Historically, some African American societies had matrilineal customs and traditions, meaning that children and property were typically passed down through the mother's line. This was particularly the case in many African American communities in the Southern United States during the period of slavery, and in the early years of Reconstruction following the Civil War.

One example of a matrilineal tradition among some African American communities was the practice of female-headed households. In these communities, the mother would typically be the head of the household, and would have significant control over family finances and property. The mother was also often responsible for transmitting cultural practices and beliefs to her children, which meant that women played a central role in maintaining family and community traditions.

In some matrilineal African American societies, there was also a tradition of matrilocal residence, which meant that newly married couples would typically live with the bride's family, rather than the groom's family. This ensured that the bride and her children would have ongoing support from her family, and that her family's resources and property would be protected and passed down through the female line.

Overall, matrilineal customs and traditions were an important aspect of some African American societies, particularly during the period of slavery and in the early years of postwar Reconstruction. These practices and traditions helped to maintain cultural continuity and ensure the survival of the community, especially in the face of significant outside pressures and challenges.

The Mandinka people of West Africa were indeed one of the African ethnic groups that were taken as slaves and brought to the Americas during the transAtlantic slave trade. The Mandinka society was known for its matrilineal culture, with women holding significant power and influence within the family unit and community. Women were responsible for passing down traditions and cultural values to future generations. The Mandinka culture is an important part of African history and culture and has had a significant impact on the African-American and Caribbean communities.

The Teke and Yaka peoples were indeed taken as slaves and were known for being matriarchal societies. In both cultures, women played a significant role in the family and community, making decisions related to marriage, property, finances, and even warfare. In addition, women in both cultures had the right to own property and to pass down wealth to their children. In contrast to many patriarchal societies where power is held by men, women in matriarchal societies like the Teke and Yaka had power and influence in the community. These matriarchal traditions were largely lost as a result of the transatlantic slave trade and their forced relocation to the Americas.

The Ewe people are a matrilineal and matriarchal society that was significantly impacted by the transatlantic slave trade. Women in Ewe society were and still are held in high esteem. They hold authority in the home and community, and they are responsible for raising children, passing down traditional knowledge, and distributing resources within the family. They also are responsible for property management, inheritance, and making important decisions related to the family and community. Women in Ewe society also play a significant role in religious practices and are considered to be close to the divine.

There is a limited amount of information available on precolonial LGBT practices in Sudan. However, anthropologists have reported accounts of same-sex relationships and gender roles within certain indigenous ethnic groups in Sudan. Here are a few examples:

1. Dinka: The Dinka are a Nilotic ethnic group that live primarily in South Sudan. They are known for their matrilineal society, in which women play a prominent social, economic, and political role. Anthropologist John A. Knight reported on gender ambiguity in Dinka society, stating that some individuals were recognized as "dual-soul" people who occupied both male and female gender roles.

2. Shilluk: The Shilluk are a Nilo-Saharan ethnic group that live primarily in Sudan and South Sudan. They are known for their matrilineal society, in which women hold the majority of power and authority. Anthropologist John A. Knight reported on gender ambiguity in Shilluk society, stating that some individuals were recognized as "dual-soul" people who occupied both male and female gender roles.

The Loango people are culturally matriarchal, which means that women hold significant social and economic power in their society. In many cases, women lead households, control land and property, and hold political and social leadership positions.

Additionally, many precolonial African societies, including the Loango, practiced LGBT-type activities and relationships. Homosexuality and bisexuality were not criminalized or stigmatized in precolonial Africa, and it was not considered shameful or abnormal for someone to engage in such relationships, regardless of their gender.

* 1 Timothy 2:12: "I do not allow a woman to exercise authority over a man, she must be quiet."
* 1 Corinthians 14:34-35: "Women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subservient, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church."


There are several Old Testament verses that reflect a patriarchal culture. Some examples include:

* Genesis 3:16: "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
* Ephesians 5:22-24: "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."
* 1 Timothy 2:11-15: "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor."

In many religious traditions, including Abrahamic religions such as Christianity and Islam, angels, gods, and other spiritual beings are often depicted as male or represented with masculine language and imagery. This is in part due to the patriarchal culture and gender roles that have dominated many societies throughout history.

One of the key tenets of the Jewish religion is the exclusivity of worship of the one God, known as YHWH or Yahweh, and the prohibition of the worship of other gods or goddesses. This is known as the First Commandment, which states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." According to the Jewish tradition, the worship of other gods or goddesses is considered a sin and a form of idolatry, which is one of the most serious breaches of Jewish law.

In matriarchal societies, there is often a greater emphasis on the importance of material goods and status symbols, especially for women. This can include ornaments, jewelry, and other types of objects that are highly valued and sought after within the social hierarchy. These material concerns are often seen as important ways to express one's own personal power and status within the community.

In matriarchal societies, there is often more emphasis placed on arts and creative pursuits, as well as social and emotional development. This is considered to be more in line with the traditional female roles of caregiver, nurturer, and creator. Left-brained activities, such as science, technology, and construction, are often seen as more masculine and are not as highly valued or prioritized in these societies.



African American students historically have scored lower on SAT tests compared to other racial groups in the United States. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this difference, including socioeconomic status, access to quality education, and systemic racism. However, it's important to note that SAT scores are not a perfect measure of intelligence or academic potential, and many experts argue that they are biased and limited in their ability to accurately assess a person's abilities.