“Band of the Jaw-Bone John-Canoe” by Isaac Mendes Belisario

Jonkonnu, (pronounced John Canoe) is an African American holiday celebration whose roots can be traced back to Jamaica and to the slave ships from West Africa. Historical records mention celebrations of Jonkonnu taking place near Edenton, N.C., as early as 1824. And, except for a single 19th-century historical reference to a Jonkonnu celebration in Suffolk, VA, historians have been unable to uncover any evidence that it was ever part of the culture in North America outside of North Carolina.
During the festivities, which occurred between Christmas and New Years Day, African Americans (both free and enslaved) would wear costumes, sing songs, and dance. They would go door-to-door, often with a tin cup to collect coins and small gifts from white landowners. Today, museums and historic sites across NC have recreated the tradition to educate visitors about African American holiday traditions.

Learn More about JonKonnu Here:https://www.tryonpalace.org/jonkonnu

(Photo: “Band of the Jaw-Bone John-Canoe” by Isaac Mendes Belisario)