an established vocal group. "Kings" is a referent for the play/movie The Lion King. In this video these women sing a medley of songs from The Lion King.
I chose this video because of the fabulous African print fashions that the women are wearing. However, the music is also great.
****
Video #3: African print fabric wholesale /retailer price hollandais vlisco wax 100% cotton dashiki Ankara Prin
africanprint fashionaccesories, Published on Mar 4, 2017
6 yards $7 ship to USA 5 or more free shipping ship worldwide.
-snip-
The publisher of this video wrote in this videoâs discussion thread âI am from kano state of Nigeriaâ, but noted that this is an online store. The email for that store is Africanprintfashionandaccesori@gmail.com
Disclaimer: I've never shopped at this store and can't vouch for the quality of its products or its reliability.
****
Video #4: Top 50+ African Print Dresses: Stylish African Print Dresses For The Cuties
e-Fashion World, Published on Mar 29, 2017
Top 50+ African Print Dresses: Stylish African Print Dresses For The Cuties . They Are Topnotch African Attires For Categories Of Women.They Comes In Unique,Stylish And Simple Styles That Brings Out The Essence And Beauty Of A Woman.Just Sit Back And Watch This Amazing Video Of Stylish And Dazzling African Prints
This beautiful African fashion design is worn for any occasion; church, funeral, work, and engagements. Letâs explore the latest Kaba and slit styles suitable for various ceremonies in Ghana.
-snip-
Another similar video* noted that "Kaba is the Ghanaian term used for the top half of the common traditional attire the Kaba and Slit; which comprises of the long wrap skirt called the slit (sleet) and the matching blouse the Kaba. An African equivalent of the Western tailored Top and Skirt.
This customary African fashion dress is a very symbolic outfit in the Ghanaian society as it strongly associated with the ladies especially the older folks. African prints (ntoma or ankara) are used for kaba and slit dresses."
*"African Wear Dresses: Latest Kaba and Slit Styles for any Occasion in #2019" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6MEVdI-Jtg
****
Video #5: Kitenge fashion in Africa
Fashion Africa, Published on Feb 3, 2017
Kitenge in Africa is been a trending
Fashion for both men and women
****
Video #6: Largest African fabrics Store in New York!
fabricsusainc, Published on Oct 25, 2018
Largest African Ankara Print Fabric Collection in NYC!! We carry all kind of African fabrics including African wax print, African Lace, Swiss Voile Lace, African Kente Print, Dashiki Print,
African Bazin brocade, Hollandais Print, Vlisco print, Stretch Sequin fabric, Mud cloth, Baule African cloth, Batik Print and more.
Shop on our online retail store: https://www.fabricsusainc.com/
Store Location: 344 West 38th Street, Room: 503, New York, NY10018
Phone: 347-774-5575 or 347-659-6812
-snip-
Disclaimer: I've never shopped at this store and can't vouch for the quality of its products or its reliability.
****
Video #7: Trendy Nigerian Ankara Styles For Ladies; Unique Ankara Designs
Debonke House of Fashion, Published on Feb 16, 2017
Trendy Nigerian Ankara Styles For Ladies; Unique Ankara Designs
****
Video #8: Uthaka wa kitenge
iNooro TV, Published on May 8, 2018
-snip-
This video is from Tanzania. If I'm not mistaken, all of the people in this video are speaking KiSwahili.
****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Online Article Excerpts About African Wax Print (Ankara, Kitenge etc)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about African prints (also known as African wax print, Holland wax, Dutch wax, ankara (Nigeria and other West African nations; kitenge or chitenge in Tanzania and other East African nations, and other names.)
Part I presents various online article excerpts about African wax prints.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/02/videos-of-african-wax-prints-ankara.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases various YouTube videos about African print fabrics/clothing. Part II also features a video that includes Black female vocalists wearing African print fabrics.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, educational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES ABOUT AFRICAN PRINT FABRICS
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_wax_prints
"African wax prints, also known as Ankara and Dutch wax prints, are omnipresent and common materials for clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. They are industrially produced, colorful cotton cloths with batik-inspired printing.[1] One feature of these materials is the lack of difference in the color intensity of the front and back sides. The wax fabric can be sorted into categories of quality due to the processes of manufacturing.
[...]
History
The process to make wax print is originally influenced by batik, an Indonesian (Javanese) method of dyeing cloth by using wax-resist techniques. For batik, wax is melted and then patterned across the blank cloth. From there, the cloth is soaked in dye, which is prevented from covering the entire cloth by the wax. If additional colors are required, the wax-and-soak process is repeated with new patterns.
During the Dutch colonization of Indonesia, Dutch merchants and administrators became familiar with the batik technique. Thanks to this contact, the owners of textile factories in the Netherlands, such as Jean Baptiste Theodore Prévinaire[6]:16 and Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen[7], received examples of batik textiles by the 1850s if not before, and started developing machine printing processes which could imitate batik. They hoped that these much cheaper machine-made imitations could outcompete the original batiks in the Indonesian market, effecting the look of batik without all the labor-intensive work required to make the real thing.
Prévinaire's attempt, part of a broader movement of industrial textile innovation in Haarlem, was the most successful. By 1854[6]:16-17 he had modified a Perrotine, the mechanical block-printing machine invented in 1834 by Louis-JérÎme Perrot, to instead apply a resin to both sides of the cloth.[8]:20 This mechanically applied resin took the place of the wax in the batik process.
Another method, used by several factories including Prévinaire's[6]:18,20 and van Vlissingen's,[7] used the roller printing technology invented in Scotland in the 1780s.
Unfortunately for the Dutch, these imitation wax-resist fabrics did not successfully penetrate the batik market. Among other obstacles, the imitations lacked the distinctive wax smell of the batik fabric.[6]:17-18
Starting in the 1880s,[7][6]:47,50 they did, however, experience a strong reception in West Africa when Dutch and Scottish trading vessels began introducing the fabrics in those ports. Initial demand may have been driven by the taste for batik developed by the Belanda Hitam, West Africans recruited between 1831 and 1872 from the Dutch Gold Coast to serve in the Dutch colonializing army in Indonesia. Many members of the Belanda Hitam retired to Elmina, in modern Ghana, where they may have provided an early market for Dutch imitation batik.[6]:41-46
The success of the trade in West Africa prompted other manufacturers, including Scottish, English, and Swiss manufacturers, to enter the market.
The Dutch wax prints quickly integrated themselves into African apparel, sometimes under names such as âVeritable Dutch Hollandais,â and âWax Hollandaisâ. Women used the fabrics as a method of communication and expression, with certain patterns being used as a shared language, with widely understood meanings. Many patterns began receiving catchy names. Over time, the prints became more African-inspired, and African-owned by the mid-twentieth century. They also began to be used as formal wear by leaders, diplomats, and the wealthy population.
[...]
Before the 1960s most of the African wax fabric sold in West and Central Africa was manufactured in Europe. Today, Africa is home to the production of high quality wax prints.[10] Manufacturers across Africa include ABC Wax, Woodin, Uniwax, Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), and GTP (Ghana Textiles Printing Company); the latter three being part a part of the Vlisco Group.[11] These companies have helped reduce the prices of African wax prints in the continent when compared to European imports.â...
****
Excerpt #2:
From https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nadege-seppou/the-unafricanness-of-afri_b_9801874.html Nadege Seppou, Contributor; Writer, blogger (diasporicliving.com)
The UnAfrican-ness of Africaâs Fabric
04/29/2016 04:24 pm ET Updated Apr 29, 2017
..."During the 1800s Indonesians used a wax resisting dyeing technique for pattern making known as Batik. As a result of colonization Batik was introduced and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. Roller print machines allowed for mass production, however, these imitation fabrics never found foot in the Indonesian market. As a result, French, British, and Dutch companies sought new markets, which they found in Africa.
European wax prints were not originally intended for African markets, yet Africa became the largest consumer of their imitation Batik styles. By the end of the 19th century European fabric companies sold wax fabrics along the Gold Coast on the trading path to Indonesia. These fabrics quickly became synonymous of high quality and fashion throughout West and Central Africa. The presence of an enthusiastic market along the Gold Coast led Dutch companies to adapt the printed pattern styles to West and Central African tastes.
Although âAfricanâ wax fabrics carry designs and prints found in African textile, it isnât authentically African. From weddings to funeral ceremonies, every major event in West and Central African culture almost always requires for its attendees to be adorned with various âAfricanâ print fabrics. In very traditional ceremonies these wax fabrics have major roles to play.
[...]
The widespread popularity and use of wax fabric is an economic gain for its manufacturers. Major producers of âAfricanâ wax are European owned. Before the 1960s every fabric sold in West and Central Africa was manufactured in Europe. Today, Ghana is home to the production of high quality wax prints. Manufacturers in Ghana include Woodin and Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL).
Sadly, Woodin and ATL are subsidiaries of Hollandâs Vlisco and Britainâs ABC Textiles, respectively. The list of top beneficiaries in the African print market is void of African ownership. Multiple Africans have been placed to occupy executive positions (displaying a mirage of African ownership) but the real financial benefits are continuously rendered to outsiders.
Street shops in la Briqueterie, a Hausa neighborhood in Yaoundé Cameroon, strategically display an array of wax fabrics. Pieces of folded cloth hang in front of doors, transforming dusty street roads into beautiful sceneries of splendid patterns and breathtaking colors, a sight worthy of admiration. The atmosphere and scenery of la Briqueterie is a familiar one across West and Central Africa.
[...]
Wearing my Ankara dress around town in the hot New England heat over floods my soul with an overwhelming amount of African pride. A reaffirmation of my African-ness takes place during such moments.
How I wish we possessed the ability to manufacture that which represents us, to have proprietorship over our own culture. Nevertheless, âAfricanâ wax will continue to authenticate and reinstate our African-ness in the diaspora despite it not being authentically African."
****
Excerpt #3:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitenge
"Kitenge or chitenge is an East African, West African and Central African fabric similar to sarong, often worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are colourful pieces of fabric. In the Coastal area of Kenya, and in Tanzania, Kitenges often have Swahili sayings written on them.
Kitenges are similar to kangas and kikoy, but are of a thicker cloth and have an edging on only a long side. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo are some of the African countries where kitenge is worn.[citation needed] In Malawi, Namibia and Zambia, kitenge is known as Chitenge. They are sometimes worn by men around the waist in hot weather. In some countries like Malawi, Chitenges never used to be worn by men until recently when the president encouraged civil servants to buy Malawian products by wearing Chitenje on Fridays.
Kitenges (plural vitenge in Swahili; zitenge in Tonga) serve as an inexpensive, informal piece of clothing that is often decorated with a huge variety of colors, patterns and even political slogans.
The printing on the cloth is done by a traditional batik technique. These are known as wax prints and the design is equally as bright and detailed on the obverse side of the fabric. These days Wax prints are commercially made and are almost completely roller printed. Fancy prints are roller printed with the designs being less colorful or detailed on the obverse side. Many of the designs have a meaning. A large variety of religious and political designs are found as well as traditional tribal patterns. The cloth is used as material for dresses, blouses and pants as well."...
****
Excerpt #4
From https://www.amooti.org/blog/Ankara-fabric/
"Ankara fabric is a popular type of fabric that is used to make African prints. Also referred to as African prints, African wax prints, Holland wax, or even Dutch wax, those who love this kind of fabric know it when they see it. Characterized by its colorful prints, this is what people often associate with African clothing. Hereâs a look at what Ankara fabric is and how itâs used for clothing in Africa, especially in West Africa:
Information About Ankara Fabric
Ankara refers to a method that is used to create prints on fabric. It is usually printed on 100% cotton and features the bright colors and interesting patterns that often characterize African clothing. Unlike other patterned fabrics, the intensity of Ankara fabrics doesnât change that much depending on whether or not you look at the front or the back. Itâs also referred to as âwax printâ because it uses a âwax resistantâ technique that is also common in making the Batik prints that are popular in Indonesia. In fact, the method of creating Ankara prints is influenced by Batik.
History of Ankara Fabric
As mentioned above, the method for creating Ankara fabric has been influenced by the Batik prints that are common in Indonesia. However, there are differences between them that usually related to the way the wax is melted and the types of patterns that are formed. There was a time when Batik was a popular choice for fabric in Africa but it was expensive. During the 1800âs, Dutch companies in Africa developed a new technique called Ankara that produced a similar result. Although this fabric, at the time, failed to compete with Batik, it eventually gained popularity and is still used today. Essentially, the method for creating Ankara that was used back then is still in use today.â....
****
Excerpt #5:
From http://chictrends.co.uk/chictrends-facts-about-african-wax-prints-ankara/ Facts About African Wax Prints Called Ankara
November 5, 2018 By Amy Richardson
"African wax print clothing fabrics (commonly known as âAnkaraâ in West Africa and âKitengeâ in East Africa). It is also known as âAfrican printsâ, âAfrican wax printsâ, âHolland waxâ, and âDutch waxâ. It is 100% cotton fabrics with vibrant patterns. It was first produced in Indonesia. It is usually colorful with different prints designs and patterns. However, there is a massive supply of Ankara fabrics out there and it is pertinent if you are able to spot the fake from the original.
[...]
TEXTURE
The fake Ankara fabrics are rough or coarse while the original fabric is always smoother when touched.
Color And Print Design
African fabrics or Ankara prints tend to have a deeper colour and the fake ones always have a copy printed on one side of the fabric. On the other hand, the real Ankara fabric has the designs printed on both sides and always difficult to differentiate the back from the front.
Water Resistance
If you put a little water and rub it on the body of the material if it wears off then it is fake super fake because fake Ankara materials always wash off its colour when dipped in water.
Size And Length
Any Ankara fabric that is printed in any yard shorter than 12 or 6 yards is fake because original Ankara material is always printed in 12 or 6 yards I.e either printed in full (12 yards) or half yards (6 yardsâŠ
Original Ankara fabrics always have the manufacturerâs name, product name, and design number printed at the selvedge of the fabric.
N/B. The coarseness is the major thing to look out for when buying Ankara fabric.â
-snip-
Here's the definition of "selvedge" from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/selvedge
"selvage
noun
the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric"
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about African prints (also known as African wax print, Holland wax, Dutch wax, ankara (Nigeria and other West African nations; kitenge or chitenge in Tanzania and other East African nations, and other names.)
Part I presents various online article excerpts about African wax prints.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/02/videos-of-african-wax-prints-ankara.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases various YouTube videos about African print fabrics/clothing. Part II also features a video that includes Black female vocalists wearing African print fabrics.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, educational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES ABOUT AFRICAN PRINT FABRICS
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_wax_prints
"African wax prints, also known as Ankara and Dutch wax prints, are omnipresent and common materials for clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. They are industrially produced, colorful cotton cloths with batik-inspired printing.[1] One feature of these materials is the lack of difference in the color intensity of the front and back sides. The wax fabric can be sorted into categories of quality due to the processes of manufacturing.
[...]
History
The process to make wax print is originally influenced by batik, an Indonesian (Javanese) method of dyeing cloth by using wax-resist techniques. For batik, wax is melted and then patterned across the blank cloth. From there, the cloth is soaked in dye, which is prevented from covering the entire cloth by the wax. If additional colors are required, the wax-and-soak process is repeated with new patterns.
During the Dutch colonization of Indonesia, Dutch merchants and administrators became familiar with the batik technique. Thanks to this contact, the owners of textile factories in the Netherlands, such as Jean Baptiste Theodore Prévinaire[6]:16 and Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen[7], received examples of batik textiles by the 1850s if not before, and started developing machine printing processes which could imitate batik. They hoped that these much cheaper machine-made imitations could outcompete the original batiks in the Indonesian market, effecting the look of batik without all the labor-intensive work required to make the real thing.
Prévinaire's attempt, part of a broader movement of industrial textile innovation in Haarlem, was the most successful. By 1854[6]:16-17 he had modified a Perrotine, the mechanical block-printing machine invented in 1834 by Louis-JérÎme Perrot, to instead apply a resin to both sides of the cloth.[8]:20 This mechanically applied resin took the place of the wax in the batik process.
Another method, used by several factories including Prévinaire's[6]:18,20 and van Vlissingen's,[7] used the roller printing technology invented in Scotland in the 1780s.
Unfortunately for the Dutch, these imitation wax-resist fabrics did not successfully penetrate the batik market. Among other obstacles, the imitations lacked the distinctive wax smell of the batik fabric.[6]:17-18
Starting in the 1880s,[7][6]:47,50 they did, however, experience a strong reception in West Africa when Dutch and Scottish trading vessels began introducing the fabrics in those ports. Initial demand may have been driven by the taste for batik developed by the Belanda Hitam, West Africans recruited between 1831 and 1872 from the Dutch Gold Coast to serve in the Dutch colonializing army in Indonesia. Many members of the Belanda Hitam retired to Elmina, in modern Ghana, where they may have provided an early market for Dutch imitation batik.[6]:41-46
The success of the trade in West Africa prompted other manufacturers, including Scottish, English, and Swiss manufacturers, to enter the market.
The Dutch wax prints quickly integrated themselves into African apparel, sometimes under names such as âVeritable Dutch Hollandais,â and âWax Hollandaisâ. Women used the fabrics as a method of communication and expression, with certain patterns being used as a shared language, with widely understood meanings. Many patterns began receiving catchy names. Over time, the prints became more African-inspired, and African-owned by the mid-twentieth century. They also began to be used as formal wear by leaders, diplomats, and the wealthy population.
[...]
Before the 1960s most of the African wax fabric sold in West and Central Africa was manufactured in Europe. Today, Africa is home to the production of high quality wax prints.[10] Manufacturers across Africa include ABC Wax, Woodin, Uniwax, Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), and GTP (Ghana Textiles Printing Company); the latter three being part a part of the Vlisco Group.[11] These companies have helped reduce the prices of African wax prints in the continent when compared to European imports.â...
****
Excerpt #2:
From https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nadege-seppou/the-unafricanness-of-afri_b_9801874.html Nadege Seppou, Contributor; Writer, blogger (diasporicliving.com)
The UnAfrican-ness of Africaâs Fabric
04/29/2016 04:24 pm ET Updated Apr 29, 2017
..."During the 1800s Indonesians used a wax resisting dyeing technique for pattern making known as Batik. As a result of colonization Batik was introduced and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. Roller print machines allowed for mass production, however, these imitation fabrics never found foot in the Indonesian market. As a result, French, British, and Dutch companies sought new markets, which they found in Africa.
