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Dance and the Quality of Life pp 101–115Cite as

West African Dance and Spiritual Well-Being for African Americans

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Part of the book series: Social Indicators Research Series ((SINS,volume 73))

Abstract

Through autobiographical writing and ethnographic observation, this study highlights the life experience and educational activism of Jeanette “Adama Jewel” Jackson, founder and director of African Soul International, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. The chapter exemplifies how, for African Americans, African dance can be a critical practice of resistance, self-affirmation, and vital cultural recovery. The authors align with the premise of African dance scholar Thomas DeFrantz that rhythm and dance are a tangible hallmark of an African retention of heritage and spirituality that can afford a positive sense of identity. Fundamentally, the study highlights West African dance as a practice of spiritual well-being.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Denison University, Granville, OH, USA

    Ojeya Cruz Banks

  2. African Soul International and University of La Verne, La Verne, CA, USA

    Jeanette “Adama Jewel” Jackson

Authors
  1. Ojeya Cruz Banks
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  2. Jeanette “Adama Jewel” Jackson
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dance, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Karen Bond

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Cruz Banks, O., Jackson, J. (2019). West African Dance and Spiritual Well-Being for African Americans. In: Bond, K. (eds) Dance and the Quality of Life. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 73. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95699-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95699-2_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-95698-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-95699-2

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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