Black History
Why Black History?
I found out many years ago that Black history is world history. However, nowhere did I see any information about Black history - the history of Africa and its descendants.
Someone once asked me: "Why do we need Black history classes? You never hear about white history classes." And he was right! And yet, at the same time, so wrong. Right because we never hear about 'white history'. Wrong because we didn't need to hear the words 'white history' since the history of white people was everywhere. In fact, for over five hundred years it was the only history that was studied.
The few books written about Black people (mostly by white people) were from their own perspectives. The even fewer books written by Black people about Black people were usually hidden away in dark rooms in libraries.
The first book I read about Black people (written by a Black person) was "From Superman to Man" by J. A. Rogers (self-published in 1917). Then I found out about other Black historians such as Carter G Woodson, Cheikh Anta Diop, John Henrik Clarke, Ivan Van Sertima, Chancellor Williams, Robin Walker, Runoko Rashidi, and many more.
It has been said that history is written by the winners. The losers are either integrated into the winner's history or they merely lose their history. Another option involves regaining their history. Its a difficult and long road, but it can still be travelled.
*******Black history is world history*******
My own programmes
I have been delivering Black History classes for over fourteen years in Manchester, London, Birmingham and other cities in England. I have educational programmes ranging from Ta-seti and Egyptian pharaohs to the Kerma civilisation and Nok Culture; from Aksum and Mali to enslavement and revolution; and from racism and colonialism to black inventors and the black presence in Britain. people are not fully aware that the history of Africa is the oldest history that mankind has witnessed so far.
I have delivered courses at Manchester Metropolitan University to young people, students and staff who wanted to know more about the rich and inspiring history of Africa and its people. In addition, I continue to run local history Black History classes within my local community in Manchester. Furthermore, I give talks to libraries, records offices, churches, NHS, probation services, charitable organisations, black staff organisations and many more.
Manchester Black History Society
Manchester Black History Society (see Facebook page of the same name) offers Black History classes on alternate Tuesday evenings at Coffee Nubia in Manchester. The classes include presentations, lively discussions, the opportunity to identify new research areas or topics that affect black people, and we seek to share our knowledge of books, links and other resources with others. The classes are usually 7.30 - 9.30 pm. A donation of £5 per person per session is suggested; and free to young people under 18 and anyone over 65.
(Please note that owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are no classes being held at Coffee Nubia). Instead, there are Thursday evening discussion/teaching sessions on Zoom (7.30 - 9.30 pm). For more information about attending, please click here.
Image by Tyalin Art
Music of Africa Beautiful music from the motherland brings peace, harmony, love and desires to dance, sing and celebrate life in all its most precious. |
Inspired Histories
My business is called Inspired Histories because most people are inspired by history in some way. We learn from our past experiences, apply the lessons, and build a better future. Inspired Histories brings to you the knowledge of the ages - ancient and modern. History teaches us about the world in which we live, but it also teaches us about ourselves - who we are, where we came from, why we are here and where we might be going. "Know thyself" History tells us about the existence of the world - its known past, active present and likely future. The study of history is the study of mankind. Although the earth has been in existence for millions of years, mankind (or modern man) may have only been with us for about 190,000 years. The prevailing theory today is that modern man came from Africa. That makes black history much more relevant to be studied today. "A people without knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey |
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My second Black History graduating class supported by The Louise Da-Cocodia Education Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University.