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meet the blogger
Hi! I’m Joy, a Louisiana-born, Nigerian-American writer who’s obsessed with literature, research, and the untold histories of Africa and the Black diaspora. The Braid Blog is where I weave it all together: memory, literature, culture, and the quiet power in our everyday lives. Think of this space as part archive, part altar–always an offering.
I’d love to connect! Feel free to visit my socials below or send me an email xo.
Category: Historical
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¡Vamos a bailar! Dive into the vibrant world of AfroLatinx music–from samba and rumba to salsa, merengue, mambo, cumbia, reggaeton, and Son Cubano. Discover how African, Spanish, and Indigenous traditions shaped each genre, fueling dance, storytelling, and rhythmic evolution that shaped Latin music history and continues to inspire dance floors worldwide.
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This Hispanic Heritage Month, discover the untold story of 2LT Esteban Hotesse—the only Dominican Tuskegee Airman. From Moca, DR to the Freeman Field Mutiny, his courage helped pave the way for desegregation in the U.S. military. His legacy shines light on Hispanic involvement in shaping history as we know it.
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From Taíno roots to the Haitian Revolution, Hispaniola’s story is one of survival, rebellion, and resilience. This island birthed the world’s first free Black republic, endured brutal colonial debts, and shaped the fates of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Journey through its history this Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Ancient Egypt isn’t just about pharaohs and pyramids. Its brilliance lived in the hands of everyday people–farmers, artisans, and inventors–whose innovations shaped the world. We don’t need royal titles or respectability politics to prove our worth. We were more than kings; we were the blueprint.
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Black labor history didn’t begin in 1882—it began in shipyards, fields, and strikes led by Black workers long before Labor Day. From the Colored National Labor Union to Pullman porters, Black labor movements built this nation’s workforce. Today, unionizing honors their legacy and continues the fight for racial and economic justice.
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This article explores the intertwined histories of Nigeria and Ghana, focusing on immigration dynamics during economic shifts. Following Nigeria’s oil boom, Ghanaians moved to Nigeria for opportunities, but subsequent economic decline led to xenophobic deportations, notably the “Ghana Must Go” expulsion. The Ghana Must Go bags now symbolize past turmoil and cultural unity.
