Placing history in the front: The African Past & The Founding of Black America (week 2)

1/12/2015

I speak of Africa and golden joys.

The line above opens the first chapter in your reader, The African Past. This chapter, along with The Founding of Black America, is assigned in order to re-brand our collective understanding and historical knowledge base on the contribution of black people around the world. This relates directly to the social, economic and political relationships black people have today with themselves and others - including state based institutions.

Answer the following questions after you have read The African Past and The Founding of Black America:

What new aspects of history have you learned from both of the readings? List and describe three news aspects of black history or history of the world that has been illuminated from the readings this week.
What connections do you see between the history we are taught and the more in-depth and accurate version of history to the current perceptions of blackness and black people in the world today? Try and come up with at least two. Explain what these connections are and why they are relevant.

Instructions
Develop a 150 word original post by Friday and respond to another student by Sunday of each week.
Your original post should include a brief overview of what you read, an analysis of the two major themes from each reading that directly address the questions above and a conclusion that asks critical thinking questions (open ended questions about the subject matter). These questions will be the prompt to other students to respond to you.

16 Comments

Andre Mouton

1/15/2015 10:03:30 pm

Some new aspects I have learned from reading The African Past and The Founding of Black America are I never knew that according to the Founding of Black America reader during the Boston Massacre a black man named Attucks lead the fight against the British and stood their ground. also I did not know that George Washington ordered that blacks were not to fight as soldiers anymore. In the reader The African Past I learned that long before anybody else on earth Blacks had the first civilization and Woman played very important roles as queens also was respected by men and esteemed very highly.
In public school growing up in the 60’s I was never taught that blacks played such a key role in history helping fight for freedom of all men also I was not taught black people were the first humans and are from Africa. I never knew Africans had great accomplishments such as being educated and the city of Timbuktu a city of many scholars and educated black people. Black people was taught from slavery to be uneducated and many black people today don’t believe education is for them but if they become conscious and aware of history and how black people are not jungle bush people like in the Tarzan movies black people will have a better since of belonging on this planet. American history do not teach true history in grade school because I believe they want to capture the young mind to become stereotyped by the master narrative teachings and engrain negative images of blacks instead of great successes and blacks rightful place in history.
What if public schools taught true history of black America and black world history? Do you think black people would be more willing to be educated and become leaders?

Jessica Jaime

1/18/2015 12:14:27 pm

I really liked how you talked about your experience's growing up in the 60's and experienced first hand how your high school did not teach the great accomplishments of African's and African-Americans. Its a shame that the truth is lost in the education system and I do agree that if the truth was taught about black America and black world history the negative stereotype images would no longer capture young minds.

amal pujol

1/18/2015 01:17:33 pm

Hey Andre,
I really liked the point you brought up about Attucks in the Boston Massacre. I was really surprised to learn about him during the reading. I actually never knew that the leading voice that night was a black man. I agree with you that we do not learn about all the roles that black people play through out the history of America. We also only see Africans being portrayed in a primitive manner. Being from Sierra Leone, I have always found this to be very offensive. The truth is Africa is a very rich continent and the people are very intelligent.

Marcos Guzman

3/24/2015 06:15:58 am

If public schools taught true history of black America and black history. The view on African Americans in this country would be entirely different. I know as a matter a fact that would be true. Black history is not taught in the public school system to the extent it should be. I don’t understand why the educational system does not teach who is responsible for the birth of this nation. I do believe African Americans like any other another race wish to become leaders of this country, it can be difficult though when aversive and overt racism is something that they have to confront constantly.

1/16/2015 07:14:34 am

Some new aspects that I learned after reading “The African Past” and the “Founding of Black America” was that when African and African-American scholars who primarily worked in the United States and Mexico, found new archeological evidence that was a carbon 14-dated sculpture , which suggested that African marines explored the New World before Columbus. I also learned that Blacks, or people who would be considered blacks today, were among the first to paint pictures, use tools, plant seeds and worship gods. After reading the real history of where we and everyone came from I have come to understand the evolution of “blackness” has changed so much throughout history. During the time of the ancient world blacks of Ethiopia were honored and praised by many classical writers such as Homer, Herodotus, Pliny and Diodorus describing them as the most powerful, most just, and the most beautiful of the human race. This brings me to question everything that I have learned in high school. How can we talk about world history and skip over the most important part of it. Yes, I understand that this world we live in and what is taught is controlled by Eurocentrism way but wouldn’t you want your future generations to be well rounded and fully educated on the African Past. I still think and always have thought that Ethic Studies should be taught in high school requiring students to take at least 2 or 3 classes to learn a greater understanding of how many steps we have taken forward but also backwards. Nothing is more important that knowledge and truth and this is what we are missing!

