Yes, much of Africa's rich and complex history remains little known to the general public, both within and outside the continent. This limited awareness is due to several factors, including the impact of colonialism, the dominance of Eurocentric historical narratives, and a lack of emphasis on African history in global education systems.Most people in our communities know very little about the rich historical legacy of Africa. Moreover, most of us know very little Black history apart from the impact of Slavery and Colonialism in the last 500 years.
Worst still, many Black people are misinformed into thinking Africa and its people contributed little if anything to World Civilisation. Consequently, many of us think that all significant developments that Africa saw must have been brought to us by Non-Africans. This thinking leads many of us today to become overly dependant on non-Africans for jobs, opportunities and resources. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Africa has a rich legacy of sophisticated kingdoms with impressive surviving evidence: coins, fine art, monuments and manuscripts. Many civilisations and vast Empires existed from the dawn of Ancient times, through to the Mediaeval ages and into Modern times. For thousands of years there has been continuous indigenous development, and numerous large-scale civilisations that flourished in all parts of Africa: in the West, North, East, Central and South of the Continent and even beyond. There is evidence of Black civilisations and Black excellence in other parts of the World.
“Secrets empower those who know it, and disempower those who do not”
A lack of access to information about Black history and African heritage has contributed to many Black people feeling disempowered in their whole lives. It has been clinically shown that the way you view your past has a profound impact on your self-esteem and what you believe you can achieve in life. To this end, we want the community to be empowered by becoming entrepreneurial. Moreover, our content will help you achieve this.We want to empower you with knowledge of your history. But we also want to help you channel that sense of pride and achievement to create your own entrepreneurial successes should you choose to do so.
There are many amazing facts and truths about Africa and her people that are so little known by the general public at large, it is almost like a ‘Secret History of Treasures’ kept out of public sight. We aim to share with people like you and other like-minded souls this ‘Secret’ treasure trove of inspiring Histories. We further aim to shed light on History’s hidden gems, to educate, enlighten, empower and entertain
Key Reasons for the Lack of Awareness
Colonial Erasure of African History
Many African societies relied on oral traditions to preserve their histories, but colonial powers often dismissed these as unreliable or insignificant.Colonial education systems emphasized European history while downplaying or misrepresenting African achievements.
Eurocentric Narratives:Global history often frames Africa as a passive recipient of external influences, focusing on slavery, colonization, and underdevelopment while neglecting pre-colonial achievements.Contributions like the Mali Empire, Great Zimbabwe, and ancient Nubia are overshadowed by discussions of Africa’s “need for development.”
Language Barriers:
Much of Africa’s written history exists in indigenous languages, limiting its global dissemination.Translation efforts are still minimal compared to works written in European languages.
Limited Representation in Media and Education:School curriculums often provide superficial overviews of African history, if at all.Popular media tends to focus on modern African issues, such as poverty and conflict, rather than historical achievements.
Underrated Highlights of African History
Ancient Civilizations:
Ancient Egypt: Widely recognized but often detached from Africa in global narratives.
Nubia: The Kushite Kingdoms ruled parts of Egypt and built pyramids that rival those of Giza.
Axum Empire: An ancient Ethiopian empire known for its monumental obelisks and as one of the earliest adopters of Christianity.
Medieval Kingdoms:
Mali Empire: Under Mansa Musa, it became a center of trade, wealth, and scholarship, with Timbuktu as its intellectual hub.
Great Zimbabwe: A thriving city-state known for its massive stone structures, evidence of advanced engineering.
Benin Kingdom: Famous for its sophisticated bronze sculptures and organized governance.
Contributions to Science and Innovation:The University of Timbuktu in Mali was a major center of learning, predating many European universities.Ancient Sudanese and Egyptian civilizations made significant contributions to medicine, mathematics, and engineering.
African Resistance to Colonization:Leaders like Shaka Zulu, Samori Touré, and Yaa Asantewaa fought fiercely against European invaders.Ethiopia, under Emperor Menelik II, defeated Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa, maintaining its independence.
The Importance of Telling Africa's History
Cultural Pride and Identity:Knowing Africa’s history fosters a sense of pride among Africans and the diaspora, strengthening cultural identity.
Challenging Stereotypes:Highlighting Africa’s contributions to science, art, and governance counters negative stereotypes of inferiority and backwardness.
Global Understanding:Sharing African history enriches global perspectives and encourages mutual respect and collaboration.
Efforts to Promote African History
Publishing and Research:African historians like Cheikh Anta Diop (The African Origin of Civilization) and Basil Davidson have worked to uncover and popularize African history.Projects like UNESCO’s General History of Africa aim to provide comprehensive accounts of Africa's past.
Technology and Media:Platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and social media campaigns are bringing African history to wider audiences. Shows like Netflix’s African Queens are introducing figures like Queen Nzinga to a global audience.
Educational Reforms:Countries like Ghana and South Africa are incorporating more African history into their school curriculums.Pan-African initiatives promote the teaching of Africa’s history across borders.
