The Blackest States in America: Their Culture, History, and Politics
America has a significant black population, particularly in the southern states that have a unique history of civil rights, music, and cuisine that reflect African American culture. Yet, these states still struggle with issues of racial injustices, low-income housing, and lack of equal employment opportunities. As a result, black people tend to migrate to states where there are more substantial opportunities and representation. So, which state ranks the highest in terms of the black population? This article will explore and rank the blackest states in America with a focus on their history, culture, and political affiliations.
Mississippi
Mississippi is often referred to as the birthplace of the civil rights movement due to its history of segregation and discriminatory laws. The state’s black population comprises 37.8%, making it the highest percentage in the country. The state’s culture is reflective of the black artistry that blossomed during the civil rights era. Blues music and Jazz are iconic to Mississippi’s culture, with B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters being some of the state’s most famous musicians. Mississippi is also known for its southern-style food, which is heavily influenced by African American cuisine. The state’s political affiliation tends to lean more towards conservatism, any its history of racism is still prevalent today.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a black population of 32.1%, making it the second-highest in the country. The state has a rich history of African-American influence dating back to the colonial era, where West Africans were enslaved and brought to the state. Louisiana is famous for its unique cuisine, where African American cooks fused together French, Spanish, and Native American flavors to create dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee. New Orleans, the state’s largest city, is celebrated for its jazz music and cultural festivals like Mardi Gras, which attracts thousands of people every year. In terms of politics, Louisiana is considered a red state, with a largely conservative population.
Georgia
Georgia is the third-ranking state in terms of African American population, with 31.9% of the state being black. The state played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis hailing from the state. The state’s African-American influence is prominent in art, music, and cuisine, with soul food being a major staple of the state. Georgia is also home to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the world and a hub for black culture, music, and entertainment. In terms of politics, Georgia is considered a swing state, with its population split between conservatism and liberalism.
Maryland
Maryland has a black population of 30.9%, making it the fourth-ranking state in terms of African American population. The state was a precursor for the civil rights movement, as the nation’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was a Maryland native. Maryland is also famous for its historic black communities, such as Fells Point in Baltimore City and Annapolis, where African American legacy continues to thrive. The state’s cuisine is reflective of the state’s multicultural makeup, with a blend of African American, Caribbean, and seafood dishes. In terms of politics, Maryland is considered to be a blue state, with the majority of the population being liberal.
South Carolina
South Carolina has a black population of 27.3%, making it the fifth-highest percentage in the United States. The state played a significant role in the civil rights movement, as the Charleston shooting in 2015 reminded the nation of the long-standing issue of racism in the US. The state’s African American culture is prominent throughout the state, with the Gullah-Geechee culture being a unique legacy of West African culture in the Lowcountry region. The state is also known for its southern cuisine, where barbeque and seafood are a staple part of the cuisine. In terms of politics, South Carolina is usually an ultra-conservative state, with the majority of its population being conservative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five states have the highest African American population in the United States. Each of these states has a rich culture and history that has significantly contributed to America’s cultural and political landscape. However, despite the African American influence in these states, the issue of racism still exists, and these states still grapple with racial disparities. It is essential to continue fighting against these injustices and advocate for a more inclusive and equal society.
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