The Balanta of Guinea-Bissau

Since my discovery of my maternal Balanta genetic heritage, there has been an explosion of information online about all things Balanta and Guinea-Bissau. With the increased amount of genetic testing being done by African Americans, many groups and cultural exchanges have taken place through the Internet.  Here are a few of my favorite videos  and online resources about the Balanta and Guinea-Bissau.

Typical Banlanta trube music called Broksa. According to my source, there is an annual festival of this dance organized in the village of Nhacra just outside of the capital Bissau.

 

 

There is also a new documentary about Amilcar Cabral (1924 - 1973) the father of Guinea-Bissau Independence movement.  For more detailed information about the film and the Cabralista movement which seeks to honor Amilcar Cabral visit the website http://www.cabralista.com.

 

BBC Radio 3 World Routes Guinea-Bissau Part 1 

BBC Radio 3 World Routes Guinea-Bissau Part 2

 Groups: (note that some groups you must have a facebook account to join or view)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATOGB/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Balanta-Tribe/156610237683310

Journey of Discovery. . .

Today I had a chance to reflect on exactly why I am researching my family genealogy and history. For me, it's a part of a greater journey of discovery. One that is within me and outside of me.
My journey on a quest to find my people began with a realization that African descended people in America were mostly missing from history books in the context of intellectual and humanitarian accomplishments. I began to research everything that I could about African descended people in America who had contributed anything of significance to American society. Along the way I discovered that as a group of people we are the most creative and most connected people that I know of. Our branch of the African Diaspora has survived and thrived under some of the most oppressive conditions in the Americas.
However, studying African-Americans wasn't enough, I had to take a look inward. I realized that I didn't know much about my own family, their achievements or their lives. These are the very people whose DNA and blood flows through me, their very existence allowed me to be brought me into being. As to date, I'm finding that success runs in my family in terms of their material wealth, spiritual wealth and gifts.
This journey has been eye opening for me in various ways. As I am journeying through this search for my family, I'm discovering more about myself, more about my people and more about my spirit.

I invite all my readers to continue with me on this journey of discovery. . .

The Family Griot