Critical Project !

Critical Project 1

I was born in Brooklyn NY on July 27th 1980. My ancestors stems from Trinidad, Grenada, Aruba and Scotland. However the only one I really know in depth about is Grenada. Grenada is a tri-state island that consist of Grenada, Carriacou, & Petite Martinique and numerous small islands. The main Language is English but on some parts of the island you will hear French Patois and Creoles which are other dialects from countries such as Spain, France etc. The reason for this is because of the rich history in the colonizing of Grenada to become an independent state. Britain granted Grenada independence in 1974. However, if you visit the island today you will still see that it remained a British colony especially in the way that they do daily functions such as the police academy, political system and school system.
I was sent to reside in Grenada when I was eight years old. My parents agreed that the teaching method and education was better because it all revolved around the word discipline. I lived there for nine years completing elementary and secondary school. Then in 1997 I returned back to the U.S to complete and further my studies.

Culture:
Grenada is one of the island that holds their culture and ancestry to the heart. I would consider them to be a very proud and genuine set of people. It is enforce that every man, woman and child should know where they came from, and know the reason behind every tradition. Throughout the years there are numerous activities that are held in order to keep the tradition alive. To name a few:

Big Drum: Is the nation's African dance where many remember dances from their African Tribes. During Slavery numerous Africans was brought to work on the sugarcane plantations. In performing this ritual it helped in maintaining our tribal knowledge and has help us trace our lineage to different tribes in Africa. It consist of drums and voices singing in harmony.

Quadrille: Is a form of square dance that derived from France and England. It is performed when celebrating the opening of a ceremony, store, Fete etc. It consist of base drums, tambourines, violins, triangle and partner dancers there is no voices only instruments.


Maroon: This activity occurs once per year. This is where every village on the island come together as one and celebrate together by cooking local dishes, performing the nation dances, playing games etc. Some call it keeping tradition alive.

Tombstone: Is the final part associated with death and burial, It takes place when the grave of the dead has settle and the placement of the head stone is going to be laid. The memory of the dead must be honored each year, by a mass, prayer meeting or Big Drum. This ceremony is a form of respect for our ancestors and parents and it unites and reunites all the generations. Once the stone is set, however, the spirit will rest comfortably.