Enslaved African people played a significant role in spreading African culture despite the oppressive conditions they faced. One way they spread their culture was through music and dance. In traditional African societies, music and dance were integral parts of social and cultural life, and this tradition continued among enslaved Africans. On slave ships during the Middle Passage, captives were often forced to dance as a means to enliven their spirits and reduce their suffering. Additionally, African cultural practices such as storytelling, oral traditions, and religious beliefs were passed down from generation to generation, even in the face of adversity. Enslaved Africans found ways to preserve their cultural heritage by creating their own communities, practicing their traditional religions in secret, and maintaining their languages and customs as much as possible.
Despite the attempts to erase their culture, enslaved Africans managed to keep their traditions alive and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Americas.
