The Untold Story of Black Amish People: Exploring their History, Culture and Beliefs.

Table of Contents

The Untold Story of Black Amish People: Exploring their History, Culture, and Beliefs.

The origins of the Black Amish community in North America: The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christians who trace their roots back to the 16th-century Anabaptist movement in Europe. Many Amish people immigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries to escape religious persecution and seek greater freedom to practice their faith.

The history of African Americans in the US: African Americans have a long and complex history in the US, dating back to the era of slavery in the 17th century. Despite significant progress in the fight for civil rights and equality, African Americans continue to face systemic racism and discrimination today.

Who are the Black Amish People?

The term “Black Amish” refers to African American individuals who have chosen to join the Amish community and live according to their traditional way of life.

The similarities and differences between Black Amish and white Amish communities: Black Amish people share many of the same customs and traditions as their white Amish counterparts, such as plain dress, non-use of technology, and a focus on community and family. However, there are some differences, such as the style of hymns sung in church and certain cultural practices.

The number of Black Amish people in the US and where they live: While there are no official statistics on the number of Black Amish people in the US, it is estimated that there are several hundred individuals living in Amish communities across the country, primarily in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

The History of Black Amish People

How did Black Amish people come to be a part of the Amish community?: Some Black Amish people are descendants of former slaves who joined the Amish community after emancipation, while others are individuals who have chosen to convert to the Amish way of life. The exact reasons why someone might choose to become Amish can vary, but often include a desire for a simpler way of life, a deeper connection to God, and a sense of community and belonging.

The challenges faced by Black Amish people, including discrimination and lack of resources: Black Amish people have historically faced discrimination and prejudice within the wider society, and have often struggled to access the same resources and opportunities as their white counterparts. Within the Amish community itself, there have been some instances of racism and exclusion, although many Black Amish people report feeling welcomed and supported by their fellow community members.

The role of Black Amish people in shaping the wider Amish community: Despite the challenges they have faced, Black Amish people have played an important role in shaping the Amish community as a whole. For example, some Black Amish people have advocated for greater diversity and inclusion within the community, while others have helped to preserve and pass on traditional practices and values.

The Culture and Beliefs of Black Amish People

The values and beliefs shared by Black Amish people and the wider Amish community: Black Amish people share many of the same values and beliefs as the wider Amish community, such as a focus on humility, simplicity, and nonviolence. However, there may be some differences in how these values are expressed or practiced.

The unique customs and traditions of Black Amish people, such as their style of dress and hymns: Black Amish people often have their own unique style of dress, which may incorporate African American cultural elements such as colorful headscarves or hats. Additionally, Black Amish people may sing hymns that draw on African American musical traditions, such as gospel or spiritual music.

How Black Amish people balance their African American heritage with their Amish way of life: For many Black Amish people, their African American heritage is an important part of their identity and spirituality, and they strive to incorporate elements of this heritage into their Amish way of life. This can involve finding creative ways to express themselves through music, dance, or art, while still adhering to the principles of simplicity and humility.

The Black Amish Community

The size and composition of the Black Amish community: The Black Amish community is a small but growing subset of the larger Amish community in the US. Estimates suggest that there may be several hundred Black Amish people living across various Amish settlements in the country.

The unique identity and culture of the Black Amish community: Black Amish people have a unique identity and culture that reflects their African American heritage and their adherence to traditional Amish beliefs and practices. This may include distinctive clothing styles, music, food, and language.

Size of the Community: The Black Amish community is relatively small, with estimates ranging from several hundred to a few thousand individuals. They are a subset of the larger Amish community, which numbers around 350,000 people in the US and Canada.
Geographic Distribution: Black Amish people are found primarily in the eastern United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. However, there are also smaller communities in states such as Indiana, Maryland, and New York.
History of the Community: The origins of the Black Amish community are not well-documented, but it is believed that Black individuals began joining the Amish community as early as the 19th century. Many Black Amish people today are descendants of individuals who left other African American religious groups to join the Amish.
Relationship with the Larger Amish Community: Black Amish people are generally accepted within the larger Amish community, although they may face some challenges due to their race and cultural differences. However, some Black Amish individuals have reported feeling excluded or discriminated against by other members of the community.
Unique Cultural Practices: While Black Amish people share many cultural practices and beliefs with the larger Amish community, they also have some unique cultural practices of their own. For example, some Black Amish communities may incorporate elements of African American culture into their worship services, such as gospel music or call-and-response preaching.
Challenges Faced by the Community: Black Amish people may face a number of challenges related to their race and cultural identity, including discrimination, lack of representation in mainstream media, and difficulty navigating multiple cultural identities.

The Intersection of Race and Religion

The complex relationship between race and religion in the US: Race and religion have long been intertwined in the US, with many religious groups have played important roles in the struggle for civil rights and equality. However, there have also been tensions and conflicts between different religious and racial groups over the years.

The challenges and opportunities of navigating multiple identities: Black Amish people face the challenge of navigating multiple identities, including their racial identity as African Americans and their religious identity as Amish. This can lead to complex and nuanced understandings of both race and religion.

Challenging Traditional Notions of Race and Religion

The potential for Black Amish people to challenge and transform traditional notions of race and religion: By living out their faith and values in a way that integrates their African American heritage, Black Amish people can offer a unique perspective on what it means to be both Black and Amish in the US today. This has the potential to challenge and transform traditional notions of race and religion in the country.

The Future of the Black Amish Community

The challenges and opportunities facing the Black Amish community as they look toward the future: Like any community, the Black Amish community faces a range of challenges and opportunities as they look toward the future. These may include finding ways to preserve and pass on their traditions and values to future generations, addressing issues of racism and discrimination both within and outside of the community, and navigating the tensions between their African American heritage and their Amish way of life.

