African Origin Insights

When incorporating the cultures, history, geography and traditions of African Origin (black), Asian and Ethnic Minorities into the school curriculum, it’s important that we choose an appropriate, academic way to refer to African Origin history. Black History simply will not do. Although I understand that many African descendants no longer identify as being African, it nonetheless remains deeply rooted in their minds that they are of African Origin. Their descendants were from the continents of Africa and perhaps Asia.  The academic world needs to take a step back from such a simplified way of recognizing African history. If colour is so important, why are we all not labelled by colour denomination? Let me explain; there is no such thing as white history, brown history or even olive history. To boil down our history to just the pigmentation of our skin fundamentally belittles all that African origin people have achieved as well as all that African history has to offer. Academia should f

The Importance of African History African history is important. The history of Africa is a global history that cannot be ignored.   I do not refer to a stagnated history that echoes only with the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade. I refer to the rich and diverse history of Africa - pre and post colonization. I refer to Africa of ancient, Africa of modern and those of African descent.  Africa has thousands of years of kingdoms, rulers, art, scientist advances, commerce, culture and traditions. European experiences and African experiences are fundamentally and surprisingly similar. Yes, we are all just people seeking to make our way in what can be a complicated world. I refer to an Africa with all it is beauties, power and all its imperfections. An understanding of African history is fundamental for young African origin children – even if many parents, grandparents no longer identify as being African. It is important that people of African descent understand th