One of the most persistent and unfounded myths about Africa is the claim that it had no civilizations before European contact. This narrative is not only historically inaccurate, but it is also morally bankrupt, as it seeks to erase the achievements of millions of people and justify colonial exploitation. The timeline provided offers clear archaeological […]
Debunking the Gaslighting Behind Denying Egypt’s Black Foundations ⸻ 1. Core Definition and Context: The Charge of “Obsession” When Africans or members of the global African diaspora assert that ancient Egyptians were Black, a common rebuttal arises: “Why are you so obsessed with skin color?” On its surface, this sounds like a neutral plea for
Are Africans “Too Obsessed with Skin Colour?” — Or Are They Just Refusing to Be Erased? Read More »
The Natufians (15,000–11,500 years BP.) were hunter-gatherers, but they practiced semi-sedentism and proto-agriculture. They foraged wild cereals and hunted gazelles but did not cultivate crops or domesticate animals. Unlike earlier groups, they built permanent stone dwellings and stored surplus grain, showing early steps toward farming. Their sickle blades suggest intensive harvesting of wild plants. While
Who were the Natufians? Read More »
In 2020, Stuart Tyson Smith, professor of anthropology at UC Santa Barbara, offered a sharp critique of the 2017 Nature study by Schuenemann et al., which claimed that ancient Egyptian mummies showed stronger genetic ties to the Near East than to Sub-Saharan Africa. At first glance, this study seemed to confirm longstanding Eurocentric narratives that
Picture this: the mud-splattered trenches of France, the suffocating jungles of Burma, the searing deserts of North Africa. Now, populate these scenes not just with Tommies and Yanks, but with the ebony faces of African soldiers ⚔️, the sturdy frames of Caribbean porters ⛵, and the sun-scorched feet of barefoot carriers laden with supplies they
The Forgotten Millions: Africa and the Caribbean in Two World Wars Read More »
The history of Bantu-speaking peoples, particularly the Nguni and Sotho-Tswana groups, is often misunderstood due to oversimplifications of migration patterns, language evolution, and ethnic distinctions. These misconceptions can lead to misrepresentations of African history, especially when discussing the origins, movements, and relationships between these groups. The reality is that African history is complex, multi-layered, and
Misunderstandings About the Bantu, Nguni, and Sotho Peoples Read More »
The trans-Atlantic slave trade and the institution of slavery in North, Central, and South America subjected enslaved Africans to horrendous experiences and unspeakable suffering. These individuals were forcibly uprooted from their homes, torn apart from their families, and subjected to brutal conditions that dehumanized them. The harrowing journey across the Atlantic, known as the Middle
Hidden Contributions of Enslaved Persons to Industrialisation, Science and Medicine Read More »
The Nok Civilization pioneered advanced terracotta art, iron-smelting, and agriculture, leaving a lasting legacy in West African history and culture.
The Nok Civilization: A Forgotten Giant of West Africa Read More »
If history has taught us anything, it’s that when a powerful nation 🇺🇸 tries to strong-arm another into submission, the results are never quite what they expect. Enter South Africa 🇿🇦, a country that has walked through fire—colonialism, apartheid, economic sabotage—and yet still stands, unbowed. Now, the Expropriation Act 🔥, a law seeking to correct
Why The Threat To Cut Aid To South Africa is a Blessing ✨ Read More »
Black Britons have shaped Britain for over 40,000 years, influencing its culture, economy, and history from prehistoric times to today.
