J. Lorand Matory Knihy

Exploring the intricate dynamics of Yoruba religion and ethnic diversity in Black North America, the author draws on extensive field research conducted across Brazil, Nigeria, and the U.S. His upcoming book delves into the histories and experiences of various ethnic groups, including Nigerians, Trinidadians, and Louisiana Creoles, highlighting their creative coexistence at Howard University. Supported by prestigious institutions, the research aims to illuminate the rich tapestry of Black identity and culture in America.

Through an extensive examination of Afro-Atlantic religions, J. Lorand Matory challenges the conventional European interpretations of African gods as mere symbols of irrationality. He argues that these deities possess their own rational social logic, comparable to the theories of Marx and Freud. Drawing on decades of fieldwork, Matory reveals how these religious practices and beliefs reflect the culturally specific and materially grounded nature of both African spirituality and European social theories. This work critiques the misrepresentations in European thought while addressing the interconnectedness of race and collective action.

Exploring the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé religion, this book reveals the dynamic interplay between African and African-American cultures. It challenges the notion that transnationalism is a modern phenomenon and disputes the idea that African culture is only present among marginalized black communities in the Americas. Instead, it argues that African cultural practices thrive among urban and affluent populations, who actively engage with diverse cultures through travel and commerce, making a conscious choice to embrace their heritage in a multicultural context.