European wax prints were not originally intended for African markets, yet Africa became the largest consumer of their imitation Batik styles. By the end of the 19th century European fabric companies sold wax fabrics along the Gold Coast on the trading path to Indonesia. These fabrics quickly became synonymous of high quality and fashion throughout West and Central Africa. The presence of an enthusiastic market along the Gold Coast led Dutch companies to adapt the printed pattern styles to West and Central African tastes.
Although âAfricanâ wax fabrics carry designs and prints found in African textile, it isnât authentically African. From weddings to funeral ceremonies, every major event in West and Central African culture almost always requires for its attendees to be adorned with various âAfricanâ print fabrics. In very traditional ceremonies these wax fabrics have major roles to play.
[...]
The widespread popularity and use of wax fabric is an economic gain for its manufacturers. Major producers of âAfricanâ wax are European owned. Before the 1960s every fabric sold in West and Central Africa was manufactured in Europe. Today, Ghana is home to the production of high quality wax prints. Manufacturers in Ghana include Woodin and Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL).
Sadly, Woodin and ATL are subsidiaries of Hollandâs Vlisco and Britainâs ABC Textiles, respectively. The list of top beneficiaries in the African print market is void of African ownership. Multiple Africans have been placed to occupy executive positions (displaying a mirage of African ownership) but the real financial benefits are continuously rendered to outsiders.
Street shops in la Briqueterie, a Hausa neighborhood in Yaoundé Cameroon, strategically display an array of wax fabrics. Pieces of folded cloth hang in front of doors, transforming dusty street roads into beautiful sceneries of splendid patterns and breathtaking colors, a sight worthy of admiration. The atmosphere and scenery of la Briqueterie is a familiar one across West and Central Africa.
[...]
Wearing my Ankara dress around town in the hot New England heat over floods my soul with an overwhelming amount of African pride. A reaffirmation of my African-ness takes place during such moments.
How I wish we possessed the ability to manufacture that which represents us, to have proprietorship over our own culture. Nevertheless, âAfricanâ wax will continue to authenticate and reinstate our African-ness in the diaspora despite it not being authentically African."
****
Excerpt #3:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitenge
"Kitenge or chitenge is an East African, West African and Central African fabric similar to sarong, often worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are colourful pieces of fabric. In the Coastal area of Kenya, and in Tanzania, Kitenges often have Swahili sayings written on them.
Kitenges are similar to kangas and kikoy, but are of a thicker cloth and have an edging on only a long side. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo are some of the African countries where kitenge is worn.[citation needed] In Malawi, Namibia and Zambia, kitenge is known as Chitenge. They are sometimes worn by men around the waist in hot weather. In some countries like Malawi, Chitenges never used to be worn by men until recently when the president encouraged civil servants to buy Malawian products by wearing Chitenje on Fridays.
Kitenges (plural vitenge in Swahili; zitenge in Tonga) serve as an inexpensive, informal piece of clothing that is often decorated with a huge variety of colors, patterns and even political slogans.
The printing on the cloth is done by a traditional batik technique. These are known as wax prints and the design is equally as bright and detailed on the obverse side of the fabric. These days Wax prints are commercially made and are almost completely roller printed. Fancy prints are roller printed with the designs being less colorful or detailed on the obverse side. Many of the designs have a meaning. A large variety of religious and political designs are found as well as traditional tribal patterns. The cloth is used as material for dresses, blouses and pants as well."...
****
Excerpt #4
From https://www.amooti.org/blog/Ankara-fabric/
"Ankara fabric is a popular type of fabric that is used to make African prints. Also referred to as African prints, African wax prints, Holland wax, or even Dutch wax, those who love this kind of fabric know it when they see it. Characterized by its colorful prints, this is what people often associate with African clothing. Hereâs a look at what Ankara fabric is and how itâs used for clothing in Africa, especially in West Africa:
Information About Ankara Fabric
Ankara refers to a method that is used to create prints on fabric. It is usually printed on 100% cotton and features the bright colors and interesting patterns that often characterize African clothing. Unlike other patterned fabrics, the intensity of Ankara fabrics doesnât change that much depending on whether or not you look at the front or the back. Itâs also referred to as âwax printâ because it uses a âwax resistantâ technique that is also common in making the Batik prints that are popular in Indonesia. In fact, the method of creating Ankara prints is influenced by Batik.
History of Ankara Fabric
As mentioned above, the method for creating Ankara fabric has been influenced by the Batik prints that are common in Indonesia. However, there are differences between them that usually related to the way the wax is melted and the types of patterns that are formed. There was a time when Batik was a popular choice for fabric in Africa but it was expensive. During the 1800âs, Dutch companies in Africa developed a new technique called Ankara that produced a similar result. Although this fabric, at the time, failed to compete with Batik, it eventually gained popularity and is still used today. Essentially, the method for creating Ankara that was used back then is still in use today.â....
****
Excerpt #5:
From http://chictrends.co.uk/chictrends-facts-about-african-wax-prints-ankara/ Facts About African Wax Prints Called Ankara
November 5, 2018 By Amy Richardson
"African wax print clothing fabrics (commonly known as âAnkaraâ in West Africa and âKitengeâ in East Africa). It is also known as âAfrican printsâ, âAfrican wax printsâ, âHolland waxâ, and âDutch waxâ. It is 100% cotton fabrics with vibrant patterns. It was first produced in Indonesia. It is usually colorful with different prints designs and patterns. However, there is a massive supply of Ankara fabrics out there and it is pertinent if you are able to spot the fake from the original.
[...]
TEXTURE
The fake Ankara fabrics are rough or coarse while the original fabric is always smoother when touched.
Color And Print Design
African fabrics or Ankara prints tend to have a deeper colour and the fake ones always have a copy printed on one side of the fabric. On the other hand, the real Ankara fabric has the designs printed on both sides and always difficult to differentiate the back from the front.
Water Resistance
If you put a little water and rub it on the body of the material if it wears off then it is fake super fake because fake Ankara materials always wash off its colour when dipped in water.
Size And Length
Any Ankara fabric that is printed in any yard shorter than 12 or 6 yards is fake because original Ankara material is always printed in 12 or 6 yards I.e either printed in full (12 yards) or half yards (6 yardsâŠ
Original Ankara fabrics always have the manufacturerâs name, product name, and design number printed at the selvedge of the fabric.
N/B. The coarseness is the major thing to look out for when buying Ankara fabric.â
-snip-
Here's the definition of "selvedge" from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/selvedge
"selvage
noun
the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric"
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Adrian Worsley & Dwayne Lightsey Sing A Gospelized Spiritual Version Of "Didn't It Rain"
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a rendition of "Didn't It Rain" that I would categorizes as a "Gospelized Spiritual*".
Information about early versions of "Didn't It Rain" is included in this post along with my attempted transcription of a "Gospelized" version of this song.
[Update]: This post also includes a 2005 video of "Didn't It Rain" as performed by The Bethune Cookman College Concert Chorale (with Dwayne Lightsey singing lead and Adrian Worsley playing the organ).
Thanks to the unknown composer/s of this song. Thanks to Adrian Worsley and Dwayne Lightsey (Rowoches) for their rendition of "Didn't It Rain" and their publication of this video on YouTube. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Special thanks to Gigi Erba from Italy for requesting a transcription of this song.
-snip-
* I coined the term "Gospelized Spirituals" to refer to African American Spirituals that are performed in a Black Gospel style. "Gospelized hymns", a closely related term, refers to hymns that are sung in a Black Gospel style.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/didnt-it-rain-gospel-song-lyrics.html for a 2014 pancocojams post entitled "Didn't It Rain" (Gospel song lyrics & examples).
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SPIRITUAL "DIDN'T IT RAIN"
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didn%27t_It_Rain
""Didn't It Rain", sometimes given as "Oh, Didn't It Rain", is an American gospel song.[1] It originated as a Negro spiritual or work song,[2] and appeared in sheet music for piano art song form in a 1919 arrangement by Henry Thacker Burleigh (1866â1949).[3]
References:
1. The American Journal of Religious Psychology and Education 3, p. 350. Granville Stanley Hall, Alexander Francis Chamberlain - 1909: "The present-day song that apparently originated in the above song is less elaborate, having only portions of the old song, and not being much in demand. It, too, is called "Didn't it rain?" God told Noah 'bout de rainbow sign â Lawd, didn't it ".
2. Newman I. White, American Negro Folk-Songs, 1928, p. 141: "Did n't it rain" occurs in Negro work songs. Cf. Odum, 1925, p. 129. Old Jonah got mad cause de rain kept a droppin', Did n't it rain, O didn't it rain! It rained forty days; forty nights without stoppin', O did n't it rain, Did n't it rain! C Reported from [text ends here]"...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: "Didn't It Rain"- Adrian & Dwayne
Rowoches, Published on Feb 17, 2016
My buddy, Adrian, and I were reminiscing about our days at Bethune-Cookman, as well as our days as members of the B-CC Concert Chorale, and decided to pull another song out of the bag. "Didn't It Rain" is a song you've heard me sing many times. It's the song that I led with the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale. Enjoy!
****
LYRICS*: DIDN'T IT RAIN
(as sung by Adrian & Dwayne in the YouTube video embedded in this post.)
First voice: Didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain, oh my Lord.
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh my lord didnât it rain.
Well, didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain all night long
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh oh oh my Lord didnât it rain.
Oh it rained forty days forty nights without stopping
Wonât we be glad when the rain stop droppin
Knock knock at the window
Knock at the door
Cryin "Brother Noah wonât you take one more"
"No", cried Noah. "Youâre full of sin
God got the key and you canât get in."
Just listen
Second voice: (to the rain)
To the rain
Just listen
(just listen)
To the rain
Just listen
(to the rain)
To the rain
Just listen
(just listen)
To the rain
Stop moanin
Stop moanin
Stop moanin
Ohhhhhh
Ohooooo
Oh ohohohohoh
mmmm
Listen
(to the rain)
To the rain
Listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Some mornin
(listen to the rain)
Some dawnin
(listen to the rain)
Stop cryin
(listen to the rain)
Start prayin
(listen to the rain)
just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain, oh my Lord
Oh my lord didnât it rain.
Ohhhhh-oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
God sent a raven to spread the news
He height his wings and away he flew
To the north
To the east
To the west
And to the south
All day
And all night
All night
And all day
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
[The second voice repeats this line after every line that the first voice sings]
To the rain
Just listen
To the rain
Water risin[g]
In the mornin
Water risin
In the noon day
Water risin
In the evenin
Water kept risin late at night
Water kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
All day the raven flew
The raven flew
Couldnât find no land
No where
In the north
In the south
In the east
In the west
All day
All night
Listen to the rain
Just listen to the rain
Drip
Drop
Drip
Drop
Drip
Drop
Drip drippy drip drippy drip drippy drip [sings extemporaneously]
Drippy drip drippy drip
[This next part is sung without the second voice singing]
Didnât it rain, children
Talkin bout rain Oh my Lord
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh oh Lord, didnât it rain
[instrumental
-first voice: Hey!-
[end of Instrumental]
Well it rained 40 days
And it rained 40 nights
There wasnât no land no where in sight
When I get to heaven gonna put on shoes
Walk around heaven gonna spread the news
It rained
(listen to the rain)
All day
It rained
(Listen to the rain)
All night
(Listen to the rain)
All day
(Listen to the rain)
All night
(Listen to the rain)
In the morning
(Listen to the rain)
in the evening
(Listen to the rain)
Oh it rained
(Listen to the rain)
it rained
(listen to the rain)
Well it rained all day
(listen to the rain)
and it rained all night
(listen to the rain)
It wasnât no land no where in sight
(listen to the rain)
Ohhhhhhhh hhhh- hhhh- hhh
Didnât it rain, children
Rain oh my Lord
Oh my Lord
[Oh, my Lord]
Didnât it rain
Hallelujah.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from this embedded video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
The words sung by the "second voice" are given in parenthesis.
Additions and corrections are welcome for this transcription.
****
UPDATE: Video: "Didn't It Rain"- Dwayne Lightsey & the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale
Rowoches, Published on Aug 9, 2008
February 9, 2005 at New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida.
The Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele, sings "Didn't It Rain," with none other than your host of the YouTube channel, Rowoches.
Chris Watford- Clav (Piano)
Adrian Worsley- Organ
Brandon Williams- Drums
**The song fades out for a few seconds at the end, but fades back in.**
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases a rendition of "Didn't It Rain" that I would categorizes as a "Gospelized Spiritual*".
Information about early versions of "Didn't It Rain" is included in this post along with my attempted transcription of a "Gospelized" version of this song.
[Update]: This post also includes a 2005 video of "Didn't It Rain" as performed by The Bethune Cookman College Concert Chorale (with Dwayne Lightsey singing lead and Adrian Worsley playing the organ).
Thanks to the unknown composer/s of this song. Thanks to Adrian Worsley and Dwayne Lightsey (Rowoches) for their rendition of "Didn't It Rain" and their publication of this video on YouTube. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Special thanks to Gigi Erba from Italy for requesting a transcription of this song.
-snip-
* I coined the term "Gospelized Spirituals" to refer to African American Spirituals that are performed in a Black Gospel style. "Gospelized hymns", a closely related term, refers to hymns that are sung in a Black Gospel style.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/didnt-it-rain-gospel-song-lyrics.html for a 2014 pancocojams post entitled "Didn't It Rain" (Gospel song lyrics & examples).
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SPIRITUAL "DIDN'T IT RAIN"
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didn%27t_It_Rain
""Didn't It Rain", sometimes given as "Oh, Didn't It Rain", is an American gospel song.[1] It originated as a Negro spiritual or work song,[2] and appeared in sheet music for piano art song form in a 1919 arrangement by Henry Thacker Burleigh (1866â1949).[3]
References:
1. The American Journal of Religious Psychology and Education 3, p. 350. Granville Stanley Hall, Alexander Francis Chamberlain - 1909: "The present-day song that apparently originated in the above song is less elaborate, having only portions of the old song, and not being much in demand. It, too, is called "Didn't it rain?" God told Noah 'bout de rainbow sign â Lawd, didn't it ".
2. Newman I. White, American Negro Folk-Songs, 1928, p. 141: "Did n't it rain" occurs in Negro work songs. Cf. Odum, 1925, p. 129. Old Jonah got mad cause de rain kept a droppin', Did n't it rain, O didn't it rain! It rained forty days; forty nights without stoppin', O did n't it rain, Did n't it rain! C Reported from [text ends here]"...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: "Didn't It Rain"- Adrian & Dwayne
Rowoches, Published on Feb 17, 2016
My buddy, Adrian, and I were reminiscing about our days at Bethune-Cookman, as well as our days as members of the B-CC Concert Chorale, and decided to pull another song out of the bag. "Didn't It Rain" is a song you've heard me sing many times. It's the song that I led with the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale. Enjoy!
****
LYRICS*: DIDN'T IT RAIN
(as sung by Adrian & Dwayne in the YouTube video embedded in this post.)
First voice: Didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain, oh my Lord.
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh my lord didnât it rain.
Well, didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain all night long
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh oh oh my Lord didnât it rain.
Oh it rained forty days forty nights without stopping
Wonât we be glad when the rain stop droppin
Knock knock at the window
Knock at the door
Cryin "Brother Noah wonât you take one more"
"No", cried Noah. "Youâre full of sin
God got the key and you canât get in."
Just listen
Second voice: (to the rain)
To the rain
Just listen
(just listen)
To the rain
Just listen
(to the rain)
To the rain
Just listen
(just listen)
To the rain
Stop moanin
Stop moanin
Stop moanin
Ohhhhhh
Ohooooo
Oh ohohohohoh
mmmm
Listen
(to the rain)
To the rain
Listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Some mornin
(listen to the rain)
Some dawnin
(listen to the rain)
Stop cryin
(listen to the rain)
Start prayin
(listen to the rain)
just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
Didnât it rain, children
Talkin about
Rain, oh my Lord
Oh my lord didnât it rain.
Ohhhhh-oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
God sent a raven to spread the news
He height his wings and away he flew
To the north
To the east
To the west
And to the south
All day
And all night
All night
And all day
Just listen
(listen to the rain)
[The second voice repeats this line after every line that the first voice sings]
To the rain
Just listen
To the rain
Water risin[g]
In the mornin
Water risin
In the noon day
Water risin
In the evenin
Water kept risin late at night
Water kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
Kept on risin
All day the raven flew
The raven flew
Couldnât find no land
No where
In the north
In the south
In the east
In the west
All day
All night
Listen to the rain
Just listen to the rain
Drip
Drop
Drip
Drop
Drip
Drop
Drip drippy drip drippy drip drippy drip [sings extemporaneously]
Drippy drip drippy drip
[This next part is sung without the second voice singing]
Didnât it rain, children
Talkin bout rain Oh my Lord
Didnât it
Didnât it
Didnât it
Oh oh Lord, didnât it rain
[instrumental
-first voice: Hey!-
[end of Instrumental]
Well it rained 40 days
And it rained 40 nights
There wasnât no land no where in sight
When I get to heaven gonna put on shoes
Walk around heaven gonna spread the news
It rained
(listen to the rain)
All day
It rained
(Listen to the rain)
All night
(Listen to the rain)
All day
(Listen to the rain)
All night
(Listen to the rain)
In the morning
(Listen to the rain)
in the evening
(Listen to the rain)
Oh it rained
(Listen to the rain)
it rained
(listen to the rain)
Well it rained all day
(listen to the rain)
and it rained all night
(listen to the rain)
It wasnât no land no where in sight
(listen to the rain)
Ohhhhhhhh hhhh- hhhh- hhh
Didnât it rain, children
Rain oh my Lord
Oh my Lord
[Oh, my Lord]
Didnât it rain
Hallelujah.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from this embedded video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
The words sung by the "second voice" are given in parenthesis.
Additions and corrections are welcome for this transcription.
****
UPDATE: Video: "Didn't It Rain"- Dwayne Lightsey & the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale
Rowoches, Published on Aug 9, 2008
February 9, 2005 at New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida.
The Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele, sings "Didn't It Rain," with none other than your host of the YouTube channel, Rowoches.
Chris Watford- Clav (Piano)
Adrian Worsley- Organ
Brandon Williams- Drums
**The song fades out for a few seconds at the end, but fades back in.**
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Three Black Gospelized Versions of the Late 19th Century Hymn "Tis The Old Ship Of Zion"
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases videos of Black Gospelized* versions of the hymn "Tis The Old Ship Of Zion".
