Identity within the African Culture

Identity. It is what we describe ourselves as- mothers, friends, parents, teachers, sons, daughters, lovers, whites, blacks, American, and Africans. We hold our identity close to our hearts and often have multiple of them. As you identify yourself as a teacher, you also think about what comes with that identity- leadership, compassion, empathy. This week’s lesson for students will focus on identity within the African Culture.

The lesson plan will focus on the workings of the following stories: “Night of Sine” by Leopold Sedar Senghor, and “Chike’s School Days” by Chinua Achebe.

Kigelia africana -Sausage tree-Garamba National ParkDemocratic Republic of CongoSunset in the Garamba National ParkAfrican savanna

Teaching Identity in African and African-American Culture

Identity plays an important role throughout a person’s heritage. Both stories have instances of connecting with their heritage. In “Chike’s School Days” the main character reflects on his identity by connecting with his ancestral and religious background. While, in Senghor’s story the identity of the woman and her child play a crucial role in the connection the character feels for his land. In African and African-American culture, the people are faced with identity issues as they have to overcome the oppression of white man and what white man says that they are. The culture of Africans and African-American’s is full of love and their heritage is important to them.

 Have students read both stories found in Norton Anthology of World Literature Volume 2. Upon completing the readings have students write down what they feel are their most important identities. Some examples can include:

  • Student
  • Friend
  • Child
  • Musician
  • Artist

After students have written down their identities, have them answer these questions and share with the class:

1. What about your identity is important to your heritage?

2. How did Senghor use symbolism to illustrate the characters’ heritage and identity?

3. Achebe’s character Elizabeth was condemned by the Diviner for converting to the white man’s religion, how was Elizabeth’s son, Amos, treated for also being an Osu? How did that affect his identity?

In addition to the readings, assessment, and questions; have students watch the musical, Sarafina (1992). The musical will reveal the struggle of a Soweto girl who goes through a political awakening and rebels against the white power-structure’s curriculum. This part of the lesson can be completed over the span of a week and students will need to develop a PowerPoint presentation on the identity of the main character to share with the class. Be sure to have them pay attention to:

  • Emotions
  • Family/ friends
  • Consequences

The PowerPoint must include an introductory paragraph, an argument, and a summary