Makamae (Davina) Heinz

1/18/2015 02:18:37 pm

You and me both are on the same level with what new things we learned. I was so in shock of how I have not learned none of the things we are reading in school. It is like it is hidden where you learn a little but not from my days of school back in the late 90s. Most of what I have learned of History was lies. African marines explored before Columbus is so shocking and I am glad to hear the truth. Yes, I agree that Ethnic Studies should be taught in High School. I think we should learn about the real truth and not just a quick glance at some history with people of color. It should be more.

1/16/2015 01:25:21 pm

There were several new aspects of history that I learned after reading “The African Past” and the “Founding of Black America”. The first striking thing that I read in “The African Past” there were rock paintings discovered in the Sahara that show that Blacks in this area were painting beautiful and realist portraits prior to 3000 B.C. This shows that naturalistic portraits originated in Africa. Another new aspect I learned was that Timbuktu during the reign of Askia was a flourishing city where youths came from all over the world to study law and medicine at the University of Sankore. After reading “Founding of Black America", I found the story of Phillis Wheatley to be very astonishing. Phillis was a black woman who was brought on a slave ship at the age of eight and was bought by john Wheatley and raised by him and his wife. She was taught how to read and went on to become a published author. Her book " Poems on Various Subject, Religious and Moral, was an important milestone as it marked the first book by a black woman and only the second by an American woman.
The first connection that I see from the history that we are taught and the more accurate version to current perceptions is that Black Africans were an uncivilized people and Europeans where the ones that brought them civilization. This is a false narrative as history proved that Africans where making tools, painting portraits, worshiping Gods, and organized dynasties. Cities such as Timbuktu were actually educationally advanced cities where scholars and students went to be enlightened. I believe the perception still continues that African Americans or even Africans are primitive in their thinking and inferior intellectually as oppose to White Americans. I believe that these notions are reinforced by the racist ideas that were set in place from slavery and also the lack of educational resources in some socioeconomically challenged areas. I believe that these perceptions are relevant because it is this type of thinking that needs to be eradicated for Blacks to truly be seen as equal and more than worthy of the same treatment and opportunities as whites.

1/18/2015 07:11:38 am

I like how you remembered to state about Africans creation of tools because this reality is important because in the past Anthropologist have either ignored the past or have not had the technology to discovered the truth. It shows that Africans were the first humans to use their minds intelligently.

1/16/2015 01:44:15 pm

Part 1 of 2
What new aspects of history have you learned from both of the readings?
Some new aspects that I have learned from the readings were very intriguing. I didn’t realize how hypocritical the colonist were while declaring their independence preaching about rights and equality yet continuing to withhold those same human rights to African slaves. In the African Past, I have learned new historical events such as African Mariners being the first to explore the New World before Columbus. African griots indicate that there was extensive pre Colombian contact between ancient Africa and the Americas.

List and describe three news aspects of black history or history of the world that has been illuminated from the readings this week.
1)600,000 years Africa and Africans led the world.
2) Blacks from Haiti came to America to fight during the Revolutionary War.
3) Africans played a major role in the development in Egyptian civilization.

What connections do you see between the history we are taught and the more in-depth and accurate version of history to the current perceptions of blackness and black people in the world today? Explain what these connections are and why they are relevant.

The history I have been taught is not certainly accurate, Africans have played a big role in the development of America. I feel that is left out of the text books intentionally. Africans were patriots fighting for liberty and their freedom. Though it was denied and they had to flea for their freedom ultimately. The perception of blackness was given a sense of unity and self-creation I still believe that applies in the world today with current events going on. One example being black lives matter. These connections to the past of the founding of Black America are relevant because they set the stage for the current black America and give African Americans now a sense of identity even more so.
Another perception of blackness historically is that it was never ridiculed or looked down upon on the contrary it was “Unnatural whiteness of the skin” that was ridiculed. Black was so common white “Caucasian” people in that time were usually slaves and looked down upon. Now the roles have reversed in today’s society Africans are ridiculed and seen as less than that of the white man.