"The Old Ship of Zion" is a Christian hymn written by M. J. Cartwright sometime around 1889 (exact date not known), played to a tune written by Daniel B. Towner." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Ship_of_Zion
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the author of this late 19th century hymn. Thanks also to all the vocalists who are showcased in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
I coined the term "gospelized hymns" to refer to hymns that are performed in a Black Gospel style. "Gospelized Spirituals", a closely related term, refers to African American Spirituals that are sung in a Black Gospel style.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS:
Example #1: Rev C.L Franklin- "The Old Ship Of Zion"
DaSourcespr06, Published on Jul 15, 2008
The Rev C.L Franklin of New Bethel Baptist Church with "The Old Ship of Zion'. Listening to this, one can see why he was called "The Man With the million dollar vocals"!
-snip-
The Rev. C. L. Franklin was the father of R&B singer Aretha Franklin.
****
Example #2: Tis the Old Ship of Zion (a must watch) Part 1
poohdalu, Published on Feb 27, 2010
Watch and listen to Pastor Robert Welch sing this old time hymn! Make sure you watch out for part 2!
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Ship_of_Zion
"The Old Ship of Zion" is a Christian hymn written by M. J. Cartwright sometime around 1889 (exact date not known), played to a tune written by Daniel B. Towner."
-snip-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAWG0l-9wsg&t=4s for Part II which is a video of Pastor Robert Welch praying.
Note: Royalty_Spinz, a commenter in the discussion thread for Part II, wrote in 2014 "My home pastor of Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Decatur Ga Dr. Robert S. Welch! Yes sir! ï»żï»ż Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Decatur Ga"
****
Example #3: The Jackson Southernaires - The Old Ship Of Zion
malacomg, Published on Nov 2, 2010
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases videos of Black Gospelized* versions of the hymn "Tis The Old Ship Of Zion".
"The Old Ship of Zion" is a Christian hymn written by M. J. Cartwright sometime around 1889 (exact date not known), played to a tune written by Daniel B. Towner." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Ship_of_Zion
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the author of this late 19th century hymn. Thanks also to all the vocalists who are showcased in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
I coined the term "gospelized hymns" to refer to hymns that are performed in a Black Gospel style. "Gospelized Spirituals", a closely related term, refers to African American Spirituals that are sung in a Black Gospel style.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS:
Example #1: Rev C.L Franklin- "The Old Ship Of Zion"
DaSourcespr06, Published on Jul 15, 2008
The Rev C.L Franklin of New Bethel Baptist Church with "The Old Ship of Zion'. Listening to this, one can see why he was called "The Man With the million dollar vocals"!
-snip-
The Rev. C. L. Franklin was the father of R&B singer Aretha Franklin.
****
Example #2: Tis the Old Ship of Zion (a must watch) Part 1
poohdalu, Published on Feb 27, 2010
Watch and listen to Pastor Robert Welch sing this old time hymn! Make sure you watch out for part 2!
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Ship_of_Zion
"The Old Ship of Zion" is a Christian hymn written by M. J. Cartwright sometime around 1889 (exact date not known), played to a tune written by Daniel B. Towner."
-snip-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAWG0l-9wsg&t=4s for Part II which is a video of Pastor Robert Welch praying.
Note: Royalty_Spinz, a commenter in the discussion thread for Part II, wrote in 2014 "My home pastor of Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Decatur Ga Dr. Robert S. Welch! Yes sir! ï»żï»ż Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Decatur Ga"
****
Example #3: The Jackson Southernaires - The Old Ship Of Zion
malacomg, Published on Nov 2, 2010
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Some Early Examples Of The Children's Rhyme "Once Upon A Time The Goose Drank Wine"
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Revision: December 14, 2022
This pancocojams post showcases videos and early examples of the English language children's rhyme "Once Upon A Time The Goose Drank Wine".
The content of this post is presented for recreational, folkloric, educational, and aesthetic purposes.
All rights to this material remain with their owners.
Thanks to the un-named composers of the children's rhyme "3 6 9 The Goose Drank Wine" ("Once Upon A Time The Goose Drank Wine"). Thanks to Lincoln Chase for his composition "The Clapping Song" and thanks to Shirley Ellis, and others for her performance of that song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Most of the content in this post was originally published in http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/3-6-9-goose-drank-wine-clapping-song.html [August 2012]. A number of comments are also found in that post.
****
1863 VERSION OF THIS RHYME FROM A CHARLES DICKEN'S STORY
"I've just come across the following in one of Charles Dickens' Christmas Stories. It's entitled Mrs Lirriper's Lodgings and dated 1863.
A young boy by the name of Jemmy is relating a story and it begins with:
'Once upon a time, When pigs drank wine,
And monkeys chewed tobaccer,
Twas neither in your time nor mine,
But that's no macker ----'"
-comment from Anonymous, Dec. 14, 2022
Thanks for sharing this version, Anonymous!
****
EXAMPLE FROM THOMAS W. TALLEY'S 1922 BOOK "NEGRO FOLK RHYMES: WISE AND OTHERWISE
****
OTHER EARLY RHYME EXAMPLES
From http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=5088 "Lyr Req: Once upon a time, the Goose drank wine..."
Example #1:
Our version is South Carolina was:
Once upon a time, a goose chewed wine
Billy goat a'settin' on the streetcar line
Streetcar broke, the monkey got choked
and they all went to heaven on a nanny goat."
-Guest,WadeHP; Date: 04 Nov 03 - 01:18 PM
****
Example #2
My version is a little diffrerent. I grew up in the south in the 1930's and we sang it this way:
"Once upon a time, The goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line.
The streetcar broke and the monkey choked,
And they all went to heaven on a dead billy goat."
Now, ain't that a hoot???
****
Example #3
This is the "goose drank wine" rhyme as I remember it from my childhood in the 1950's. I don't recall any game or activity associated with it; we just recited it.
Once upon a time
the goose drank wine;
the hen pecked corn
off the streetcar line.
The streetcar broke
the monkey got choked
Steamboat! Steamboat!
Holler like a Nanny Goat!
Guest,Terry Mount; Date: 05 Apr 04 - 11:26 AM
****
Example #4:
All of the above versions seem to be American.
For a possibly earlier English chant obviously related.(1950s Yorkshire)
Once upon a time when pigs ate/sh^t* lime
And monkeys chewed tobacco,
The little piggy run with his finger up his bum,
To see what was the matter.
I'm sure I've seen other British variants too.
Ah here we are.
Chambers Popular Rhymes of Scotland p57
Lang syne, when geese were swine,
And turkeys chewed tobacco,
And birds biggit their nests in auld men's beards
And mowdies del't potawtoes--
which kicks off a folk tale called The Wife and her Bush of Berries.
I have another half dozen versions from various parts of Britain.
-Steve Gardham; Date: 29 Jul 09 - 07:09 PM
Editor:
*The "s" word is fully spelled out in this post.
****
Example #5
My mother-in-law, Marguerite LeMieux Marsh, taught me a version of this rhyme that she learned in Orono, Maine in the 1920s.
"Once upon a time when a goose drank wine,
and a monkey chewed tobacco on a streetcar line.
The streetcar broke. The monkey told a joke.
And they all went to heaven in a little tin boat."
This may have been one of the first rhymes she learned in English, as they spoke French at home, and her knowledge of English was rather scanty when she first went to school.
-Guest,Silvia Wilson; Date: 29 Jul 09 - 11:02 AM
****
Example #6
Once upon a time the goose drank wine the monkey played the fiddle on the sweet potato vine..The vine broke the monkey choked they all went to heaven on a billy goat I learned that verse from my Gradmother (Louisiana)
-GUEST,Beckie In louisiana; Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:51 PM
****
Example #7
Same meter, similar verse from Hopalong Peter- might have been a ropeskip verse?
Old mother Hubbard and her dog were Dutch
A bow-legged rooster and he hobbled on a crutch
The hen chewed tobacco and the duck drank wine
The goose played the fiddle on the pumpkin vine
-iancarterb; Date: 15 Jan 10 - 10:35 PM
-snip-
Click http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org/RmOlSngs/RTOS-Hopalong.html for information, lyrics, and a music score of the song "Hopalong Peter".
The author of that lizlyle... post writes that "Hopalong Peter isn't very widely collected, and I suspect that means it isn't very old. There seem to have been two recordings on 78s..."
****
Example #8
"Once upon a time a goose drank wine a monkey chewed tobacco on the trolly line the trolly broke the monkey choked and they all lived together in a little tin boat. followed by a shave and a hair cut"
-GUEST,karen, Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:02 AM
**
Example #9
From: GUEST,Bob K, Oak Hill, VA
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 05:58 PM
"The version I know, circa 1951, is almost identical to the one posted by the person who said "I grew up in the south in the 1930's." I learned it from my father, who grew up in Louisville,KY in the 1920's:
"Once upon a time, the goose drank wine.
A monkey chewed tobacco on a streetcar line.
The streetcar broke. The monkey choked,
And they all went to heaven on a billy goat.""...
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Video #2: Belle Stars - The clapping song 1982
Uploaded by fritz5135 on Aug 30, 2010
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Video #3: 2012 Beetle High Five Volkswagen Commercial
Uploaded by openwheel6 on Sep 19, 2011
I did the driving for this commercial. I do not own the rights to this commercial.
****
RELATED LINKS
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYQ1lkP1j_g for a video of "Red Red Wine".
Also click http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/babymama/redredwine.htm for the lyrics of that song.
**
A verse from UB 40's 1983 Reggae song "Red Red Wine" has very similar lyrics to the children's playground rhyme "Once Upon A Time [or "3-6-9"] The Goose Drank Wine":
"Red red wine you make me feel so fine
Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line"
-snip-
From Arbuthnot, Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:10 AM on Mudcat link given above:
"Rizla is what the English call those cigarette papers - the manufacturers are a company called Riz, La Croix (translates as Rice and Cross), and they shortened the name to Riz La+ on the packets!"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Latest Revision: December 14, 2022
This pancocojams post showcases videos and early examples of the English language children's rhyme "Once Upon A Time The Goose Drank Wine".
The content of this post is presented for recreational, folkloric, educational, and aesthetic purposes.
All rights to this material remain with their owners.
Thanks to the un-named composers of the children's rhyme "3 6 9 The Goose Drank Wine" ("Once Upon A Time The Goose Drank Wine"). Thanks to Lincoln Chase for his composition "The Clapping Song" and thanks to Shirley Ellis, and others for her performance of that song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Most of the content in this post was originally published in http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/3-6-9-goose-drank-wine-clapping-song.html [August 2012]. A number of comments are also found in that post.
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1863 VERSION OF THIS RHYME FROM A CHARLES DICKEN'S STORY
"I've just come across the following in one of Charles Dickens' Christmas Stories. It's entitled Mrs Lirriper's Lodgings and dated 1863.
A young boy by the name of Jemmy is relating a story and it begins with:
'Once upon a time, When pigs drank wine,
And monkeys chewed tobaccer,
Twas neither in your time nor mine,
But that's no macker ----'"
-comment from Anonymous, Dec. 14, 2022
Thanks for sharing this version, Anonymous!
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EXAMPLE FROM THOMAS W. TALLEY'S 1922 BOOK "NEGRO FOLK RHYMES: WISE AND OTHERWISE
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Negro Folk Rhymes, by Thomas W. Talley
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
Title: Negro Folk Rhymes
Wise and Otherwise: With a Study
Author: Thomas W. Talley
[originally published 1922][page 99]A FULL POCKETBOOK
De goose at de barn, he feel mighty funny,
Caze de duck find a pocketbook chug full o' money.
De goose say: "Whar is you gwine, my Sonny?"
An' de duck, he say: "Now good-by, Honey."
De duck chaw terbacker an' de goose drink wine,
Wid a stuffed pocketbook dey shĆ' had a good time;
De grasshopper played de fiddle on a punkin vine
'Till dey all fall over on a sorter dead line.
****
OTHER EARLY RHYME EXAMPLES
From http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=5088 "Lyr Req: Once upon a time, the Goose drank wine..."
Example #1:
Our version is South Carolina was:
Once upon a time, a goose chewed wine
Billy goat a'settin' on the streetcar line
Streetcar broke, the monkey got choked
and they all went to heaven on a nanny goat."
-Guest,WadeHP; Date: 04 Nov 03 - 01:18 PM
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Example #2
My version is a little diffrerent. I grew up in the south in the 1930's and we sang it this way:
"Once upon a time, The goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line.
The streetcar broke and the monkey choked,
And they all went to heaven on a dead billy goat."
Now, ain't that a hoot???
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Example #3
This is the "goose drank wine" rhyme as I remember it from my childhood in the 1950's. I don't recall any game or activity associated with it; we just recited it.
Once upon a time
the goose drank wine;
the hen pecked corn
off the streetcar line.
The streetcar broke
the monkey got choked
Steamboat! Steamboat!
Holler like a Nanny Goat!
Guest,Terry Mount; Date: 05 Apr 04 - 11:26 AM
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Example #4:
All of the above versions seem to be American.
For a possibly earlier English chant obviously related.(1950s Yorkshire)
Once upon a time when pigs ate/sh^t* lime
And monkeys chewed tobacco,
The little piggy run with his finger up his bum,
To see what was the matter.
I'm sure I've seen other British variants too.
Ah here we are.
Chambers Popular Rhymes of Scotland p57
Lang syne, when geese were swine,
And turkeys chewed tobacco,
And birds biggit their nests in auld men's beards
And mowdies del't potawtoes--
which kicks off a folk tale called The Wife and her Bush of Berries.
I have another half dozen versions from various parts of Britain.
-Steve Gardham; Date: 29 Jul 09 - 07:09 PM
Editor:
*The "s" word is fully spelled out in this post.
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Example #5
My mother-in-law, Marguerite LeMieux Marsh, taught me a version of this rhyme that she learned in Orono, Maine in the 1920s.
"Once upon a time when a goose drank wine,
and a monkey chewed tobacco on a streetcar line.
The streetcar broke. The monkey told a joke.
And they all went to heaven in a little tin boat."
This may have been one of the first rhymes she learned in English, as they spoke French at home, and her knowledge of English was rather scanty when she first went to school.
-Guest,Silvia Wilson; Date: 29 Jul 09 - 11:02 AM
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Example #6
Once upon a time the goose drank wine the monkey played the fiddle on the sweet potato vine..The vine broke the monkey choked they all went to heaven on a billy goat I learned that verse from my Gradmother (Louisiana)
-GUEST,Beckie In louisiana; Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:51 PM
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Example #7
Same meter, similar verse from Hopalong Peter- might have been a ropeskip verse?
Old mother Hubbard and her dog were Dutch
A bow-legged rooster and he hobbled on a crutch
The hen chewed tobacco and the duck drank wine
The goose played the fiddle on the pumpkin vine
-iancarterb; Date: 15 Jan 10 - 10:35 PM
-snip-
Click http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org/RmOlSngs/RTOS-Hopalong.html for information, lyrics, and a music score of the song "Hopalong Peter".
The author of that lizlyle... post writes that "Hopalong Peter isn't very widely collected, and I suspect that means it isn't very old. There seem to have been two recordings on 78s..."
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Example #8
"Once upon a time a goose drank wine a monkey chewed tobacco on the trolly line the trolly broke the monkey choked and they all lived together in a little tin boat. followed by a shave and a hair cut"
-GUEST,karen, Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:02 AM
**
Example #9
From: GUEST,Bob K, Oak Hill, VA
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 05:58 PM
"The version I know, circa 1951, is almost identical to the one posted by the person who said "I grew up in the south in the 1930's." I learned it from my father, who grew up in Louisville,KY in the 1920's:
"Once upon a time, the goose drank wine.
A monkey chewed tobacco on a streetcar line.
The streetcar broke. The monkey choked,
And they all went to heaven on a billy goat.""...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT RHYTHM & BLUES SONG ENTITLED "THE CLAPPING SONG"
The song returned to the charts in 1982, when the Belle Stars' version charted at number 11 in the U.K. This version did not chart in the U.S."
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SONG LYRICS: THE CLAPPING GAME
"The Clapping Game" lyrics also include a version of the American children's rhyme "Once Upon A Time" (The Goose Drank Wine)". Thhis rhyme is also known as "3 6 9 (The Goose Drank Wine)".
Here's information about that R&B song from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clapping_Song:
"The Clapping Song" is an American song, written by Lincoln Chase, originally arranged by Charles Callello and recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965. The song was released shortly after Ellis had released "The Name Game". The lyrics of "The Clapping Song" were borrowed from the song "Little Rubber Dolly", a 1930s song recorded by the Light Crust Doughboys, and also feature instructions for a clapping game. The song made it to #8 on the charts.The song returned to the charts in 1982, when the Belle Stars' version charted at number 11 in the U.K. This version did not chart in the U.S."
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SONG LYRICS: THE CLAPPING GAME
(Lincoln Chase)
Three, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line
The line broke, the monkey got choked,
They all went to heaven in a little row-boat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, pat it on your partner's hand (right hand)
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, cross it with your left arm, pat your partner's left palm
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, pat your partner's right palm with your right palm again
Clap-Slap: Clap your hands, slap your thighs, and sing a little song; go:
My mother told me
If I was good-ee
That she would buy me
A rubber dolly
My aunty told her
I kissed a soldier
Now she won't buy me
A rubber dolly
Three, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line
The line broke, the monkey got choked,
They all went to heaven in a little row-boat
Clap-clap: Clap you hands and prepare to pat
Pat: Take your right arm pat your partner's right palm with your right palm
Clap: Take your hands back and clap
Pat: Take you right arm cross your right arm with your left arm pat your partner's left palm with your left palm.
Clap: Take your hands back and clap
Pat: Take your right arm cros your left arm and pat your partner's right palm with your right palm.
Clap: Now back, with a clap
Take the flats of your palms and slap your thighs and watch the fun materialize as you sing this little song:
My mother told me
If I was good-ee
That she would buy me
A rubber dolly
My aunty told her
I kissed a soldier
Now she won't buy me
A rubber dolly
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
From http://www.lyricsbay.com/the_clapping_song_lyrics-shirley_ellis.html
-snip-
The Belle Stars sung the same song lyrics as Shirley Ellis.
Three, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line
The line broke, the monkey got choked,
They all went to heaven in a little row-boat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, pat it on your partner's hand (right hand)
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, cross it with your left arm, pat your partner's left palm
Clap-Pat: Clap your hand, pat your partner's right palm with your right palm again
Clap-Slap: Clap your hands, slap your thighs, and sing a little song; go:
My mother told me
If I was good-ee
That she would buy me
A rubber dolly
My aunty told her
I kissed a soldier
Now she won't buy me
A rubber dolly
Three, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line
The line broke, the monkey got choked,
They all went to heaven in a little row-boat
Clap-clap: Clap you hands and prepare to pat
Pat: Take your right arm pat your partner's right palm with your right palm
Clap: Take your hands back and clap
Pat: Take you right arm cross your right arm with your left arm pat your partner's left palm with your left palm.
