What cities are capitals of Black culture and history? I’m thinking of places with it’s own distinguished traditions, legacy, art, and history that stands on its own as a unique or history defining Black experience.
In the US:
New York: Hip Hop (DJ/MC/Breakers/Graffiti), Harlem Renaissance, 5 percenter Idealogy, the Nation of Islam, West Indian/African American hybrid culture. Puerto Rican and other Latino influence.
Los Angeles: LA gang culture, Gangsta Rap, a history of Mexican influence, such as Low Riders.
Chicago: Gospel, Soul, House, Chicago gang culture, Juking/Footworking, Stepping, a hotbed of Black Militant and Black Political activity, the headquarters of the NOI and Operation Push.
The Bay Area: Black Panthers, unique insular Hip Hop Music/Slang/Fashion/Dance that you'll only find in the Bay (though it seems the official name for it changes every 4 years
), a history of multiculturalism within the Black community. Probably the only major example of Black/Asian cooperation.
Atlanta: Civil rights history, Trap, unofficial center of Black Church culture, capitol of Black wealth excess, an efficiently run Black metropolis. The only city in America (that isn’t losing population) where Black people are not only prominent, but dominant in every aspect of life.
New Orleans: Creole culture, Black “Indians”, Voodoo, Jazz, Blues, Bounce, 2nd Lines, a whole slew of old and new traditions and slang you won’t find anywhere else.
To a lesser extent:
Washington DC: GoGo music, African American/African hybrid culture.
Houston: Screw music, capital of Black Southern car culture (Slab)
Detroit: Motown
What about Canada? Overseas places such as Paris and London. South America. The countries of Haiti, Belize, Bahamas, Jamaica I’d be interested in hearing from those who have visited or live there.
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