The potential for the Black Amish community to contribute to wider discussions around race and religion in the US: As a small but unique community, the Black Amish community has the potential to contribute to wider discussions around race and religion in the US. By sharing their stories and perspectives, Black Amish people can help to challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of what it means to be both Black and Amish in the US today.

Examples of Black Amish People

Examples of prominent Black Amish people in the US: While the Black Amish community is relatively small and close-knit, there are several examples of individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and beyond. This may include pastors, educators, entrepreneurs, and activists who have used their unique position as Black Amish people to promote social justice and equality.

Ira Wagler: Ira Wagler is a writer and speaker who grew up in an Old Order Amish community in Indiana. Although he is not Black himself, his memoir “Growing Up Amish” includes a discussion of his relationship with an African American Amish family in his community.
Verne Troyer: Verne Troyer was an actor and stunt performer who was best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series. He was born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and grew up in an Amish community in Michigan.
Ada Fisher: Ada Fisher is a physician, author, and former member of the North Carolina Republican National Committee. She grew up in a Black Amish community in Pennsylvania, and has written about her experiences in her memoir “Born Amish, Raised African.”
D’Wayne Edwards: D’Wayne Edwards is a footwear designer who has worked for brands such as Nike and Jordan Brand. He grew up in an Amish community in California and has spoken about the ways in which his upbringing influenced his design philosophy.
Nathan Coleman: Nathan Coleman is a minister in the Amish Mennonite church who was born and raised in a Black Amish community in Pennsylvania. He has spoken about the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities, and the importance of creating spaces for Black Amish people to share their experiences and stories.

Misconceptions and Stereotypes

Common misconceptions and stereotypes about Black Amish people: Despite the growing awareness of the Black Amish community, many people still hold misconceptions and stereotypes about them. These may include assumptions about their level of education, their lifestyle, and their beliefs about race and religion. Addressing these misconceptions and stereotypes is an important step towards promoting greater understanding and acceptance of the Black Amish community.

Here are some common misconceptions and stereotypes about Black Amish people, as well as some facts that can help to dispel them:

Misconception: Black Amish people are uneducated and isolated from mainstream society.
Fact: Like other Amish people, many Black Amish people attend school through the eighth grade, and may receive vocational training or other forms of education within their community. While they may live in relatively isolated rural areas, they are not necessarily cut off from the outside world and may interact with non-Amish people for work or other reasons.
Misconception: Black Amish people reject modern technology and live a primitive lifestyle.
Fact: While Amish people do generally limit their use of technology, they are not opposed to all modern innovations and may use certain technologies for work or personal reasons. Additionally, their lifestyle is not necessarily “primitive,” but rather reflects a deliberate choice to live simply and focus on community and faith.
Misconception: Black Amish people are racially intolerant and do not welcome diversity.
Fact: While the Amish community as a whole is largely homogeneous, with most members being of European descent, there is no inherent racial or ethnic barrier to membership. Black Amish people are fully integrated into the Amish community and are generally accepted by their peers. Additionally, many Black Amish people report feeling a strong sense of community and belonging within their Amish church.
Misconception: Black Amish people are members of a cult or sect that practices harmful or abusive behaviors.
Fact: While there have been isolated incidents of abuse or misconduct within the Amish community, these are not inherent to the community itself and are not limited to Black Amish people. Rather, the Amish community is a religious group with its own beliefs and practices that are largely focused on simplicity, humility, and community.

By dispelling these and other misconceptions about Black Amish people, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society for all.

Conclusion

The importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity within the Amish community: The Black Amish community is just one example of the diversity that exists within the larger Amish community in the US. By recognizing and celebrating this diversity, we can gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of what it means to be Amish in America today.

The potential for the Black Amish community to inspire and empower others: By embracing their unique identity and culture, Black Amish people can serve as an inspiration to others who may be struggling to navigate multiple identities or who may face discrimination and prejudice in their own lives. This has the potential to empower and uplift individuals and communities across the country.

In conclusion, the Black Amish community is a unique and fascinating group of people who have faced many challenges throughout their history. From their origins in the antebellum South to their present-day struggles for acceptance and recognition, Black Amish people have persevered and maintained a strong sense of community and faith.

However, despite growing awareness of the Black Amish community, many people still hold misconceptions and stereotypes about them. By educating ourselves and others about the history, culture, and beliefs of Black Amish people, we can promote greater understanding and acceptance of this often-overlooked group.

Furthermore, by acknowledging and celebrating the diversity within the Amish community as a whole, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming society for all. The experiences and perspectives of Black Amish people and other marginalized groups within the Amish community can help to enrich our understanding of the world and promote greater empathy and compassion for all people, regardless of race, religion, or background.

References & Pictures

Hostetler, J. A. (1993). Amish Society (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Hurst, C. E. (2010). African American and Amish Relations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Mennonite Quarterly Review, 84(4), 523-538.
Jackson, R. J. (2005). The Black Amish: A Diverse People. The African American Pulpit, 8(1), 56-61.
Lee, J. E. (2014). Weaving through Racialized Spaces: Negotiating Identities among Black Amish in the United States. Journal of African American Studies, 18(4), 387-405.
Meyers, L. J. (2019). Black and Amish: A Journey into Freedom. Buffalo, NY: 2Leaf Press.
Roth, J. D. (2019). The Amish and Race: An Introduction. The Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies, 7(1), 1-26.
Amish – Wikipedia