Clap: Take your hands back and clap
Pat: Take your right arm cros your left arm and pat your partner's right palm with your right palm.
Clap: Now back, with a clap
Take the flats of your palms and slap your thighs and watch the fun materialize as you sing this little song:
My mother told me
If I was good-ee
That she would buy me
A rubber dolly
My aunty told her
I kissed a soldier
Now she won't buy me
A rubber dolly
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Pat
Clap-Slap
From http://www.lyricsbay.com/the_clapping_song_lyrics-shirley_ellis.html
-snip-
The Belle Stars sung the same song lyrics as Shirley Ellis.
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FEATURED VIDEOS
KW 03 SHIRLEY ELLIS The Clapping Song
KW 03 SHIRLEY ELLIS The Clapping Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltxwB_Sl8w8&ab_channel=BLOWUPBONN
BLOW UP BON, Jan 17, 2016
-snip-
Here's a summary of this song from the video that was previously embedded in this post but is no longer available:
"New York vocalist and composer Shirley Ellis was in the Metronomes before earning fame as co-composer and performer of some enjoyable soul novelty tunes in the mid-'60s. These included the Top Ten R&B hits "The Nitty Gritty" and "The Name Game." "The Name Game" was co-written with her manager and husband Lincoln Chase, and peaked at number four R&B and number three pop in 1965. She and Chase also collaborated on the follow-up, "The Clapping Song (Clap Pat Clap Slap)," which reached number 16 R&B, but also represented the end of the creative line for the trend. Ellis landed one final moderately successful, more conventional soul tune two years later, "Soul Time." All except "Soul Time" were recorded for Congress; she had moved to Columbia by 1967, when "Soul Time" was issued. ~ Ron Wynn," Rovi
-snip-
The copy of the earlier YouTube video that was embedded in this post was taken from a television dance series called "Shivaree" (Mar 20, 1965). This film clip probably is the same film clip.
BLOW UP BON, Jan 17, 2016
-snip-
Here's a summary of this song from the video that was previously embedded in this post but is no longer available:
"New York vocalist and composer Shirley Ellis was in the Metronomes before earning fame as co-composer and performer of some enjoyable soul novelty tunes in the mid-'60s. These included the Top Ten R&B hits "The Nitty Gritty" and "The Name Game." "The Name Game" was co-written with her manager and husband Lincoln Chase, and peaked at number four R&B and number three pop in 1965. She and Chase also collaborated on the follow-up, "The Clapping Song (Clap Pat Clap Slap)," which reached number 16 R&B, but also represented the end of the creative line for the trend. Ellis landed one final moderately successful, more conventional soul tune two years later, "Soul Time." All except "Soul Time" were recorded for Congress; she had moved to Columbia by 1967, when "Soul Time" was issued. ~ Ron Wynn," Rovi
-snip-
The copy of the earlier YouTube video that was embedded in this post was taken from a television dance series called "Shivaree" (Mar 20, 1965). This film clip probably is the same film clip.
****
Video #2: Belle Stars - The clapping song 1982
Uploaded by fritz5135 on Aug 30, 2010
****
Video #3: 2012 Beetle High Five Volkswagen Commercial
Uploaded by openwheel6 on Sep 19, 2011
I did the driving for this commercial. I do not own the rights to this commercial.
****
RELATED LINKS
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYQ1lkP1j_g for a video of "Red Red Wine".
Also click http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/babymama/redredwine.htm for the lyrics of that song.
**
A verse from UB 40's 1983 Reggae song "Red Red Wine" has very similar lyrics to the children's playground rhyme "Once Upon A Time [or "3-6-9"] The Goose Drank Wine":
"Red red wine you make me feel so fine
Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line"
-snip-
From Arbuthnot, Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:10 AM on Mudcat link given above:
"Rizla is what the English call those cigarette papers - the manufacturers are a company called Riz, La Croix (translates as Rice and Cross), and they shortened the name to Riz La+ on the packets!"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
"Passing For White" - A Meghan Kelly Today (Television Show) Segment About A Woman Whose Mixed Race Mother Passed As White (videos & comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents two video clips from a Megyn Kelly segment on the Today television show of a woman whose mixed race mother passed as White.
This post also includes selected comments from ONE OF these videos' discussion thread that focus on the experience of "passing for white".
The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Gail Lukasik and her relatives who appeared in that segment for sharing their story and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Meet The Woman Who Learned That Her Mother Passed As White | Megyn Kelly TODAY
TODAY, Published on Feb 5, 2018
Megyn Kelly TODAY welcomes Gail Lukasik, whose book, âWhite Like Her,â recounts how she uncovered her motherâs secret: that she was keeping her mixed-race heritage hidden even from her own husband. She recounts her motherâs reaction: âPromise me you will never tell anyone until after I die.â
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Video #2: Woman Whose Mother Passed As White Introduces Her Mixed-Race Family Members | Megyn Kelly TODAY
TODAY, Published on Feb 5, 2018
As Megyn Kelly continues her discussion with Gail Lukasik, who uncovered that her mother hid her mixed-race heritage, Lukasik introduces a half-uncle and half-cousin, family members she only recently realized she had. Stephanie Frederic, Lukasikâs half-cousin, says that when she was young, people often asked: âSo what are you guys?â
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SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are from the discussion thread for the video given as #2 above. Most of these selected comments focus on the experience of "passing" for White in the United States.
Numbers have been added for referencing purposes only. All of these comments are from 2018.
1. Ru T
"This is pretty typical in a lot of African American families, mine included.........some of it you just don't talk about it [o]ut of respect for grandparents or parents until they pass....just as she stated her mother request..........and more and more people are finding out through DNA they are not who they thought they were.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
2. Al Person
"So true they were always Greek, Italian or Spanish.... Then they realise nope I'm blackï»ż"
**
REPLY
3. Ru T
"Al Person no, the one i like the most from them especially if they have darker features is, "I have Native American Indian in me" ......yeh, righr....check that DNA!!!"
**
REPLY
4. talks with kin-Eee, 2018
"Mv family was the same way except my grandmother did not wanna identify as white !!ï»ż"
**
REPLY
5. mensa517
"you're so right, i'm still trying to pry secrets from my mom she refuses to give-----NOT NEW.....and it doesn't matter until they come out of the shadows, including the famous celebrities who have been hiding behind this veil of lies ....and there are manyï»ż"
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REPLY
6. Aisha Lee
"My family has a record of passing as white too. My great grandmother was one of the few that didn't -- every one of her kids and grandkids turned out extremely fair though (including myself!) Makes me wonder which white person around me might actually be a relative lolï»ż"
**
REPLY
7. Ella Rawson
"Aisha Lee Same, my grandad was always told his dark skin came from his half native american father but he found out his mother was also half maori but passed as white, and she was mean to my grandad because he was the darkest skinned sibling which is messed up. My grandmother was mixed too and her mother would put her down for looking too "coloured". Even today there are still people who think looking whiter makes you better and it's really sad :(ï»ż"
**
REPLY
8. Lillie Herold
"Ru T Yes, it is very typical. My Father's Mother Dif Not Pass For White, But Could. Her Sister And Sis Daughter Moved To New Orleans And Did Pass. My Family Has Colors All over The Color Spectrum.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
9. 631knm
"mspinkytee You are sadly mistaken if you think this does NOT happen in the majority of AA families!!!!!! ......... Itâs VERY common!!!ï»ż"
**
REPLY
10. Atir X
"Ru T - You are so right about this. My grandfather was half white. His father was a white man his mother was a black woman of some mixed ancestry and they had twin boys. They were not married and it was an illicit Affair in the south we back in the thirties and of course my grandmother had to get out of town because everyone in that small Mississippi town would have known what happened once he saw those boys. But no one could get my grandfather to discuss anything about his father and his blood lineage. The only way we knew was from his half-sister and his mother when she was alive. But my father [h]is sun and including me have tried to get that info out of him and he went to his grave never talking about it.ï»ż:
**
REPLY
11. Richard Myles
"Black people could never pass as white...only mixed people who have white ancestry could pass as full white. Italians, Greeks, Spaniards are also mixed with black...so they are not full white either."
**
REPLY
12. Ru T
"Richard Myles when we say pass as whites, it is by looks, of course not biologically or by the English standard blood percentage......... you hide that part and pray the truth is not discovered.......... hence this womanâs motherâs story.ï»ż"
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REPLY
13. Lisa Morgan
"It was an âopen secretâ in my family that a great uncle passed for white. Very recently his grandson discovered out his true heritage and contacted the African-American side of his family. Heâs a lovely gentleman and has been welcomed into the family.ï»ż"
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REPLY
14. Davis Jones
"Aisha Lee ..My great grandpa passed for White... The story goes that he would slip into Klan meetings to see what they were planning to do and go warn the black people.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
15. Martine Shamzin
"You never HAVE to do anything. Just as black people never HAD to pass as white. They did it to get jobs, and to get more respect. It is always a choice, as is everything we do. But it is sad that someone would be in a position that simply having different skin color would afford them a better chance at being accepted or hired. Societal racism is always bad, no matter which race is being put down.ï»ż"
**
16. Stephanie Carr
"Very thought provoking video. My grandfather used to pass for white to play cards in white-only establishments. Unfortunately, it got him killed..very sad. Even sadder is that I never got to meet him..."
**
17. Mark Keller
"My great grandmother could pass for White and often did so to buy things that she couldn't get in Black stores.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
18. Monica Beal
"I donât think my grandparents ever shopped at just black or white stores . Some people say my grandma looks white. Her family is mixed race as well. They couldnât eat in restaurants growing up . Like thatâs where drive thru windows come from . They were windows for ppl who were black and of other color ethnicities . So they could order food and not come in the restaurants. The restaurants owned by white people were all kind of like clubs in Greenwood, Ms . You had to have a password to get in but you had black people as waiters and dishwashers. So black ppl had house restaurants so they could have the same experience we have today and be welcomed some of them didnât integrate until 1997 . Donât think this is just MS . My dad says he remembers going to the grocery store. Black and white had to wait in the same line , but they had different water fountains and restrooms . They had this stuff going in Maryland and everywhere else. They used to spit on interracial couples during that time in Maryland. Also one part of md used to be were blacks could go to school and one area where Whites could go. My high school teacher At Montgomery Blair for my junior year was talking about that . How it was at one time in the silver spring and Rockville area somewhere .ï»ż"
**
REPLY
19. Kristina Depp
"Monica Beal Black Americans owned businesses, hospitals, post offices and every thing we needed including real clubs not house clubs when they were left alone and not murdered. Read about Black Wallstreet and the cities Black Americans built before they were destroyed by jealous whitesï»ż"
**
REPLY
20. Jim Hawkins
"They were not destroyed out of jealousy. They were destroyed as had they been allowed to thrive and grow like other businesses, Blacks would have in this time fairly substantial financial foundation. Also, the notion of Blacks opening real businesses would have been commonplace had these first generation enterprises succeeded. The violent and vitriolic destruction of those early Black businesses were meant to send a message, "No matter what you do, we can and will destroy it and there isn't one thing you can do about without risking your live or the lives of your family"."
**
REPLY
21. Ming Song
"Mark Keller what were the things that couldnât buy in black stores?"
**
REPLY
22. mali carter
"Ming Song fresh meat/produce. Fine clothes. Etc.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
23. Jasmine Valiente
"My great grandmother passed as white to get into the only school in their communityï»ż"
**
REPLY
24. Styles By Deanna Lynette
"Mark Keller Wow! My grandmother told me stories of her doing the same thing. She said it just made life a little easier in those days. She said she would do it when she wanted to shop in stores, eat at restaurants and sit in the front of the bus. Itâs amazing the bravery they had!ï»ż"
**
REPLY
25. Paris Jones Kelly
"Yes my family did this too"
**ï»ż
REPLY
26. dancingnature
"Mark Keller mine did too. She went to see a white family friend in the hospital and passed as a family member. She lied because her friend was dying and she wanted to see herï»ż"
**
REPLY
27. reshonda parker
"California Mountain Art And Life I agree! Itâs sad to me that people can act so ignorant. Itâs a fact that black people were treated horribly and back in those days lighter skinned black people who could â passâ did. Itâs not because they wanted to, they had to! Color of our skin was life and death! No one can tell anyone about THEIR family or family history. Itâs crazy to tell someone theyâre lying as if you were there and know lol. One thing that has stood the test of time has been ignorance. That is t going anywhere anytime soon!ï»ż"
**
REPLY
28. Ashajhunai' Jones is the xjcj, zye
"Same and when she would tell us about it, it made me cryï»ż"
**
REPLY
29. Alicia Morris
"My grandma is very fair with green eyes. Easily passed as white until she opened her mouth and that thick Jamaican accent came out lolï»ż"
**
REPLY
30. Skye Moon
"LOL She was a part time passer. That's what they called them. The ones who pass only in situations that benefit them but live as black all other times.ï»ż"
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REPLY
31. Demar Horton
"Mark Keller my grandmother could have pass for white but she married a black man and she lived in the south they probably saw her as a white women it was dangerous for them 80 years ago you have a white looking women married too a black manï»ż"
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REPLY
32. Demar Horton
"Mark Keller my grandfather also looked like a white man blue eyes white skin and racist in his own way too other black people any time you hate your own dark black grandchildren I knew he had a lot of white blood he always say they hate us but he used too come off like he hated me forrealï»ż"
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REPLY
33. Jim Hawkins
"There was a wider variety of quality offered in White stores. That is to say that you could get the range of inexpensive to very expensive. For a Black store back then to offer comparable variety would have cost more as they were charged the "Black Tax" which was an additional charge levied upon Black business owners for getting "above themselves" and competing with White merchants. The cost of quality merchandise for a White merchant was always less as a Black merchant would be forced to pay more and either take the hit on profits or adjust their price to include the Black Tax, which then of course made the product more expensive for Blacks to buy. Mark Keller's grandmother passing saved them money. In my family we are Black and Irish, many of my older relatives passed to get jobs, decent homes , business loans, etc. Pretty much what every White person was getting as a matter of course, they had to engage in deception and self degradation to get. But they were willing to do so as their fair skin enabled them to situate our family to have some advantages.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
34. Tori Volasgis
"Same. My great grandma passed as white as well."
**
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35. Keep Rocking!
"Pssh. If she can pass as white, she AIN'T BLACK!ï»ż"
**
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36. Rae Neumann
"@Keep Rocking! well many people who can pass are the generational mixed Black people. Nowadays many who want to pass can't because they are biracial b/w but don't appear as white. So most people can see the Black in them. And some so badly wish they could be white, and hate their blackness.ï»ż"
**
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37. MeJane
"Rae Neumann, these bi-racial people who you are referring to, that "hate their blackness", you've talked with them, and they've told you this? Or is that your opinion of them based on their actions, the way they live, etc?ï»ż"
**
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38. Rae Neumann
"MeJane I know one who said they didn't want to be Black, and would not date another biracial person because its possible that they could have a child who is Black in appearance. I know another who told me she don't consider herself Black because she only grew up around white people and she don't associate with her Black side. She believes they should create another group called mixed, that way she wouldn't have to acknowledge white nor Black.ï»ż"
**
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39. Benita Jones
"I understand. My grandfather looked white (really sort of Italian) and was a mechanic. He never officially passed but just left them guessing or didn't clear it up for them. He married a black woman and was told by some whites that he should pass and pass off his wife and daughters (light but not white) as Indian (Native American). He didn't but in the late 1930s and 1940s, was able to have vehicle repair contracts with major companys. I'm sure someone who made the arrangment knew. Might have even been the white part of his family. But there was no uproar of anything because most with the companies knew he had some "colored boys" to come out and do the work on the trucks but assumed D was white.ï»ż"
**
40. Debbie Johnson
"My grandmother could've passed as well but didnt. She would visit her half white siblings all the time with my dad in tow. But he said they couldn't go in the house because they were too dark. So they waited for her in the car. Her white father also treated her like a farm mule while her white half siblings (who were also illegitimate) got to play. So no I don't fault this woman for trying to make a better life for herself but I probably would've chosen someone a tad more tolerant. Can you imagine how she felt every time he used the n word or talked crap about blacks? Ugh that's something I wouldn't been able to live withï»ż"
**
41. 2XtremeRKO
"I found out my nan was mixed race in my late teens when she told me about he grandfather after her brother mentioned we had African heritage but he didn't know what part of Africa because of the slave trade I couldn't believe it my nan never mention it or spoke about it. I then asked her questions and she told me that when she was younger family members told her she was lucky because she could pass as white because she had blonde hair and blue eyes. She told me about the racist abuse her family members suffered and how her uncle was frown away at sea when he died serving in the armed forces because of the colour of his skin. Recently I done ancestry DNA to find out what part of Africa my great great grandfather came from and he's Nigerian I wish my nan was still alive so I could have told her that.ï»ż"
**
42. Tanya Blanchard
"Wow! My father's mother did the same thing Gail's mom did. For 2 generations no one knew. I asked when I was little, I was told they weren't important. I too have birth certificates with the word Malotto in the Race spot. Had a Cousin that did some Genealogy that said my Great Grandparents we're Cherokee, French & Black Irish. My Grandmother always wore White Foundation, while her skin tone was always a dark tan. My parents families are all from Louisiana. This was an Awesome Discovery. Gail has more family, which is so Cool. God Bless Them All. Cheers!!ï»ż"
**
43. Jacque Renee
"My maternal great grandfather is white and paternal great grandma is white, my grandma can pass and when I had my children yes me being a dark skinned black woman both my children were very light complexion and both worth blue eyes than turned hazel after 3-6mths. The kids father was like whatâs going on and so was I. I knew I hadnât cheated but dad thought so and asked for dna Test. bcse he is dark also. Yes, my kids took after my white great grands. But bcse during those times of my great grands history they gave my grand father up for adoption So the white great grandmother didnât want to raise her biracial kid so we didnât know she were white bcse black People raised them. My grand dad had gray eyes and it came out his white mother gave him away bcse she got pregnant st by a black man thus he was biracial or black and he hated her for that. And my grandma dad was a white man. That my mom knew as kid growing up bcse my grandma stayed with her dad when my mom was born But I wanted to know why my children looked like this and began asking questions since grandpa was the only other person with light eyes and fair skin. Then Mom told me about her white grand dad. Crazy. Blacks just werenât proud to claim the white parts of our history just as much as white werenât proud to claim the black partsđ€·đœââïžï»ż"
**
42. Wyoming Oregon
"I'm from Louisiana and I am creole....but I am very DARK. My mother and her people (creole) is very fair skinned and some look like a white person. And in 2018, there are STILL these same people on my mother's side that are STILL passing for white. I see it ALL THE TIME. There is also a community...a little town not far from me where these highly light skinned folks go into the world and pass for white. Its painful to watch when you know the reasons why they do this.."