Timeline: Black Presence in Britain – The Black Britons Read More »
In the vibrant annals of Jamaican history, certain threads stand out, woven with the indomitable spirit of resistance and the quest for freedom. Among these, the legacy of Samuel Sharpe and the Baptist War holds a place of profound reverence. While British abolitionists like William Wilberforce are acknowledged for their roles in ending slavery, it
Who was Samuel Sharpe and what was the Baptist War of 1831? Read More »
ThinkAfrica explainer Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Sapience, Creativity, and Innovation Knowledge refers to the accumulation of facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. Understanding is the ability to comprehend and make sense of this knowledge, seeing connections and meaning. Wisdom goes further, involving the judicious application of knowledge and experience to make sound decisions,
What is knowledge and what are its origins? Read More »
The Zulu Kingdom of the 19th century was a monarchy along the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Tugela River in the south to the Pongola River in the north, with an estimated population of 250,000 over 30,000 square kilometers (11,500 square miles). Cattle served as the main currency. Unique cultural practices included Nguni stick fighting,
Origins Of The Zulu Kingdom Read More »
Welcome to the world of Bantu-speaking Africans—over 400 unique ethnic groups, speaking a stunning array of languages and living across Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. To call the Bantu a “tribe” would be like calling all of Europe “one neighborhood.” The Bantu are bound not by a single identity but by a vast linguistic and
Who are the Bantu Africans? Read More »
In a dimly lit meeting room at Heliopolis HQ, the divine deities of Egypt’s pantheon gathered, some looking confident, others fidgeting nervously. The Old Kingdom’s sacred hierarchy had served its purpose, but it was time to adapt. As the gods took their seats, Atum, the self-created, assumed his role as the chief line manager of
Ennead HR Reorganization: Middle Kingdom Edition Read More »
The BBC article I am writing about illustrates the importance of self-study, fact-checking, responsible reporting (which I don’t think has happened in this case), and developing a well-read view of various issues. The headline “African kings opposed eradicating slavery” is a straw man argument. A straw man argument is a type of fallacy where someone
Rebuttal of BBC Headline “African kings opposed eradicating slavery” Read More »
These words landed Nnamdi Azikwe in jail for sedition in 1936: “Personally, I believe the European has a god in whom he believes and whom he is representing in his churches all over Africa. He believes in the god whose name is spelt Deceit. He believes in the god whose law is “Ye strong, you
African figures: Nnamdi Azikwe Read More »
Many people have tried to provide an answer to basic questions about the origin of the Hebrews, Biblical Israelites, Judeans and Jews. People have approached the question from many disciplines. (See the last paragraph for an explanation of the difference between the 4 phrases 🤲🏾) In general, what we have found is that by applying
Lies Europeans told themselves: • 👑 – The master race theory – “Some” Europeans • 📚 – Africans had no history before colonization – Hegel • 🧬 – Polygenic theory of separate human origins – Georges Cuvier • 🧠 – Phrenology proves racial superiority – Franz Joseph Gall • ⚖️ – Slavery was a moral
Eritrea has been inhabited for at least 125,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the world. Archaeological evidence shows that early Homo sapiens lived in the area, and it played a crucial role in the early migrations of humans out of Africa. The Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which connects Eritrea to the
Eritrea: A Key Region in Ancient Human History and African Civilizations Read More »
Africa has long been misrepresented, with many enduring stereotypes painting it as a land without history, civilizations, or complex trade networks. However, this list of East Africa’s precolonial societies debunks three common myths: 1. “Africa had no centralized political systems” – The list highlights powerful kingdoms like Aksum, Buganda, Ta-Neterju (“Punt” known to ancient Egypt
Overview of 75 East African civilisations Read More »
Clothing likely originated around 170,000 years ago, driven by environmental adaptation, protection, social dynamics, and technological advancements.
