Segment 2

In this segment, the main ideas are challenging traditional ideas about race and identity. The first part focuses on the African presence in early modern England. It mentions Sir Peter Negro, an African man who served in the English military, showing that there were many West Africans in similar roles across Europe. It also discusses how black individuals integrated into English society through intermarriage and adoption into white families. The cultural impact of Africans in England is highlighted, particularly in music and dance. The second part is about black individuals in Tudor England who were not enslaved or marginalized. They had specialized occupations and were financially independent. The information challenges the idea that all black people in that period were victims and shows that they actively shaped English society. These insights are important for historians studying this time period. In this segment, we aim to challenge traditional notions of race and identity. If we look at Lewis's Like Devils Out of Hell, reassessing the African presence in early modern England, she discusses how some black individuals were enslaved while others were free and even held positions of privilege. Take Sir Peter Negro, for example. He's an African man who served in professional English military service from 1545 to 1550. His presence indicates a significant number of West Africans serving in military roles across Europe during this period. Moreover, Lewis explores the integration of black individuals in English society. She highlights instances of intermarriage and adoption into white families, suggesting a level of acceptance and integration that challenges these prevailing notions of racial segregation. Additionally, Lewis discusses the cultural impact of the African presence in early modern England. She notes the influence of African music and dance on English culture, showcasing a blending of African and English traditions that contributed to the rich tapestry of society. Moving on to Kaufman's insights from Black Tutors, The Untold Story, a reading that I thoroughly enjoyed, we encounter many narratives of black individuals, one of which being a reasonable black man, the silk weaver, who was able to provide for his family and even pass on his profession to his young son. Many of these individuals engaged in specialized occupations as they were active members of society. Like black men, numerous Africans at the time were not directly under a master and were financially independent. Archival evidence suggests that Africans in Tudor England were treated as individuals rather than being defined by their race, with their social class and religious affiliation often being more important factors. This challenges the notion that all black individuals in Tudor England were enslaved or marginalized. Now these works compel us to rethink the narrative of black lives during these times. They show that black individuals were not just passive victims of discrimination, but actively shaped English society. These insights are crucial and they allow historians to better understand this early modern period.