**
43. saboi mwinda
"'Passing as White' and not 'passing as Black.' Could the archaic one drop rule be one to blame for this double standard? As someone who grew up in central Africa, a black person was clearly described to me as someone who is the closest to or is 100% Bantu. People are biracial or of mixed heritage are not seen as black by all villagers and urban dwellers of African countries because clearly they are not due to their phenotype i.e European features such as a thin long nose, long European type hair and European type skin color. The confusion about race description in America is incomprehensibly to people who live other parts of the world.ï»ż"
**
44. Monica Dillard
"There are many, many white families like this because there were many Blacks passing for centuries."
**
45. Tamara Jatti
"My father is a black south Asian man. My mother looks like the same skin colour that most people associate with actresses in Bollywood movies. My brother is black like my father and I am lighter skinned. Colorism was a huge problem in my extended family. Itâs further complicated by the fact that there are some people in the family that looked very east Asian, a few people in the family who are clearly mixed with white, and every conceivable thing you can imagine in that one huge extended family. All of them are Punjabi from India. My dad wasnât born in Canada, but he came over when he was very young and heâs completely Canadian. My mother was raised in India. A bunch of my dadâs relatives of his generation, were either born in Canada or came over very very young. Some of us are brown, others are black. Still, the colourism was just a massive problem in my extended family. It bothered me then, and it still bothers me now."
**
46. Jelly Kay
"My friend's father was a white Frenchman and her mother was a black Mauritanian. My friend was white skinned - pale as alabaster, with red hair that was semi afro in texture. She had a wider nose and full mouth, but people would consider her white. He brother was dark skinned and looked 100 percent black. Just random genes all round. Nothing more. All bleed red. All hurt, love, get sick, die. We're one race - the human race.ï»ż"
**
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: The first part of this comment is quoting Gail Lukasik's uncle and the second part of this comment is quoting his daughter.]
47. evileyez504
" "We lived in an Italian neighborhood, there was an Asian man, he was family,we didn't care, we just knew Dad" , to me this says, they did know, but were passing as Italian, possibly Sicilian. You don't grow up in an Italian neighborhood as a black family and just be able "not care", especially in those daysï»ż"
**
REPLY
48. Rebecah Clifton
"I think he meant that as a child he was unaware. In any case, it's sad that anyone ever had to 'pass'. My great great something gma, in Kentucky, passed. She was black and Native American a common combo in that region during Civil War days. Her mom though was light skinned mixed race and gma apparently looked 'white enough'. Society is a mess due to racism and hatred regarding race. I really hate it, and am glad that my grandkids have never mentioned anyone's skin color. When the topic arises as they get older, they will be taught what they are taught now; fairness, LOVE, that we are all the same and LOVE. Good and bad people come in all ranges of color.ï»ż"
**
49. PoGirl
"Just like my mom is racially mixed, well so am I, finally got my DNA and didn't inherit much but again, in our family everyone looked different. My gramps looked like a black man, my mom told me as a teen when I found hidden pictures of her dad and asked who he was. She said "didn't you know I was a passer?" I asked her what that meant and she told me someone who passes for white. She looks spanish, which we are too. I didn't think anything of it. Most of my friends were mixed. I really never really knew many all white folk.ï»ż"
**
50. pamela harris
"Iâm called black , DNA claims Iâm 61percent European American . Iâm great grandfather was with a black woman , Not married but had two children . You can see my picture and know people donât believe me . You never know , you just never know what our people went through . Times were very bad for people of color .ï»ż"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post presents two video clips from a Megyn Kelly segment on the Today television show of a woman whose mixed race mother passed as White.
This post also includes selected comments from ONE OF these videos' discussion thread that focus on the experience of "passing for white".
The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Gail Lukasik and her relatives who appeared in that segment for sharing their story and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Meet The Woman Who Learned That Her Mother Passed As White | Megyn Kelly TODAY
TODAY, Published on Feb 5, 2018
Megyn Kelly TODAY welcomes Gail Lukasik, whose book, âWhite Like Her,â recounts how she uncovered her motherâs secret: that she was keeping her mixed-race heritage hidden even from her own husband. She recounts her motherâs reaction: âPromise me you will never tell anyone until after I die.â
****
Video #2: Woman Whose Mother Passed As White Introduces Her Mixed-Race Family Members | Megyn Kelly TODAY
TODAY, Published on Feb 5, 2018
As Megyn Kelly continues her discussion with Gail Lukasik, who uncovered that her mother hid her mixed-race heritage, Lukasik introduces a half-uncle and half-cousin, family members she only recently realized she had. Stephanie Frederic, Lukasikâs half-cousin, says that when she was young, people often asked: âSo what are you guys?â
****
SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are from the discussion thread for the video given as #2 above. Most of these selected comments focus on the experience of "passing" for White in the United States.
Numbers have been added for referencing purposes only. All of these comments are from 2018.
1. Ru T
"This is pretty typical in a lot of African American families, mine included.........some of it you just don't talk about it [o]ut of respect for grandparents or parents until they pass....just as she stated her mother request..........and more and more people are finding out through DNA they are not who they thought they were.ï»ż"
**
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2. Al Person
"So true they were always Greek, Italian or Spanish.... Then they realise nope I'm blackï»ż"
**
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3. Ru T
"Al Person no, the one i like the most from them especially if they have darker features is, "I have Native American Indian in me" ......yeh, righr....check that DNA!!!"
**
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4. talks with kin-Eee, 2018
"Mv family was the same way except my grandmother did not wanna identify as white !!ï»ż"
**
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5. mensa517
"you're so right, i'm still trying to pry secrets from my mom she refuses to give-----NOT NEW.....and it doesn't matter until they come out of the shadows, including the famous celebrities who have been hiding behind this veil of lies ....and there are manyï»ż"
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6. Aisha Lee
"My family has a record of passing as white too. My great grandmother was one of the few that didn't -- every one of her kids and grandkids turned out extremely fair though (including myself!) Makes me wonder which white person around me might actually be a relative lolï»ż"
**
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7. Ella Rawson
"Aisha Lee Same, my grandad was always told his dark skin came from his half native american father but he found out his mother was also half maori but passed as white, and she was mean to my grandad because he was the darkest skinned sibling which is messed up. My grandmother was mixed too and her mother would put her down for looking too "coloured". Even today there are still people who think looking whiter makes you better and it's really sad :(ï»ż"
**
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8. Lillie Herold
"Ru T Yes, it is very typical. My Father's Mother Dif Not Pass For White, But Could. Her Sister And Sis Daughter Moved To New Orleans And Did Pass. My Family Has Colors All over The Color Spectrum.ï»ż"
**
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9. 631knm
"mspinkytee You are sadly mistaken if you think this does NOT happen in the majority of AA families!!!!!! ......... Itâs VERY common!!!ï»ż"
**
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10. Atir X
"Ru T - You are so right about this. My grandfather was half white. His father was a white man his mother was a black woman of some mixed ancestry and they had twin boys. They were not married and it was an illicit Affair in the south we back in the thirties and of course my grandmother had to get out of town because everyone in that small Mississippi town would have known what happened once he saw those boys. But no one could get my grandfather to discuss anything about his father and his blood lineage. The only way we knew was from his half-sister and his mother when she was alive. But my father [h]is sun and including me have tried to get that info out of him and he went to his grave never talking about it.ï»ż:
**
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11. Richard Myles
"Black people could never pass as white...only mixed people who have white ancestry could pass as full white. Italians, Greeks, Spaniards are also mixed with black...so they are not full white either."
**
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12. Ru T
"Richard Myles when we say pass as whites, it is by looks, of course not biologically or by the English standard blood percentage......... you hide that part and pray the truth is not discovered.......... hence this womanâs motherâs story.ï»ż"
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13. Lisa Morgan
"It was an âopen secretâ in my family that a great uncle passed for white. Very recently his grandson discovered out his true heritage and contacted the African-American side of his family. Heâs a lovely gentleman and has been welcomed into the family.ï»ż"
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14. Davis Jones
"Aisha Lee ..My great grandpa passed for White... The story goes that he would slip into Klan meetings to see what they were planning to do and go warn the black people.ï»ż"
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15. Martine Shamzin
"You never HAVE to do anything. Just as black people never HAD to pass as white. They did it to get jobs, and to get more respect. It is always a choice, as is everything we do. But it is sad that someone would be in a position that simply having different skin color would afford them a better chance at being accepted or hired. Societal racism is always bad, no matter which race is being put down.ï»ż"
**
16. Stephanie Carr
"Very thought provoking video. My grandfather used to pass for white to play cards in white-only establishments. Unfortunately, it got him killed..very sad. Even sadder is that I never got to meet him..."
**
17. Mark Keller
"My great grandmother could pass for White and often did so to buy things that she couldn't get in Black stores.ï»ż"
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18. Monica Beal
"I donât think my grandparents ever shopped at just black or white stores . Some people say my grandma looks white. Her family is mixed race as well. They couldnât eat in restaurants growing up . Like thatâs where drive thru windows come from . They were windows for ppl who were black and of other color ethnicities . So they could order food and not come in the restaurants. The restaurants owned by white people were all kind of like clubs in Greenwood, Ms . You had to have a password to get in but you had black people as waiters and dishwashers. So black ppl had house restaurants so they could have the same experience we have today and be welcomed some of them didnât integrate until 1997 . Donât think this is just MS . My dad says he remembers going to the grocery store. Black and white had to wait in the same line , but they had different water fountains and restrooms . They had this stuff going in Maryland and everywhere else. They used to spit on interracial couples during that time in Maryland. Also one part of md used to be were blacks could go to school and one area where Whites could go. My high school teacher At Montgomery Blair for my junior year was talking about that . How it was at one time in the silver spring and Rockville area somewhere .ï»ż"
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19. Kristina Depp
"Monica Beal Black Americans owned businesses, hospitals, post offices and every thing we needed including real clubs not house clubs when they were left alone and not murdered. Read about Black Wallstreet and the cities Black Americans built before they were destroyed by jealous whitesï»ż"
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20. Jim Hawkins
"They were not destroyed out of jealousy. They were destroyed as had they been allowed to thrive and grow like other businesses, Blacks would have in this time fairly substantial financial foundation. Also, the notion of Blacks opening real businesses would have been commonplace had these first generation enterprises succeeded. The violent and vitriolic destruction of those early Black businesses were meant to send a message, "No matter what you do, we can and will destroy it and there isn't one thing you can do about without risking your live or the lives of your family"."
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21. Ming Song
"Mark Keller what were the things that couldnât buy in black stores?"
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22. mali carter
"Ming Song fresh meat/produce. Fine clothes. Etc.ï»ż"
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23. Jasmine Valiente
"My great grandmother passed as white to get into the only school in their communityï»ż"
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24. Styles By Deanna Lynette
"Mark Keller Wow! My grandmother told me stories of her doing the same thing. She said it just made life a little easier in those days. She said she would do it when she wanted to shop in stores, eat at restaurants and sit in the front of the bus. Itâs amazing the bravery they had!ï»ż"
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25. Paris Jones Kelly
"Yes my family did this too"
**ï»ż
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26. dancingnature
"Mark Keller mine did too. She went to see a white family friend in the hospital and passed as a family member. She lied because her friend was dying and she wanted to see herï»ż"
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27. reshonda parker
"California Mountain Art And Life I agree! Itâs sad to me that people can act so ignorant. Itâs a fact that black people were treated horribly and back in those days lighter skinned black people who could â passâ did. Itâs not because they wanted to, they had to! Color of our skin was life and death! No one can tell anyone about THEIR family or family history. Itâs crazy to tell someone theyâre lying as if you were there and know lol. One thing that has stood the test of time has been ignorance. That is t going anywhere anytime soon!ï»ż"
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28. Ashajhunai' Jones is the xjcj, zye
"Same and when she would tell us about it, it made me cryï»ż"
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29. Alicia Morris
"My grandma is very fair with green eyes. Easily passed as white until she opened her mouth and that thick Jamaican accent came out lolï»ż"
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30. Skye Moon
"LOL She was a part time passer. That's what they called them. The ones who pass only in situations that benefit them but live as black all other times.ï»ż"
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31. Demar Horton
"Mark Keller my grandmother could have pass for white but she married a black man and she lived in the south they probably saw her as a white women it was dangerous for them 80 years ago you have a white looking women married too a black manï»ż"
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32. Demar Horton
"Mark Keller my grandfather also looked like a white man blue eyes white skin and racist in his own way too other black people any time you hate your own dark black grandchildren I knew he had a lot of white blood he always say they hate us but he used too come off like he hated me forrealï»ż"
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33. Jim Hawkins
"There was a wider variety of quality offered in White stores. That is to say that you could get the range of inexpensive to very expensive. For a Black store back then to offer comparable variety would have cost more as they were charged the "Black Tax" which was an additional charge levied upon Black business owners for getting "above themselves" and competing with White merchants. The cost of quality merchandise for a White merchant was always less as a Black merchant would be forced to pay more and either take the hit on profits or adjust their price to include the Black Tax, which then of course made the product more expensive for Blacks to buy. Mark Keller's grandmother passing saved them money. In my family we are Black and Irish, many of my older relatives passed to get jobs, decent homes , business loans, etc. Pretty much what every White person was getting as a matter of course, they had to engage in deception and self degradation to get. But they were willing to do so as their fair skin enabled them to situate our family to have some advantages.ï»ż"
**
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34. Tori Volasgis
"Same. My great grandma passed as white as well."
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35. Keep Rocking!
"Pssh. If she can pass as white, she AIN'T BLACK!ï»ż"
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36. Rae Neumann
"@Keep Rocking! well many people who can pass are the generational mixed Black people. Nowadays many who want to pass can't because they are biracial b/w but don't appear as white. So most people can see the Black in them. And some so badly wish they could be white, and hate their blackness.ï»ż"
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37. MeJane
"Rae Neumann, these bi-racial people who you are referring to, that "hate their blackness", you've talked with them, and they've told you this? Or is that your opinion of them based on their actions, the way they live, etc?ï»ż"
**
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38. Rae Neumann
"MeJane I know one who said they didn't want to be Black, and would not date another biracial person because its possible that they could have a child who is Black in appearance. I know another who told me she don't consider herself Black because she only grew up around white people and she don't associate with her Black side. She believes they should create another group called mixed, that way she wouldn't have to acknowledge white nor Black.ï»ż"
**
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39. Benita Jones
"I understand. My grandfather looked white (really sort of Italian) and was a mechanic. He never officially passed but just left them guessing or didn't clear it up for them. He married a black woman and was told by some whites that he should pass and pass off his wife and daughters (light but not white) as Indian (Native American). He didn't but in the late 1930s and 1940s, was able to have vehicle repair contracts with major companys. I'm sure someone who made the arrangment knew. Might have even been the white part of his family. But there was no uproar of anything because most with the companies knew he had some "colored boys" to come out and do the work on the trucks but assumed D was white.ï»ż"
**
40. Debbie Johnson
"My grandmother could've passed as well but didnt. She would visit her half white siblings all the time with my dad in tow. But he said they couldn't go in the house because they were too dark. So they waited for her in the car. Her white father also treated her like a farm mule while her white half siblings (who were also illegitimate) got to play. So no I don't fault this woman for trying to make a better life for herself but I probably would've chosen someone a tad more tolerant. Can you imagine how she felt every time he used the n word or talked crap about blacks? Ugh that's something I wouldn't been able to live withï»ż"
**
41. 2XtremeRKO
"I found out my nan was mixed race in my late teens when she told me about he grandfather after her brother mentioned we had African heritage but he didn't know what part of Africa because of the slave trade I couldn't believe it my nan never mention it or spoke about it. I then asked her questions and she told me that when she was younger family members told her she was lucky because she could pass as white because she had blonde hair and blue eyes. She told me about the racist abuse her family members suffered and how her uncle was frown away at sea when he died serving in the armed forces because of the colour of his skin. Recently I done ancestry DNA to find out what part of Africa my great great grandfather came from and he's Nigerian I wish my nan was still alive so I could have told her that.ï»ż"
**
42. Tanya Blanchard
"Wow! My father's mother did the same thing Gail's mom did. For 2 generations no one knew. I asked when I was little, I was told they weren't important. I too have birth certificates with the word Malotto in the Race spot. Had a Cousin that did some Genealogy that said my Great Grandparents we're Cherokee, French & Black Irish. My Grandmother always wore White Foundation, while her skin tone was always a dark tan. My parents families are all from Louisiana. This was an Awesome Discovery. Gail has more family, which is so Cool. God Bless Them All. Cheers!!ï»ż"
**
43. Jacque Renee
"My maternal great grandfather is white and paternal great grandma is white, my grandma can pass and when I had my children yes me being a dark skinned black woman both my children were very light complexion and both worth blue eyes than turned hazel after 3-6mths. The kids father was like whatâs going on and so was I. I knew I hadnât cheated but dad thought so and asked for dna Test. bcse he is dark also. Yes, my kids took after my white great grands. But bcse during those times of my great grands history they gave my grand father up for adoption So the white great grandmother didnât want to raise her biracial kid so we didnât know she were white bcse black People raised them. My grand dad had gray eyes and it came out his white mother gave him away bcse she got pregnant st by a black man thus he was biracial or black and he hated her for that. And my grandma dad was a white man. That my mom knew as kid growing up bcse my grandma stayed with her dad when my mom was born But I wanted to know why my children looked like this and began asking questions since grandpa was the only other person with light eyes and fair skin. Then Mom told me about her white grand dad. Crazy. Blacks just werenât proud to claim the white parts of our history just as much as white werenât proud to claim the black partsđ€·đœââïžï»ż"
**
42. Wyoming Oregon
"I'm from Louisiana and I am creole....but I am very DARK. My mother and her people (creole) is very fair skinned and some look like a white person. And in 2018, there are STILL these same people on my mother's side that are STILL passing for white. I see it ALL THE TIME. There is also a community...a little town not far from me where these highly light skinned folks go into the world and pass for white. Its painful to watch when you know the reasons why they do this.."
