Traveling to Culturally Significant Locations:My trip to Jamaica(6 Points)-Jordan Benjamin

 One of my favorite and most culturally significant trips I have been on was my recent trip to Jamaica. Jamaica is an incredibly beautiful country, but it is also very rich with history for the African diaspora. In the 1500’s when the native populations of Jamaica could not withstand the diseases brought by the Spanish colonizers, enslaved Africans were brought to the island for labor. The freedom seekers of these enslaved groups formed communities in isolated areas and were referred to as Maroon Communities. This relates directly back to the coursework of African Diaspora and the World. In this class, we have talked frequently about forms of resistance to enslavement, with one being freedom seeking. During the fall semester, I had the ability to portray Queen Nanny, the leader of the Jamaican Windward Maroons.

During my time in Jamaica, I was able to see the natural beauties of the island, along with learning about the history of the island. One location we visited and hiked was Dunn River Falls. This waterfall was the location of the Battle of Ocho Rios, which was a battle between English and Spanish forces for control of the island. This further showed the deep history of colonialization on the island. Another favorite activity of mine was interacting with the culture through food. Jamaican food I was able to try included Ackee and Saltfish, Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Rice and Peas, and Plantains. Many of these dishes show a cultural connection with items like chicken, rice and peas being widely found in dishes throughout the diaspora. The method of making Jerk food was created by the Jamaican Maroons in conjunction with the techniques of the indigenous people of the land, the Taíno people.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing and learning about the culture of Jamaica. It is a country rich with history, beauty, and culture. I enjoyed learning about the history of enslaved persons on the island and the history of colonization on the island, as it is something that was taught to me in high school.