Final answer:
The legacies of West African society and culture influenced African American life in terms of cultural practices such as music and cuisine, resistance and resilience in the face of enslavement, and social structures like extended family networks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legacies of West African society and culture had a significant influence on the way African Americans lived. Here are some specific ways:
- Cultural Practices: African Americans retained elements of their West African heritage, such as music, dance, storytelling, and cuisine. These cultural practices became an important part of African American identity and contributed to the development of distinct African American cultures.
- Resistance and Resilience: African Americans drew on their West African roots to resist enslavement and maintain their dignity. They formed new kinship networks, created new religions blending African and Christian elements, and developed strategies to resist exploitation by slaveholders.
- Social Structures: African Americans brought with them a sense of community and extended family ties from West Africa. These social structures helped them navigate the harsh conditions of slavery and provided support and solidarity in the face of oppression.