**
43. saboi mwinda
"'Passing as White' and not 'passing as Black.' Could the archaic one drop rule be one to blame for this double standard? As someone who grew up in central Africa, a black person was clearly described to me as someone who is the closest to or is 100% Bantu. People are biracial or of mixed heritage are not seen as black by all villagers and urban dwellers of African countries because clearly they are not due to their phenotype i.e European features such as a thin long nose, long European type hair and European type skin color. The confusion about race description in America is incomprehensibly to people who live other parts of the world.ï»ż"
**
44. Monica Dillard
"There are many, many white families like this because there were many Blacks passing for centuries."
**
45. Tamara Jatti
"My father is a black south Asian man. My mother looks like the same skin colour that most people associate with actresses in Bollywood movies. My brother is black like my father and I am lighter skinned. Colorism was a huge problem in my extended family. Itâs further complicated by the fact that there are some people in the family that looked very east Asian, a few people in the family who are clearly mixed with white, and every conceivable thing you can imagine in that one huge extended family. All of them are Punjabi from India. My dad wasnât born in Canada, but he came over when he was very young and heâs completely Canadian. My mother was raised in India. A bunch of my dadâs relatives of his generation, were either born in Canada or came over very very young. Some of us are brown, others are black. Still, the colourism was just a massive problem in my extended family. It bothered me then, and it still bothers me now."
**
46. Jelly Kay
"My friend's father was a white Frenchman and her mother was a black Mauritanian. My friend was white skinned - pale as alabaster, with red hair that was semi afro in texture. She had a wider nose and full mouth, but people would consider her white. He brother was dark skinned and looked 100 percent black. Just random genes all round. Nothing more. All bleed red. All hurt, love, get sick, die. We're one race - the human race.ï»ż"
**
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: The first part of this comment is quoting Gail Lukasik's uncle and the second part of this comment is quoting his daughter.]
47. evileyez504
" "We lived in an Italian neighborhood, there was an Asian man, he was family,we didn't care, we just knew Dad" , to me this says, they did know, but were passing as Italian, possibly Sicilian. You don't grow up in an Italian neighborhood as a black family and just be able "not care", especially in those daysï»ż"
**
REPLY
48. Rebecah Clifton
"I think he meant that as a child he was unaware. In any case, it's sad that anyone ever had to 'pass'. My great great something gma, in Kentucky, passed. She was black and Native American a common combo in that region during Civil War days. Her mom though was light skinned mixed race and gma apparently looked 'white enough'. Society is a mess due to racism and hatred regarding race. I really hate it, and am glad that my grandkids have never mentioned anyone's skin color. When the topic arises as they get older, they will be taught what they are taught now; fairness, LOVE, that we are all the same and LOVE. Good and bad people come in all ranges of color.ï»ż"
**
49. PoGirl
"Just like my mom is racially mixed, well so am I, finally got my DNA and didn't inherit much but again, in our family everyone looked different. My gramps looked like a black man, my mom told me as a teen when I found hidden pictures of her dad and asked who he was. She said "didn't you know I was a passer?" I asked her what that meant and she told me someone who passes for white. She looks spanish, which we are too. I didn't think anything of it. Most of my friends were mixed. I really never really knew many all white folk.ï»ż"
**
50. pamela harris
"Iâm called black , DNA claims Iâm 61percent European American . Iâm great grandfather was with a black woman , Not married but had two children . You can see my picture and know people donât believe me . You never know , you just never know what our people went through . Times were very bad for people of color .ï»ż"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Video Of Ghana's Harmonious Chorale At The World Choir Games (2018)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a video of Ghana's Harmonious Chorale at the World Choir Games (2018).
This post also provides information about the World Choir Games and the Harmonious Chorale.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are associated with Ghana's Harmonious Choir. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: HARMONIOUS CHORALE AT WORLD CHOIR GAMES 2018
HARMONIOUS CHORALE - GHANA, Published on Nov 14, 2018
Harmonious Chorale at the 10th World Choir Games. Ghana's sole participant at the world choir games crowned winners at World Choir Games. The choir won the newly created category C28 (Champions Competition). Harmonious Chorale Ghana picked up three gold diploma; emerging as the overall winner in one of the category from the open competition.
-snip-
The first song that the Harmonious Chorale sang in this video (beginning at 2:33) is an arrangement of "Lift Every Voice And Sing), which is known as "the African American National Anthem". Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xal0GigaoPQ for a full rendition of this song from this Ghanaian choir.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD CHOIR GAMES
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Choir_Games
"The World Choir Games (formerly named the Choir Olympics) is the largest global choral festival and competition.[1] Organised by the Interkultur Foundation for amateur choirs from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin, race, genre of music or artistic ambitions, its motto is "Singing together brings nations together".[2] The Games originated from the idea to bring people together through singing in peaceful competition, showing that unity of nations through the arts can be effectively and illustratively demonstrated and challenged.[3] The focus of the Games is on participation above winning, and it aims to inspire people to "experience the strength of interaction, challenging personality and community equally by singing together".[4]
The most recent host of the Games was Tshwane, South Africa from 4 - 14 July 2018, and the next edition of the Games will be co-hosted by Antwerp and Ghent, Belgium from 5 â 15 July 2020.[5][6]
General
The Games are hosted biennially (every even year) in a pre-select city across the globe, where choirs compete in selected categories. In 2012, for instance, there were 23 categories,[7] and in 2016 there were 29 categories, among them "Senior Choirs" and "University Choirs".[8] The Games consist of competitions in two classes (Champions and Open), festival concerts, artistic workshops, and various ceremonies.[9] During the competition, choirs compete for gold, silver, bronze, or "Successful Participation" awards. Medals are awarded in the Champions Competition, and diplomas are awarded in the Open Competition. The choir that attains the highest point and a gold medal in a category during the Champions Competition is awarded the title of "Champion of the World Choir Games" for that category.
As part of the festival aspect of the Games choirs may also choose to participate in artistic workshops featuring renowned choral instructors, as well as friendship concerts and free public concerts where choirs share their music with choristers and audiences from different parts of the world.[10][11] Ceremonies that form part of the Games include opening and closing ceremonies where up to 20 000 choristers join in a single venue, as well as the award ceremonies where the outcomes of the Open Competition and Champions Competition are announced. During the proceedings of the Games, the host for the next edition of the Games is usually also announced."
****
NFORMATION ABOUT HARMONIOUS CHOIR
From
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonious_Chorale
"Harmonious Chorale (HC) is an interdenominational choir based in Accra, Ghana. It is adjudged one of Ghana's best groups.[1] It was formerly formed as the Harmonious Quartet in 2005[2] and established as Harmonious Chorale in 2007.[3]
Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, the founder and Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries is the Chairman of the choir.[4] The choir is under the directorship of James Varrick Armaah (founder of Harmonious Chorale),[5] composer of popular choral song, 'Oye', and graduate from the school of performing arts Music Department of the University of Ghana, Legon.[6][7]
Harmonious Chorale released its debut album, Come Let Us Sing in 2009.[2]
Harmonious Chorale in 2016 instituted the Joyce Rosalind Aryee International Conference for Choirs,[8] an annual event in appreciation of Aryee's contribution to the promotion and sustenance of chorale music.[9]
Harmonious Chorale was the guest choir at the University of Ghana's maiden edition of the UG Choral Music festival.[10] Harmonious Chorale joined musicians such as Don Moen, Sinach, Angela Christie and Leonel Peterson at the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival, the largest gathering of carol singers in the world, under the auspices of the Governor of the Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.[11]
Harmonious Chorale is the first choir to represent Ghana at the 2018 World Choir Games held in South Africa .[12][13]
Awards
2015 Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) Festival - Best Choral Group[14]
2015 [1] GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year[15]
2016 [2] GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year [16]
2018 [3] Shine Awards - Best Choral Group[17][18][19]
2018 World Choir Games - Golden Diploma (Level 1 Category 09 Mixed choirs)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games - Golden Diploma (Level IV Category 016 Musica Sacra with Accompaniment)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games- Winner (Scenic Folklore)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games - Champions of the World Choir Games ( C28 Open Repertoire)[22][23]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year[24]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Oratorio of the Year (Joseph & His Brethren) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Easter Concert of the Year (Festival of Praise and Worship) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Instrumentalist of the year (Augustine Sobeng, Harmonious Chorale) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Female Vocal of the Year (Lordina Eugenia Osei, Harmonious Chorale)[25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Composer of the Year (James Varrick Armaah) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choral Song of the Year (Nea Wode Me Abeduru Nie, James Varrick Armaah, Harmonious Chorale) [25]"
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS EMBEDDED VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. Norbert Naanume, 2018
"Thank You Harmonious Chorale for making Ghana proud. World Champions!!!!ï»ż
**
2. Anita Adubofour, 2018
"Amen.Congratulations HC...Ghana on the map!"ï»ż
**
3. Ebo Bondzie, 2018
"And this radio presenters don't even talk about
And everyday talking about politics"ï»ż
**
4. raphael dotse, 2018
"I'm in love with this great group for a long time, can't even describe the joy they bring to my life any time I watch n listen to their marvelous renditions. Big ups Especially my mentor Varrickï»ż"
-snip-
Composer James Varrick Armaah is the Founder and Director of the Harmonious Chorale.
**
5. Margaret Asamoah, 2018
"But next time be more diverse, Ghana has other languages ,dances, cultures. If you r representing Us, Thanks , CONGRATS !!đđđđï»ż"
**
REPLY
6. Tebis VanKelvin, 2019
"@Margaret Asamoah ... They couldn't represent the whole tribes equally that's why they tried representing on ethnic lines with their cultural dressings...
If you look well at the cultural part you will notice every tribe/ethnic group was fairly represented.."ï»ż
**
7. Wisdom Prince, 2019
"Arguably, HC is the best chorale group in Ghana over the past 50 years. Kudos guys for lifting high the flag of Ghana.ï»ż"
**
8. Gwynne Cain, 2019
"Interesting to look at this, there is so much African American creativity here you may not think that there was a difference. During Black History Month we may have something that depicts life like it was during the 1600 and 1700's it would be something in this nature, different tribes at Congo Square entertaining themselves. I really like the percussion arangements, but I have a problem with the voicings that are very much European, I am missing a Bass in the voicing that I love to hear, but maybe it is in another country.The voicing arrangement is tooooo much European. They took away the original sound of the African Culture. They catered the music to the people who were doing the competition. Congratulations , next time put some African blackness back in it. We have some choirs in America that will really give you a show. But congratulations because you worked hard to get there and it paid off. But it would be even better if you would stay in the genre that is represented in your culture, undiluted. Just my Opinon.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
9. HARMONIOUS CHORALE - GHANA, 2019
"Many thanks and Suggestion well taken. The harmony was done specifically for the Olympics. We promise to give the world more Africanness as we known for in our next production. Thank you.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
10. Hannah Dorkenu, 2019
"Although I may agree with you from a certain perspective. I do not understand what you mean by African Culture. Africa itself consists of different cultural groups. Even in Ghana, we have almost over 30 cultural groups. I don't think there is anything like African culture from where I stand in Ghana. And know that this is my opinion. What African American think of Africa may not be as it is. The choir as they were presenting put in twists from different cultural groups in Ghana. I heard a Ga song, a twi song, even saw Borborbor from eweland, Kpalogo from Ga's and Adowa from the Akans. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't know how African you want us to go again, considering the term choir is European.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
11. Prince Jadon, 2019
"@Hannah Dorkenu even ewes didn't have one cultureï»ż"
**
REPLY
12. Akosua Adjeiwaa, 2019
"Please i am from Ghana, there's nathing wrong with the show. What do you know about African or Ghana culture.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
13. intuitive self-love, 2019
"@Hannah Dorkenu she just wants you to bark like a dog and run naked lol joke aside many people think Africa is a culture. Lolï»ż"
**
REPLY
14. Hannah Dorkenu, 2019
"@Prince Jadon Exactly"
**
15. Asso asso eric, 2019
"Mes fĂ©licitations Ă ce magnifique groupe qui fait plaisir Ă ce bon continent d'Afriqueï»ż"
-snip-
Google translation from French to English:
"Congratulations to this wonderful group that makes this continent of Africa happy"
**
16. GH aviator, 2019
"The cultural part was lit. I'm so happy I bumped into this video. Definitely subscribing. đđđđï»ż"
**
17. Margaret Asamoah, 2019
"Work well done All I am saying is be Diverse, Agbadja, Astiagbeko, Gbolo, Borborbor, etc, then you r fully representing Gna , The Ashanti leadership !!!l please. J Nash !!!!"ï»ż
**
REPLY
18. Aso Bosiako, 2019
"Margaret Asamoah let's stop such talks...its Ghanaian and beautiful.ï»ż"
**
19. Aseye Diaba, 2019
"Knowing how rich our culture and history is, I cannot rationalize why Ghanaians parents are paying $$$ to send their kids to school in Ghana that primarily teaches a British or American history and culture (curriculum) . Can someone tell me if theyâve seen any pupil in England or America learning about Ghanaian history. How many kids today know about the history of the black stool? Yet you will find Ghanaian kids in international schools in Ghana learning about the 1066 battle of Hastings. We are raising a generation of Ghanaian kids who know absolutely nothing about their culture and fail to see how this will impact us in the future .We are the same folks who will scream if a white man appropriates our culture and starts selling it to us because we do not know the value of what we have. Let us emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.
Well done harmonious chorale for representing our people and culture so wellï»ż"
**
20. Nketiah Manu Joseph, 2019
"Awwww my God I feel like crying ooođđđđđđđGhana ooooooo Ghanaï»ż"
**
21. Linda Ofoli, 2019
"Watching from Italy..much love for Ghanaaaaaaaaaa my motherlandâ€â€â€â€ï»ż"
**
22. Harriet Afia Mensah, 2019
"Why are we not hearing about this in the media??? They did a FANTASTIC JOB, I'm very proudï»ż"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases a video of Ghana's Harmonious Chorale at the World Choir Games (2018).
This post also provides information about the World Choir Games and the Harmonious Chorale.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are associated with Ghana's Harmonious Choir. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: HARMONIOUS CHORALE AT WORLD CHOIR GAMES 2018
HARMONIOUS CHORALE - GHANA, Published on Nov 14, 2018
Harmonious Chorale at the 10th World Choir Games. Ghana's sole participant at the world choir games crowned winners at World Choir Games. The choir won the newly created category C28 (Champions Competition). Harmonious Chorale Ghana picked up three gold diploma; emerging as the overall winner in one of the category from the open competition.
-snip-
The first song that the Harmonious Chorale sang in this video (beginning at 2:33) is an arrangement of "Lift Every Voice And Sing), which is known as "the African American National Anthem". Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xal0GigaoPQ for a full rendition of this song from this Ghanaian choir.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD CHOIR GAMES
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Choir_Games
"The World Choir Games (formerly named the Choir Olympics) is the largest global choral festival and competition.[1] Organised by the Interkultur Foundation for amateur choirs from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin, race, genre of music or artistic ambitions, its motto is "Singing together brings nations together".[2] The Games originated from the idea to bring people together through singing in peaceful competition, showing that unity of nations through the arts can be effectively and illustratively demonstrated and challenged.[3] The focus of the Games is on participation above winning, and it aims to inspire people to "experience the strength of interaction, challenging personality and community equally by singing together".[4]
The most recent host of the Games was Tshwane, South Africa from 4 - 14 July 2018, and the next edition of the Games will be co-hosted by Antwerp and Ghent, Belgium from 5 â 15 July 2020.[5][6]
General
The Games are hosted biennially (every even year) in a pre-select city across the globe, where choirs compete in selected categories. In 2012, for instance, there were 23 categories,[7] and in 2016 there were 29 categories, among them "Senior Choirs" and "University Choirs".[8] The Games consist of competitions in two classes (Champions and Open), festival concerts, artistic workshops, and various ceremonies.[9] During the competition, choirs compete for gold, silver, bronze, or "Successful Participation" awards. Medals are awarded in the Champions Competition, and diplomas are awarded in the Open Competition. The choir that attains the highest point and a gold medal in a category during the Champions Competition is awarded the title of "Champion of the World Choir Games" for that category.
As part of the festival aspect of the Games choirs may also choose to participate in artistic workshops featuring renowned choral instructors, as well as friendship concerts and free public concerts where choirs share their music with choristers and audiences from different parts of the world.[10][11] Ceremonies that form part of the Games include opening and closing ceremonies where up to 20 000 choristers join in a single venue, as well as the award ceremonies where the outcomes of the Open Competition and Champions Competition are announced. During the proceedings of the Games, the host for the next edition of the Games is usually also announced."
****
NFORMATION ABOUT HARMONIOUS CHOIR
From
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonious_Chorale
"Harmonious Chorale (HC) is an interdenominational choir based in Accra, Ghana. It is adjudged one of Ghana's best groups.[1] It was formerly formed as the Harmonious Quartet in 2005[2] and established as Harmonious Chorale in 2007.[3]
Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, the founder and Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries is the Chairman of the choir.[4] The choir is under the directorship of James Varrick Armaah (founder of Harmonious Chorale),[5] composer of popular choral song, 'Oye', and graduate from the school of performing arts Music Department of the University of Ghana, Legon.[6][7]
Harmonious Chorale released its debut album, Come Let Us Sing in 2009.[2]
Harmonious Chorale in 2016 instituted the Joyce Rosalind Aryee International Conference for Choirs,[8] an annual event in appreciation of Aryee's contribution to the promotion and sustenance of chorale music.[9]
Harmonious Chorale was the guest choir at the University of Ghana's maiden edition of the UG Choral Music festival.[10] Harmonious Chorale joined musicians such as Don Moen, Sinach, Angela Christie and Leonel Peterson at the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival, the largest gathering of carol singers in the world, under the auspices of the Governor of the Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.[11]
Harmonious Chorale is the first choir to represent Ghana at the 2018 World Choir Games held in South Africa .[12][13]
Awards
2015 Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) Festival - Best Choral Group[14]
2015 [1] GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year[15]
2016 [2] GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year [16]
2018 [3] Shine Awards - Best Choral Group[17][18][19]
2018 World Choir Games - Golden Diploma (Level 1 Category 09 Mixed choirs)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games - Golden Diploma (Level IV Category 016 Musica Sacra with Accompaniment)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games- Winner (Scenic Folklore)[20][21]
2018 World Choir Games - Champions of the World Choir Games ( C28 Open Repertoire)[22][23]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choir of the Year[24]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Oratorio of the Year (Joseph & His Brethren) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Easter Concert of the Year (Festival of Praise and Worship) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Instrumentalist of the year (Augustine Sobeng, Harmonious Chorale) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Female Vocal of the Year (Lordina Eugenia Osei, Harmonious Chorale)[25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Composer of the Year (James Varrick Armaah) [25]
2018 GHYouth Choir Choral Festival & Awards - Choral Song of the Year (Nea Wode Me Abeduru Nie, James Varrick Armaah, Harmonious Chorale) [25]"
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS EMBEDDED VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. Norbert Naanume, 2018
"Thank You Harmonious Chorale for making Ghana proud. World Champions!!!!ï»ż
**
2. Anita Adubofour, 2018
"Amen.Congratulations HC...Ghana on the map!"ï»ż
**
3. Ebo Bondzie, 2018
"And this radio presenters don't even talk about
And everyday talking about politics"ï»ż
**
4. raphael dotse, 2018
"I'm in love with this great group for a long time, can't even describe the joy they bring to my life any time I watch n listen to their marvelous renditions. Big ups Especially my mentor Varrickï»ż"
-snip-
Composer James Varrick Armaah is the Founder and Director of the Harmonious Chorale.
