ebooks Fly Away: The Great African American Cultural Migrations by Peter M. Rutkoff; William B. Scott in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. What a Great book . . .By George GreeneLet me begin at the beginning. I studied with Peter Rutkoff and William Scott at Kenyon before the advent of the walkman (to give you some sense of my age). I like both of them. I still keep in contact with Professor Rutkoff. If you like good social history; this book is it. Professors Rutkoff and Scott track the African-American migration from the south to the north (Harlem; Pittsburgh and Chicago) to the west (Texas and California). They begin with the Middle Passage and show how persons from different tribal origins became African-Americans carrying their traditions with them which are recasted in America. There are many great things about this book. Professors Rutkoff and Scott detail the various ways and strategies that the African-American from the south responded to slavery and racism. They also do not ignore how the established black communities and the migrating southern black communities related to one another as a result of this influx. You see how the African-American community responds with dignity to the racism and segregation of their times. Another great part of this book is how Professors Rutkoff and Scott show how West African traditions become woven into the American fabric. The examples of religious practice and music come easily to mind. I must admit what makes this book even better is the internet. You read about Gospel performers. You can see them on Youtube. You read about blues men and women. You can watch them on Youtube. You read about jazz from Alabama and Pittsburgh. You can see them on Youtube. You can do the same thing about the Negro league or the Bud Billiken Day Parade. Their love of the subject comes through. So if you want to find out what a gut bucket is or learn about the Mayor of Bronzeville (things I never knew before); this book shines. It gives a new shine to things unseen.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy David B StephensonA must read for anyone who wants to understand our diverse population!6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. fascinating cultural historyBy H. F. GibbardThe great migration of African-Americans from southern rural areas to mostly northern cities between the end of the Civil War and World War II was one of the largest population shifts in history. It's a huge topic; which calls for selective focus by the historian who wants to present a manageable account. In "Fly Away;" Peter M. Rutkoff and William B. Scott present a culturally-based account of the migrations; focusing on how African-Americans transplanted their Southern; West-African based culture into urban environments; enriching the entire American experience.The book begins in Africa. In West Africa; specifically; the land in which slaves were captured; traded; and shipped to America before the Civil War. The focus here is on continuity of culture between the African world and the New World. We learn about the Mask; the Circle; and the Drum and their significance in the African and African-American experience. We learn about traditional religious and funerary customs; which will find new incarnations in the American environment.The first stop in America is Low Country Georgia and South Carolina; where the Gullah culture flourished. This is the oldest; most pure form of West African culture in the United States. African-Americans achieved a sort of autonomy there; creating their own world; owning their own land; celebrating their own rites and religious and cultural understandings. Though their material circumstances were humble; the vibrancy of the transplanted West African culture formed a sort of root system from which a mighty cultural tree grew and expanded over centuries. The roots of this tree were watered by a river flowing to and from Africa; on which the earliest immigrants imagined an eventual journey of return after their death. This gives a new meaning to all the spirituals that celebrate a voyage to the Promised Land.American called to black people the same way it called to people of other races and cultures; offering them opportunity in exchange for the willingness to migrate. Some of the earliest migrations were to Southern cities; which formed a way-station to later Northern migration. African-Americans developed thriving communities in Birmingham (associated with steel production); in Houston; and in Memphis. As persecution and oppression increased; these places became less hospitable; and black people moved on; to places like Chicago; New York; Philadelphia; and Los Angeles. Everywhere; they brought with them the musical and religious heritage that sent forth a thousand shoots and bloomed in community cultures throghout the United States.The focus of this book is on music and religion. Frank Zappa famously said that writing about music is like dancing about architecture. The subjective religious experience can also be difficult to capture in words. But I think the authors have done a pretty good job of making us understand how music and spirituality enriched the African-American experience. Other fields; like sports; the arts; politics; and fashion; receive lesser attention.One fascinating dynamic the authors explore is the cultural divide between longer-settled black communities; which sought to emulate white values by climbing the social ladder to the extent possible; and newly-arrived immigrants from the South; who were scorned for their "primitive" ways. The irony; of course; is that the new immigrants were closer to the vibrant culture that fertilized the entire community and caused it to grow. When cities made poor planning decisions about how to accommodate those not acculturated to city ways (such as Los Angeles); the results could be disastrous.Overall; I felt like I learned a tremendous amount from this book. The authors have a great deal of admiration and respect for African-American culture and the way it bloomed in urban American history.