PART 1
Opening Activity: What do you think of when you think of home? Draw or write & discuss.
Discussion: What is diaspora? Diaspora is a scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale. Historically, the word diaspora was used to refer to the mass dispersion of a population from its indigenous territories. While the term was originally used to describe the forced displacement of certain peoples, “diasporas” is now generally used to describe those who identify with a “homeland”, but live outside of it.
Watch/Listen: Roots of the banjo
Excerpt of Justin Harrington TED talk (2:42-9 min)
Excerpt of Rhiannon Giddens talking about the banjo (1:54-3:01)
Carolina Chocolate Drops performance clip
Write down 3 interesting things you hear or see.
Discussion: In this first video, Justin speaks about a mixture or melding of musical traditions that he explored as he considered his own cultural identity, and defined “folk” or “traditional” music for himself.
Q1: Why is the concept of “folk” important to Justin in this talk? What are the elements of “folk”?
Q2: What is your definition of your own individual “folk” or “traditional” music, food, dance, art form, or expression?
Q3: The idea of “folk” is also centered in community. What are the “folk” roots of your own community (however you define your community)?
Q4: How does the concept of diaspora play a role in this story?
Exercise: Create your own visual diaspora map.
Part 1: Talk about creating diaspora maps. Share a range of examples of different types of diaspora maps. (*Note for teachers: Talk about the possibility of not knowing where your family roots come from. Students can interpret “roots” in whatever way they choose, including addressing the unknown.)
Part 2: Create your own visual diaspora map of yourself, your family, or your community in duos. Start with visual maps that represent who you are and where you / your family comes from. Examples could include: geography, landscapes, food, people, music etc.
Extra / Homework (first two examples can be shown in class also):
- Bring in a song, sound or piece of music that makes you think of home (not necessarily a favorite song, sound or piece of music; but something that reminds you of your home or family)
- Watch this video & lesson about cumbia music diaspora in Colombia, by Daniela Serna. Write down 3 interesting things you see or hear
- Watch excerpts of Adapting History by Dahlak Brathwaite
PART 2
Opening Activity: What is the most familiar or comforting sound you know? Discuss in pairs, then share with the group.
Discussion: Share the song, sound or piece of music you brought. Share why and how it reminds you of home. Make a class playlist.
Exercise:
Part 1: Ask for volunteers to share diaspora maps, or divide into pairs to share maps with one another. Comment on what you find meaningful about others’ maps.
Part 2: Select 3 elements of your visual map to turn into sound OR add three elements of sound, song or music to your maps. What will you select or add? How would you represent that element through sound? Record or find at least 3 audio clips to represent or add to your visual maps. (TIP: try to record or use at least 5 seconds of sound.) Make a sound bank of those recordings.
Part 3 (x-tra/advanced): Write a narration taking a viewer through your diaspora map or telling a short story about elements of your map. Record the narration or story, with the audio elements mixed in.