**
5. Margaret Asamoah, 2018
"But next time be more diverse, Ghana has other languages ,dances, cultures. If you r representing Us, Thanks , CONGRATS !!đđđđï»ż"
**
REPLY
6. Tebis VanKelvin, 2019
"@Margaret Asamoah ... They couldn't represent the whole tribes equally that's why they tried representing on ethnic lines with their cultural dressings...
If you look well at the cultural part you will notice every tribe/ethnic group was fairly represented.."ï»ż
**
7. Wisdom Prince, 2019
"Arguably, HC is the best chorale group in Ghana over the past 50 years. Kudos guys for lifting high the flag of Ghana.ï»ż"
**
8. Gwynne Cain, 2019
"Interesting to look at this, there is so much African American creativity here you may not think that there was a difference. During Black History Month we may have something that depicts life like it was during the 1600 and 1700's it would be something in this nature, different tribes at Congo Square entertaining themselves. I really like the percussion arangements, but I have a problem with the voicings that are very much European, I am missing a Bass in the voicing that I love to hear, but maybe it is in another country.The voicing arrangement is tooooo much European. They took away the original sound of the African Culture. They catered the music to the people who were doing the competition. Congratulations , next time put some African blackness back in it. We have some choirs in America that will really give you a show. But congratulations because you worked hard to get there and it paid off. But it would be even better if you would stay in the genre that is represented in your culture, undiluted. Just my Opinon.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
9. HARMONIOUS CHORALE - GHANA, 2019
"Many thanks and Suggestion well taken. The harmony was done specifically for the Olympics. We promise to give the world more Africanness as we known for in our next production. Thank you.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
10. Hannah Dorkenu, 2019
"Although I may agree with you from a certain perspective. I do not understand what you mean by African Culture. Africa itself consists of different cultural groups. Even in Ghana, we have almost over 30 cultural groups. I don't think there is anything like African culture from where I stand in Ghana. And know that this is my opinion. What African American think of Africa may not be as it is. The choir as they were presenting put in twists from different cultural groups in Ghana. I heard a Ga song, a twi song, even saw Borborbor from eweland, Kpalogo from Ga's and Adowa from the Akans. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't know how African you want us to go again, considering the term choir is European.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
11. Prince Jadon, 2019
"@Hannah Dorkenu even ewes didn't have one cultureï»ż"
**
REPLY
12. Akosua Adjeiwaa, 2019
"Please i am from Ghana, there's nathing wrong with the show. What do you know about African or Ghana culture.ï»ż"
**
REPLY
13. intuitive self-love, 2019
"@Hannah Dorkenu she just wants you to bark like a dog and run naked lol joke aside many people think Africa is a culture. Lolï»ż"
**
REPLY
14. Hannah Dorkenu, 2019
"@Prince Jadon Exactly"
**
15. Asso asso eric, 2019
"Mes fĂ©licitations Ă ce magnifique groupe qui fait plaisir Ă ce bon continent d'Afriqueï»ż"
-snip-
Google translation from French to English:
"Congratulations to this wonderful group that makes this continent of Africa happy"
**
16. GH aviator, 2019
"The cultural part was lit. I'm so happy I bumped into this video. Definitely subscribing. đđđđï»ż"
**
17. Margaret Asamoah, 2019
"Work well done All I am saying is be Diverse, Agbadja, Astiagbeko, Gbolo, Borborbor, etc, then you r fully representing Gna , The Ashanti leadership !!!l please. J Nash !!!!"ï»ż
**
REPLY
18. Aso Bosiako, 2019
"Margaret Asamoah let's stop such talks...its Ghanaian and beautiful.ï»ż"
**
19. Aseye Diaba, 2019
"Knowing how rich our culture and history is, I cannot rationalize why Ghanaians parents are paying $$$ to send their kids to school in Ghana that primarily teaches a British or American history and culture (curriculum) . Can someone tell me if theyâve seen any pupil in England or America learning about Ghanaian history. How many kids today know about the history of the black stool? Yet you will find Ghanaian kids in international schools in Ghana learning about the 1066 battle of Hastings. We are raising a generation of Ghanaian kids who know absolutely nothing about their culture and fail to see how this will impact us in the future .We are the same folks who will scream if a white man appropriates our culture and starts selling it to us because we do not know the value of what we have. Let us emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.
Well done harmonious chorale for representing our people and culture so wellï»ż"
**
20. Nketiah Manu Joseph, 2019
"Awwww my God I feel like crying ooođđđđđđđGhana ooooooo Ghanaï»ż"
**
21. Linda Ofoli, 2019
"Watching from Italy..much love for Ghanaaaaaaaaaa my motherlandâ€â€â€â€ï»ż"
**
22. Harriet Afia Mensah, 2019
"Why are we not hearing about this in the media??? They did a FANTASTIC JOB, I'm very proudï»ż"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity & Its Alpha Walk (also known as "Ape Walk" - information, comments & videos
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision - May 25, 2024
This pancocojams post presents information, comments about and videos of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc's "Alpha Walk"("Ape Walk").
This group performance movement is also known as "The Alpha Stroll" and possibly other names.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
A portion of this post was published in this 2013 pancocojams post: http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/deconstructing-stereotype-of-black.html Deconstructing The Stereotype Of Black People As Apes & Monkeys
Latest revision - May 25, 2024
This pancocojams post presents information, comments about and videos of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc's "Alpha Walk"("Ape Walk").
This group performance movement is also known as "The Alpha Stroll" and possibly other names.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
A portion of this post was published in this 2013 pancocojams post: http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/deconstructing-stereotype-of-black.html Deconstructing The Stereotype Of Black People As Apes & Monkeys
Basically the same content was also republished in 2023 https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2023/05/alpha-phi-alpha-fraternity-alpha-walk.html
(except for a few visitor comments in both posts) because I thought I had accidentally deleted this 2019 post.
.
****
OPINIONS ABOUT ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. AND APE WALK & APE DEPICTIONS (COSTUMES, MASKS, ETC)
STATEMENT FROM THAT FRATERNITY'S NATIONAL HISTORIAN
From https://apa1906.net/the-derogatory-meaning-of-the-ape-a-perspective-from-the-national-historian/#:~:text=It%20runs%20counter%20to%20everything,standard%20for%20others%20to%20follow. "The Derogatory Meaning Of The Ape: A Perspective From The National Historian" [no publishing date given, retrieved May 5, 2023]
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black Greek letter fraternity.
It's clear from watching videos of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APhiA; Alphas) step shows & strolls that a number of Alphas consider apes as their unofficial mascot, symbol, or icon. That this symbolism is unofficial is underscored by the fact that there's no mention of apes being a symbol of A Phi A on that organization's website http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com or on the Wikipedia page about that organization http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Phi_Alpha.
"Alpha Phi Alpha (ÎΊÎ) is the first Black, Inter-Collegiate Greek-Lettered fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) that soon followed in its footsteps. It employs an icon from Ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza as its symbol, and its aims are "manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind," and its motto is First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."...
-snip-
An excerpt from Alpha Protocol & Etiquette Manual by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity reads "Brothers and chapters are prohibited from using the ape publicly to represent Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc." https://issuu.com/apa1906network/docs/protocol_etiquette_manual/18
Also, a note credited to Rashid Darden on a pinterest page for Alpha paraphernalia (shirts, jackets etc) reads "THIS IS A NO NO....The Ape is not in any way associated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, yet many brothers wear this type of clothing to official Alpha events and in photos representing Alpha. Not a good look" https://www.pinterest.com/pin/511158626426311047/?lp=true
Yet, the fact that a number of Alphas associate "apes" with their fraternity is evident in a number of the Alpha Phi Alpha step show/stroll YouTube videos as well as in a number of comments in those video's discussion threads. Examples are given below.
Online references to "apes" and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are mostly in videos of and comments about the strutting group movement art called a "walk" (also known as a "stroll"). Comments that I've found online (given below) strongly suggest that the "ape walk" is a newer term for what was once called (and may still be called) the "Alpha walk". Also, these online comments and an excerpt from Elizabeth C. Fine's book Steppin suggest that the "ape" and/or the name "Ape Walk" were unofficially adopted by members of Alpha Phi Alpha in the 1980s, although the "walk" itself is older than that.
In the context of historically Black fraternities/sororities, a "walk" (also known as a "stroll") is a movement performance art in which two or more people form a single file and do uncomplicated, repetitive, choreographed motions while moving at a slow pace in a circular manner, usually to recorded Hip Hop/R&B music. "Walks" ("strolls" can be competitive (i.e. performed during competitive step shows or stroll contests) or non-competitive (performed- sometimes extemporaneously- during social events such as parties (i.e. "party walks") or Greek (fraternity/sorority) picnics.
The "Ape Walk" ("Alpha Walk"/"Alpha Stroll") is usually performed to the Hop Hop record "Mic Checka Remix" by Das EFX.
**
The "Alpha Walk" was performed long before the "Alpha Male" meme "became a thing" in mainstream American media. However, there's no doubt that the Alpha man meme reinforced some positive meanings that members of Alpha Phi Alpha had given to their Alpha Walk. Here's a quote about the Alpha male and how the Alpha male walks from https://www.politicsphere.com/how-alpha-males-walk/ "How Alpha Males Walk" published by Desmond K by Desmond K May 7, 2022
"An Alpha male is a true gentleman. Being a gentleman is an integral part of a guyâs core value, and it isnât something that he can put on and take off like a t-shirt. It follows him everywhere. Alpha males carry around confidence and high self-esteem. These characteristics help distinguish them from other people. An alpha male would stand tall with good looks, excellent speaking skills, and well-groomed in a public space. They are naturally effective leaders who may take charge at any moment, especially in a group or gathering. They may be identified by simply looking. Given his public presence and appearance, one might wonder how an alpha male walks.
****
YOUTUBE COMMENTS ABOUT THE "APE WALK"/ THE "ALPHA WALK" ("ALPHA STROLL")
Several commenters in discussion threads for videos that show the Alphas' Ape Walk write or suggest that the Alpha's "Ape Walk" was originally called the "Alpha Walk". [Numbers added for referencing purposes only]
1. carolinaNatl, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKMGpWnzm5kAlpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk
Drkch03, Published on Apr 21, 2008 [hereafter given as "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"]
carolinaNatl, 2009
"Yep it's called the "Alpha Walk" here in GA. The Delta Eta chapter at Savannah State University started it even before I came in (in spring 02). Mic Checka by Daz Efx is the official song thanks to our old heads - and thanks to our many roads trips and step shows, everyone knows it! AAAAAA PHHHII!!!!!
**
Reply
2. pettisk28, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Not sure who this is, but I read your post and wanted to correct you...The Alpha Walk was created by the Beta Nu Chapter of A Phi A at Florida A&M in the early 1990s when Mic Checka remix came out.
I pledged in Spr. 99 BN and trust me, there is no chapter who does it like we do...I am glad that other chapters (probably through regional/national conventions and visits to FAM) have tried to adopt it, but please give proper credit where it is due."
Pettis Kent
Taildog, Spr. 99 Beta Nu A Phi A
**
Reply
carolinaNatl, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
3. "Wow...uh ok. I heard of the florida walk that your band used to do (correct me if I'm wrong). I see this is pretty important to you. No one trying to take credit away. Thanks for your 2 cents...Great job...
We spread it through roads trips (always visiting another school - especially here in GA) and of course conventions. I think we deserve a little credit for it's popularity - and no one does it like us either (not that I care). Do you guys still do it?"
**
Reply
4. pettisk28, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"My bad for coming on so strong, but the reason why I responded like that is because far too often, proper credit is not given for certain things especially within the frat.
Anyway, yes, we do the alpha walk at the end of each party we have, as well as other parties and we do it at steps shows, frat house BBQs, etc. I think if you search Beta Nu Alphas, you may be able to see same clips of the current guys doing it.
Take care of yourself bruh, and thanks for doing the Alpha walk.
PK"
**
Reply
5. Blockchaindoc06, 20109, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"I'll have to agree with pettisk28 on his point. I remember going up to FAMU in like '94-96 and bruhs were definitely doing the A-Walk to Mic Checka. The BN bruhs definitely deserve props for that. Because the stroll is so cold it has been adopted many chapters. I'm just happy to see the bruhs from the Florida Fed. showing love and repping nationwide like they are currently. Much love to all the Florida bruhs especially my Tau Delta chapter bruhs!
Nutty Professor
#2TDSp99"
**
Reply
6. onwardlight6091, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"interesting the "APE" walk done in texas is different..it actually looks like an APE walking in part of the strut which is weird because i always wondered who studied an ape and put it in a strut..lol"
**
7. LooseEnds06, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Let me put my 7 cents in - I pledged in the 80's before Mic Checka was ever a song and the Alphas were doing the Ape Walk back then even before I pledged!!! And yes, we called it the Ape Walk then! These brothers are doing the Ape Walk as we did then, but the Ape Walk was a smooth and cool party hop. We also placed our right hand on the right shoulder of the brother in front of us while doing the Ape Walk too! And just as these brothers are saying "my leg, my leg, my %#& leg," we did as well!"
**
8. LooseEnds06, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Another thing, although I don't know who started doing if first, but from my recollection, the Ape Walk was being done by brothers all over the country. I remember going to my first Nat'l Conv in the 80's and being in awe at 100's of brothers in line doing the Ape Walk around the ballroom after the stepshow. Although we called it the Ape Walk - that was pretty much the only thing that we glorified of the Ape image. Alpha men held up the true frat images of the SPHINX, PYRAMIDS and PHAROAHS!"
**
9. bulletsnr, 2010
"In the midwest, it's called the 'Old Man'. No matter what it's called, it's the ish and I miss that ish!
#2 Khafre, Fall '97, Bloody O!"
**
10. M Mcintyre, 2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPTNseaq4k "Infamous APhiA Stroll"*, BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012, [Hereafter given as "Infamous APhiA video discussion"]
"love this one,,,,mixing a little old school 1980's step with a little of the new.........and still under control enough so that a 60 year brother in Alpha can still jump out and step. My first Alpha Walk,,,,had a frat on my line that had crossed in 1947 when I crossed in 1981.
-snip-
*Another commenter clarified that "Infamous" in this title was the nickname of the Alpha chapter at that university.
**
11. The MOTIV8 Xperience TV, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
"Man I peeped a few different versions of the Alpha Walk bruhs!lbs-- Ya'll did ya thang! '06"
**
12. Miss Volpexpress08, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
".....AIN'T NOTHING LIKE THAT ALPHA STROLL!!...08!
**
13. M Mcintyre, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
"OLd school Alpha Walkin'"
****
"STEPPIN" BOOK EXCERPT ABOUT ALPHAS AND THE APE WALK
A passage from Elizabeth C. Fine's 2003 book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows quotes a passage in Howard University's 1988 Bison yearbook mentions apes in reference to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
P.40
..."One of the few descriptions of a different type of step show-the probate show-appears in the 1988 Bison. In âProbation prior to Vacation: Karen Samuels provides colorful details about the performances of five pledge clubs, demonstrating the importance of movement, song, and symbolic costumes....
There are also photographs of the AKA pledge club, the Delta pledges performing their ritual duck walk; and the âNubian Apes of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc.â who âlet out whoops and snatched members of the audience into their arms as they prepare to cross the burning sands into Alpha land.â [Samuel, Bison, âProbation Prior to Vacationâ 14-15
****
WHAT DOES "APES" MEAN TO MEMBERS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY?
Several commenters in discussion threads of videos of the Alpha's Ape Walk wrote that unless you are a member of this organization, you wouldn't understand what "ape" means to them. Here are three examples of those comments
1. Capricorn GoddessNika, 2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPTNseaq4k Infamous APhiA Stroll*[ hereafter given as Infamous APhiA video discussion], BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012
"And the ape has significance. It's neither random nor a gimmick. Trust me on this (I can't say more - I took an oath)."
**
[comment written in response to a comment that an Alpha being part of a stroll wearing an ape costume being "just "an idiot in an ape costume"
2, B The Motivator Inspires, 2015; Infamous APhiA video discussion
"If your not an Alpha then you don't know anything about the ape so it would look like that to you."
**
3. J Hughes, 2017; Infamous APhiA video discussion
"Dan Shields if you're not a bruh, you won't undertand"
-snip-
[This was written in response to this comment]
Dan Shields, 2012, Infamous APhiA video discussion
"is it just me or did it look like blacks took a step back when the dude in the monkey suit went through? u already know white folks are prolly laughing at this sayin, "i told u they are animals" "
-snip-
I've read in a 2009 Geocities anti-greek forum that in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity pledge process, "a.p.e" means "almost pledged* entirely". http://www.oocities.org/glos_havebeenexposed/sin_and_shame.html donâtgogreek.com
-end of quote-
That may or may not be true.
Also, this comment was sent to the discussion thread for the above mentioned 2013 pancocojams post whose link is given above on -snip-
Because I'm not a member of that fraternity, and for other reasons, I chose to delete my guesses about the significance of apes to Alphas that I had included in the 2013 pancocojams post entitled "Deconstructing The Stereotype Of Black People As Apes & Monkeys "whose link is given above.
Anonymous, April 1, 2015 at 1:14 PM
"I AM AN ALPHA APE FROM CENTRAL STATE U.
SPR 03
ACE K1UB
OUR ADOPTION OF THE APE, COMES FROM THE PRIMATE (APE) BEING THE SAMRTEST OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. HENCE THE FACT THAT WE ARE PARTY ANIMALS, THE APE WAS ADOPTED."