The origin of clothes making Read More »
First of all, congrats on your dazzling claim that “Humans have been around for 3,000 years and invented a stick.” Truly groundbreaking stuff. I mean, who needs 300,000 years of human history when you can just fast-forward through all that pesky evolution and skip right to the part where we invent the stick. Not the
Dear Hans Bangerter, Read More »
Non-African doesn’t mean non-Black; Black doesn’t mean African; Yet all Humans descend from Africans
Northern Nigeria is a very diverse part of Nigeria. Often people who haven’t done any research on Nigeria think that inhabitants of Northern Nigeria are one of two ethnicities: Hausa or Fulani. In reality there are about more than 95 ethnicities in total. If Northern Nigeria were a country, it would be the sixth largest
The 95 Ethnicities of Northern Nigeria Read More »
Every now and then, we get either a genuine question or a loaded question. A loaded question is a sarcastic question in which the person asking the question is trying to prove a point, or embarrass the group of people or the person that is receiving the question. This question is posed in many ways:
I was asked: “What did Africa contribute to humanity?” Read More »
Myth: Global slavery is a product of capitalism.Fact: Global slavery is older than the first human records; the laws of Hammurabi contain references to slave from 3,800 years ago (1755-1750 BCE to be exact). Myth: Slavery is a product of Western Civilization.Fact: Slavery is virtually a universal institution. The Shang dynasty which ruled China 🇨🇳
Myths and Misconceptions about the Slave Trade and Slavery Read More »
Slavery in the Americas and Caribbean marked a dark chapter in human history, characterized by the brutal subjugation and exploitation of millions of African individuals. Enslaved people endured unimaginable suffering under the control of slaveholders who employed various methods to maintain dominance and maximize profit. This essay delves into the forms of control and punishment
Forms of Control and Punishment Employed by Slave Holders in the Americas and Caribbean Read More »
Several events often cited as the first in the world, based on popular historical narratives or traditional beliefs, are later than the first occurrences indicated in academic research. This discrepancy often arises due to advancements in archaeology, improved dating techniques, and a more comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations. Tv producers and writers are sometimes 5-10
List of out-of-date facts Read More »
Current North African skin tones are the result of various factors: geography, sexual selection, melanin production, multiple genes, polygenic inheritance, adaptation, human migrations, genetic continuity, shared ancestry, and genetic overlap. Today, I will explain all these factors. Surprisingly, skin tones don’t depend solely on Y-dna, Mt-dna and autosomal dna genes. Also, the changes in North
This is Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The Real Dr Martin Luther King Jr. being beaten up by a mob. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced various forms of violence and adversity throughout the civil rights struggle (physical attacks, threats, and harassment): We very often only see his “I have a dream speech” but don’t
The real Dr Martin Luther King Jr. suffered physical attacks Read More »
The Ndebele people: An introduction to various aspects of Ndebele culture, including their origins, political and social organization, clothing and adornments, architecture and arts, initiation practices, courtship and marriage customs, and Ndebele beliefs. The Ndebele people identify as one of the Nguni tribes and make up a significant portion of the country’s Black population. The
The Ndebele People: their origins, social structure, architecture and beliefs Read More »
Learning history offers numerous benefits that can enhance our understanding of the world and ourselves. What are those benefits of studying history? 1. Knowledge of the past: History provides us with an understanding of past events, civilizations, and cultures, enabling us to learn from their successes and failures. 2. Insights into human nature: By studying
Why study history? Read More »
In the vast realm of culinary delights, the humble tomato stands as a vibrant symbol of flavor and versatility. Native to the Americas, this plump and juicy fruit has transcended borders, captivating taste buds across the globe. From its ancient beginnings to its widespread cultivation, the tomato has left an indelible mark on the world’s
Tomatoes: A Culinary Journey from Continent to Plate Read More »
In a recent experiment aimed at dispelling the misconception of Africa as a monolithic entity, I discovered that justice, morality, and character hold significant importance across various African traditional ethical systems, regardless of one’s religious affiliation. The experiment sought to shed light on the rich tapestry of ethical codes present in Africa. Before colonization, many
Exploring African Ethical Systems: Common Values Across Diverse Cultures Read More »
Not many people know that the Nok civilisation were //semi-literate//. Academics have never bothered to decode the meaning of Nok writings. The Nok civilization is known for its distinctive terracotta sculptures, which are considered to be some of the earliest sculptures made by any civilization in Africa. These sculptures have been found in a number
Literacy in precolonial Africa – the Nok civilisation Read More »
The Kuba kingdom of modern Democratic Republic of Congo was one of 22 literate societies that inhabited Africa during the last 5000 years. The Kuba kingdom existed from 1625 to 1884. The Kingdom of Kuba has evidence of human habitation before 1000 AD, including Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts (source: “Art of the Lega,” by Elisabeth
Using any available books or studies already published, I estimated the numerical estimates (with sources) for European people enslaved or used as forced labour during these periods of oppression, conflict or global changes. Between 10.2 million and 14.8 million Europeans have been enslaved or used as forced labour since 300 Bc. I don’t know every
Enslavement of Europeans Read More »
Apartheid is a mind-set that took 300 years to put in place in South Africa, which relied on racist attitudes of successive white-settlers who accumulated power over time. The major social-engineers of apartheid included prime minister Daniel Malan (the 4th prime minister of the Union of South Africa), prime minister Johannes Strijdom, and prime minister