-snip-
If this is true, it may not be everything that "apes" means to members of this fraternity.
Even though the reason/s for this choice are secret, what is done in secret can impact people outside an organization. Because historically and in this present time apes, gorillas, and monkeys have very negative connotations for Black people, I continue to look side eye at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's choice of an ape for their icon, even though that icon is unofficial. ]
-snip-
A passage from Elizabeth C. Fine's book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows quotes a passage in Howard University's 1988 Bison yearbook mentions apes in reference to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; P.40
..."One of the few descriptions of a different type of step show-the probate show-appears in the 1988 Bison. In âProbation prior to Vacation: Karen Samuels provides colorful details about the performances of five pledge clubs, demonstrating the importance of movement, song, and symbolic costumes....
There are also photographs of the AKA pledge club, the Delta pledges performing their ritual duck walk; and the âNubian Apes of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc.â who âlet out whoops and snatched members of the audience into their arms as they prepare to cross the burning sands into Alpha land.â [Samuel, Bison, âProbation Prior to Vacationâ 14-15]
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk
Drkch03, Published on Apr 21, 2008
A Phi A Ape Walking at FISS 2008 Greek Fest
****
Video #2: Alphas @ Strolling on the Moon
BakerClassics, Published on May 11, 2010
-snip-
Alphas do the Ape Walk in the beginning of the video
-snip-
The Ape Walk is done to Mic Checka Remix - Das EFX. This appears to be the record that is always used for this Alpha walk/stroll,
****
Video #3: Infamous APhiA Stroll
BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012
Had to do an english project on something relating to FSU so I decided to do it on the NPHC and the MGC. This is just a part of my project, I recorded the Infamous Iota Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc strolling at FSU's marekt Wednesday during Alpha weeek.
****
Video #4: Alpha Phi Alpha WIN 2012 Atlanta Greek Picnic step show
Atlanta Greek Picnic, Published on Jun 17, 2012
Alpha Phi Alpha WIN 2012 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show
-snip-
In a portion of that video (around 1:42 to around 2:10) & in some other A Phi A step routines, Alphas mimic apes. They crouch down and jump up & down like apes. They hold their arms to the side like apes, hit their chest & hit the ground in front of where they are standing. And they make ape sounds while looking menacing. In some videos of Alpha strolls [party walks] one or more members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity wear a gorilla mask.
Here are two comments from viewers of the step show video that is featured above:
1. "MY BLACK MY BLACK MY BBBBBBBBBLACK!
A Phi to the Apes! Congrats bruhs!"
-Santwon Hines, 2012
**
2. "thats how APES do it . great performance PHRAT . you APES did your thing ."
PHROZEN spr' 12
Gamma Kappa
Miles College
-tri66z, 2012
that organization prides itself on its connection to Egypt and Ethiopia. [This comment includes links to the Alphas' Wikipedia pages, and its official website]
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
.
****
OPINIONS ABOUT ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. AND APE WALK & APE DEPICTIONS (COSTUMES, MASKS, ETC)
STATEMENT FROM THAT FRATERNITY'S NATIONAL HISTORIAN
From https://apa1906.net/the-derogatory-meaning-of-the-ape-a-perspective-from-the-national-historian/#:~:text=It%20runs%20counter%20to%20everything,standard%20for%20others%20to%20follow. "The Derogatory Meaning Of The Ape: A Perspective From The National Historian" [no publishing date given, retrieved May 5, 2023]
âŠ.âMany Brothers want to use some form of transformation to
mark the transition from pledge to member of Alpha Phi Alpha. They have seized
on the metaphor of evolution from âapeâ to âman.â But that metaphor is fraught
with stereotypical dangers with which we should not want to be associated.
Other than evolution, we could use other models such as metamorphosis. Or, we
could use qualifications for membership in a guild from apprenticeship, to
journeyman, to master craftsman. We could adapt rites of passage programs that
avoid stereotypes. .Stereotypes die hard, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity of all
organizations should not be complicit in perpetuating them. The image of the
âapeâ is not one with which we should want to be associated. It runs counter to
everything that Alpha Phi Alpha was built on and stands for. In its verb form,
âto ape,â means to imitate. While others might base their organizations on
brute strength, men of Alpha are leaders and men of intellect who set the
standard for others to follow. We do not âapeâ anyone or anything and need to
abandon the image of the âape.â
Bro. Robert L. Harris Jr., Ph.D.
National Historian
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity"
****
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black Greek letter fraternity.
It's clear from watching videos of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APhiA; Alphas) step shows & strolls that a number of Alphas consider apes as their unofficial mascot, symbol, or icon. That this symbolism is unofficial is underscored by the fact that there's no mention of apes being a symbol of A Phi A on that organization's website http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com or on the Wikipedia page about that organization http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Phi_Alpha.
"Alpha Phi Alpha (ÎΊÎ) is the first Black, Inter-Collegiate Greek-Lettered fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) that soon followed in its footsteps. It employs an icon from Ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza as its symbol, and its aims are "manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind," and its motto is First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."...
-snip-
An excerpt from Alpha Protocol & Etiquette Manual by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity reads "Brothers and chapters are prohibited from using the ape publicly to represent Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc." https://issuu.com/apa1906network/docs/protocol_etiquette_manual/18
Also, a note credited to Rashid Darden on a pinterest page for Alpha paraphernalia (shirts, jackets etc) reads "THIS IS A NO NO....The Ape is not in any way associated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, yet many brothers wear this type of clothing to official Alpha events and in photos representing Alpha. Not a good look" https://www.pinterest.com/pin/511158626426311047/?lp=true
Yet, the fact that a number of Alphas associate "apes" with their fraternity is evident in a number of the Alpha Phi Alpha step show/stroll YouTube videos as well as in a number of comments in those video's discussion threads. Examples are given below.
Online references to "apes" and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are mostly in videos of and comments about the strutting group movement art called a "walk" (also known as a "stroll"). Comments that I've found online (given below) strongly suggest that the "ape walk" is a newer term for what was once called (and may still be called) the "Alpha walk". Also, these online comments and an excerpt from Elizabeth C. Fine's book Steppin suggest that the "ape" and/or the name "Ape Walk" were unofficially adopted by members of Alpha Phi Alpha in the 1980s, although the "walk" itself is older than that.
In the context of historically Black fraternities/sororities, a "walk" (also known as a "stroll") is a movement performance art in which two or more people form a single file and do uncomplicated, repetitive, choreographed motions while moving at a slow pace in a circular manner, usually to recorded Hip Hop/R&B music. "Walks" ("strolls" can be competitive (i.e. performed during competitive step shows or stroll contests) or non-competitive (performed- sometimes extemporaneously- during social events such as parties (i.e. "party walks") or Greek (fraternity/sorority) picnics.
The "Ape Walk" ("Alpha Walk"/"Alpha Stroll") is usually performed to the Hop Hop record "Mic Checka Remix" by Das EFX.
**
The "Alpha Walk" was performed long before the "Alpha Male" meme "became a thing" in mainstream American media. However, there's no doubt that the Alpha man meme reinforced some positive meanings that members of Alpha Phi Alpha had given to their Alpha Walk. Here's a quote about the Alpha male and how the Alpha male walks from https://www.politicsphere.com/how-alpha-males-walk/ "How Alpha Males Walk" published by Desmond K by Desmond K May 7, 2022
"An Alpha male is a true gentleman. Being a gentleman is an integral part of a guyâs core value, and it isnât something that he can put on and take off like a t-shirt. It follows him everywhere. Alpha males carry around confidence and high self-esteem. These characteristics help distinguish them from other people. An alpha male would stand tall with good looks, excellent speaking skills, and well-groomed in a public space. They are naturally effective leaders who may take charge at any moment, especially in a group or gathering. They may be identified by simply looking. Given his public presence and appearance, one might wonder how an alpha male walks.
****
YOUTUBE COMMENTS ABOUT THE "APE WALK"/ THE "ALPHA WALK" ("ALPHA STROLL")
Several commenters in discussion threads for videos that show the Alphas' Ape Walk write or suggest that the Alpha's "Ape Walk" was originally called the "Alpha Walk". [Numbers added for referencing purposes only]
1. carolinaNatl, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKMGpWnzm5kAlpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk
Drkch03, Published on Apr 21, 2008 [hereafter given as "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"]
carolinaNatl, 2009
"Yep it's called the "Alpha Walk" here in GA. The Delta Eta chapter at Savannah State University started it even before I came in (in spring 02). Mic Checka by Daz Efx is the official song thanks to our old heads - and thanks to our many roads trips and step shows, everyone knows it! AAAAAA PHHHII!!!!!
**
Reply
2. pettisk28, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Not sure who this is, but I read your post and wanted to correct you...The Alpha Walk was created by the Beta Nu Chapter of A Phi A at Florida A&M in the early 1990s when Mic Checka remix came out.
I pledged in Spr. 99 BN and trust me, there is no chapter who does it like we do...I am glad that other chapters (probably through regional/national conventions and visits to FAM) have tried to adopt it, but please give proper credit where it is due."
Pettis Kent
Taildog, Spr. 99 Beta Nu A Phi A
**
Reply
carolinaNatl, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
3. "Wow...uh ok. I heard of the florida walk that your band used to do (correct me if I'm wrong). I see this is pretty important to you. No one trying to take credit away. Thanks for your 2 cents...Great job...
We spread it through roads trips (always visiting another school - especially here in GA) and of course conventions. I think we deserve a little credit for it's popularity - and no one does it like us either (not that I care). Do you guys still do it?"
**
Reply
4. pettisk28, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"My bad for coming on so strong, but the reason why I responded like that is because far too often, proper credit is not given for certain things especially within the frat.
Anyway, yes, we do the alpha walk at the end of each party we have, as well as other parties and we do it at steps shows, frat house BBQs, etc. I think if you search Beta Nu Alphas, you may be able to see same clips of the current guys doing it.
Take care of yourself bruh, and thanks for doing the Alpha walk.
PK"
**
Reply
5. Blockchaindoc06, 20109, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"I'll have to agree with pettisk28 on his point. I remember going up to FAMU in like '94-96 and bruhs were definitely doing the A-Walk to Mic Checka. The BN bruhs definitely deserve props for that. Because the stroll is so cold it has been adopted many chapters. I'm just happy to see the bruhs from the Florida Fed. showing love and repping nationwide like they are currently. Much love to all the Florida bruhs especially my Tau Delta chapter bruhs!
Nutty Professor
#2TDSp99"
**
Reply
6. onwardlight6091, 2009; "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"interesting the "APE" walk done in texas is different..it actually looks like an APE walking in part of the strut which is weird because i always wondered who studied an ape and put it in a strut..lol"
**
7. LooseEnds06, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Let me put my 7 cents in - I pledged in the 80's before Mic Checka was ever a song and the Alphas were doing the Ape Walk back then even before I pledged!!! And yes, we called it the Ape Walk then! These brothers are doing the Ape Walk as we did then, but the Ape Walk was a smooth and cool party hop. We also placed our right hand on the right shoulder of the brother in front of us while doing the Ape Walk too! And just as these brothers are saying "my leg, my leg, my %#& leg," we did as well!"
**
8. LooseEnds06, 2009, "Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk video discussion"
"Another thing, although I don't know who started doing if first, but from my recollection, the Ape Walk was being done by brothers all over the country. I remember going to my first Nat'l Conv in the 80's and being in awe at 100's of brothers in line doing the Ape Walk around the ballroom after the stepshow. Although we called it the Ape Walk - that was pretty much the only thing that we glorified of the Ape image. Alpha men held up the true frat images of the SPHINX, PYRAMIDS and PHAROAHS!"
**
9. bulletsnr, 2010
"In the midwest, it's called the 'Old Man'. No matter what it's called, it's the ish and I miss that ish!
#2 Khafre, Fall '97, Bloody O!"
**
10. M Mcintyre, 2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPTNseaq4k "Infamous APhiA Stroll"*, BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012, [Hereafter given as "Infamous APhiA video discussion"]
"love this one,,,,mixing a little old school 1980's step with a little of the new.........and still under control enough so that a 60 year brother in Alpha can still jump out and step. My first Alpha Walk,,,,had a frat on my line that had crossed in 1947 when I crossed in 1981.
-snip-
*Another commenter clarified that "Infamous" in this title was the nickname of the Alpha chapter at that university.
**
11. The MOTIV8 Xperience TV, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
"Man I peeped a few different versions of the Alpha Walk bruhs!lbs-- Ya'll did ya thang! '06"
**
12. Miss Volpexpress08, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
".....AIN'T NOTHING LIKE THAT ALPHA STROLL!!...08!
**
13. M Mcintyre, 2017, "Infamous APhiA video discussion"
"OLd school Alpha Walkin'"
****
"STEPPIN" BOOK EXCERPT ABOUT ALPHAS AND THE APE WALK
A passage from Elizabeth C. Fine's 2003 book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows quotes a passage in Howard University's 1988 Bison yearbook mentions apes in reference to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
P.40
..."One of the few descriptions of a different type of step show-the probate show-appears in the 1988 Bison. In âProbation prior to Vacation: Karen Samuels provides colorful details about the performances of five pledge clubs, demonstrating the importance of movement, song, and symbolic costumes....
There are also photographs of the AKA pledge club, the Delta pledges performing their ritual duck walk; and the âNubian Apes of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc.â who âlet out whoops and snatched members of the audience into their arms as they prepare to cross the burning sands into Alpha land.â [Samuel, Bison, âProbation Prior to Vacationâ 14-15
****
WHAT DOES "APES" MEAN TO MEMBERS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY?
Several commenters in discussion threads of videos of the Alpha's Ape Walk wrote that unless you are a member of this organization, you wouldn't understand what "ape" means to them. Here are three examples of those comments
1. Capricorn GoddessNika, 2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPTNseaq4k Infamous APhiA Stroll*[ hereafter given as Infamous APhiA video discussion], BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012
"And the ape has significance. It's neither random nor a gimmick. Trust me on this (I can't say more - I took an oath)."
**
[comment written in response to a comment that an Alpha being part of a stroll wearing an ape costume being "just "an idiot in an ape costume"
2, B The Motivator Inspires, 2015; Infamous APhiA video discussion
"If your not an Alpha then you don't know anything about the ape so it would look like that to you."
**
3. J Hughes, 2017; Infamous APhiA video discussion
"Dan Shields if you're not a bruh, you won't undertand"
-snip-
[This was written in response to this comment]
Dan Shields, 2012, Infamous APhiA video discussion
"is it just me or did it look like blacks took a step back when the dude in the monkey suit went through? u already know white folks are prolly laughing at this sayin, "i told u they are animals" "
-snip-
I've read in a 2009 Geocities anti-greek forum that in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity pledge process, "a.p.e" means "almost pledged* entirely". http://www.oocities.org/glos_havebeenexposed/sin_and_shame.html donâtgogreek.com
-end of quote-
That may or may not be true.
Also, this comment was sent to the discussion thread for the above mentioned 2013 pancocojams post whose link is given above on -snip-
Because I'm not a member of that fraternity, and for other reasons, I chose to delete my guesses about the significance of apes to Alphas that I had included in the 2013 pancocojams post entitled "Deconstructing The Stereotype Of Black People As Apes & Monkeys "whose link is given above.
Anonymous, April 1, 2015 at 1:14 PM
"I AM AN ALPHA APE FROM CENTRAL STATE U.
SPR 03
ACE K1UB
OUR ADOPTION OF THE APE, COMES FROM THE PRIMATE (APE) BEING THE SAMRTEST OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. HENCE THE FACT THAT WE ARE PARTY ANIMALS, THE APE WAS ADOPTED."
-snip-
If this is true, it may not be everything that "apes" means to members of this fraternity.
Even though the reason/s for this choice are secret, what is done in secret can impact people outside an organization. Because historically and in this present time apes, gorillas, and monkeys have very negative connotations for Black people, I continue to look side eye at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's choice of an ape for their icon, even though that icon is unofficial. ]
-snip-
A passage from Elizabeth C. Fine's book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows quotes a passage in Howard University's 1988 Bison yearbook mentions apes in reference to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; P.40
..."One of the few descriptions of a different type of step show-the probate show-appears in the 1988 Bison. In âProbation prior to Vacation: Karen Samuels provides colorful details about the performances of five pledge clubs, demonstrating the importance of movement, song, and symbolic costumes....
There are also photographs of the AKA pledge club, the Delta pledges performing their ritual duck walk; and the âNubian Apes of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc.â who âlet out whoops and snatched members of the audience into their arms as they prepare to cross the burning sands into Alpha land.â [Samuel, Bison, âProbation Prior to Vacationâ 14-15]
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Alpha Phi Alpha Ape Walk
Drkch03, Published on Apr 21, 2008
A Phi A Ape Walking at FISS 2008 Greek Fest
****
Video #2: Alphas @ Strolling on the Moon
BakerClassics, Published on May 11, 2010
-snip-
Alphas do the Ape Walk in the beginning of the video
-snip-
The Ape Walk is done to Mic Checka Remix - Das EFX. This appears to be the record that is always used for this Alpha walk/stroll,
****
Video #3: Infamous APhiA Stroll
BigMonayBlamz, Published on Apr 17, 2012
Had to do an english project on something relating to FSU so I decided to do it on the NPHC and the MGC. This is just a part of my project, I recorded the Infamous Iota Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc strolling at FSU's marekt Wednesday during Alpha weeek.
****
Video #4: Alpha Phi Alpha WIN 2012 Atlanta Greek Picnic step show
Atlanta Greek Picnic, Published on Jun 17, 2012
Alpha Phi Alpha WIN 2012 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show
-snip-
In a portion of that video (around 1:42 to around 2:10) & in some other A Phi A step routines, Alphas mimic apes. They crouch down and jump up & down like apes. They hold their arms to the side like apes, hit their chest & hit the ground in front of where they are standing. And they make ape sounds while looking menacing. In some videos of Alpha strolls [party walks] one or more members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity wear a gorilla mask.
Here are two comments from viewers of the step show video that is featured above:
1. "MY BLACK MY BLACK MY BBBBBBBBBLACK!
A Phi to the Apes! Congrats bruhs!"
-Santwon Hines, 2012
**
2. "thats how APES do it . great performance PHRAT . you APES did your thing ."
PHROZEN spr' 12
Gamma Kappa
Miles College
-tri66z, 2012
that organization prides itself on its connection to Egypt and Ethiopia. [This comment includes links to the Alphas' Wikipedia pages, and its official website]
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