1/16/2015 01:46:51 pm

Part 2 of 2

The African Past:

Africa has been considered “The Dark Continent”, though many mistake it as a country with primitive people who cannot emerge out of poverty and develop in this century. It was highly developed and its people were responsible for many innovations that helped other civilizations thrive by introducing gold, spices, and iron melting. Some of the most fascinating developments in human history occurred in Africa such as the cradle of the human race. Archeologist and Scientist have studied “Lucy” to be able to prove mankind’s existence originating in Africa. 600,000 years Africa and Africans led the world, civilizations flourished in great river valleys near the Nile River. These people were the first to use tools, paint and worship gods. Africans themselves played a major role in the fathering of Egyptian civilization. The state of Egypt had a long and intimate contact with the the states surrounding it such as Ethiopia. The relationship that it carried fluctuated from trade, intermarried and war. Many Pharos have been identified as blacks by eminent scholars, Queen Nefertiti herself was identified as Negress. The only present form of white males “Caucasians” at the time were seen as slaves traded from other empires. Other powerful states that arouse in the peak of Africa’s rule was Ghana, Mali and Songhay they stemmed from trade and also had a profound influence. These three states dwelled with in the trade of gold which made them extremely wealthy. The influence these states had was vast and its political identity stuck up until the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

The Founding of Black America:

The foundation of Black America began in April 12, 1787. The free African society was a seminal organization that marked the turning point for the history of Black America. This organization gained momentum by creating a sense of Identity. The sense of black creation in the country was in synch with the creation and freedom of the colonist from England. The African Americans in the country were out raged by the hypocrisy stated with in the declaration of independence. Black patriots pushed to the front lines during the revolutionary war fighting for their freedom. They fought in the major battles of the war and after the war they freed themselves by escaping to Canada, Spanish Florida and Indian Camps. During the emancipation of northern slaves black America entered the era of “Black pioneer period”. The second step towards solidifying the road to black America became the black church movement which was the founding of the first African Baptist church in South Carolina.

Conclusion:
We see how “Unnatural whiteness” of the skin in ancient Egyptian times was ridiculed because it was so uncommon. Now the roles have somewhat been reversed in today society, how can we stabilize this pendulum so no race feels justified to look down upon another?

Jordan Leopold

1/19/2015 11:34:25 am

Marcos, that's a great yet very loaded question. I think as long as there is difference in culture, religion, and even nationalities there will always be a huge possibility for one demographic to oppress or feel oppressed.

1/16/2015 02:37:12 pm

*Preface: I didn’t fully complete my reading of “the Founding of Black America. Thus I won’t refer to it*

The African Past contains a wealth of valuable knowledge on African civilization and Black impact within America that is highly unrecognized or simply isn’t taught. The African Past provides an in depth overview of the history of ancient African civilizations and their immediate and progressive influence on the ancient and modern world. Possessing very little knowledge prior, I’ve learned much about Ancient African civilization. For instance, I didn’t know African empires virtually ruled the world for 600,000 years. ”Countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, and Songhay reigned over the European nations of their time as they prospered from booming economies, large and strong military, and highly revered leaders. Whites were also enslaved by Ethiopian because of the, “unnatural whiteness of their skin.” Ethiopians were revered as the antique blacks, perceived as “the most powerful, most just, and most beautiful. They deem themselves the originators of, worship, sacrifices, and every religious practice. This is an interesting perspective, given it is frequently taught that Black Africans of the past were inferior and uncivilized savages that were subjected to slavery and “saved” because of these false reasons. I feel that there is a negative association with Black history given modern perception and stereotypes, thus seeing black as "savages". I have contemplated the idea that most Blacks/African-Americans don't know their history or heritage as a result of slavery, having stripped our culture in all aspects - religion, language, music, food, etc. If many Blacks of America don't know their cultural background and history, how/why would others within white America acknowledge the rich heritage that is? How do we break this stigma associated with "Africa" and "Black?"

marie brown

1/17/2015 02:23:54 am

Taking the words from The African Past ".For an academic breakthrough, which is as challenging on its own level" ,we must guide our people who are coming up in our homes, communities, and on the bus stop about the real deal of their History.

Corissa R.

1/16/2015 03:56:39 pm

From reading “The African Past’’ I learned so much about the influences the African and black culture had all over. I also learned about a very different kind of slavery. I didn’t know that the dynamics of slavery during those times were different from slavery in the United States. The slaves were treated with value, and their opinion mattered just as much as someone else that came from a higher class did. I also learned that just because you mother was a slave did not necessary mean that you would become one as well, and that was illustrated in the case of Anter the famous poet that died in A.D. 615. Also within the same reading I never knew the extent of the distaste for whites in particularly in Sudan, so much so that Ibn-Batuta refuse to speak in the language that the whites use. The reading was very eye-opening in the sense that we are not taught exactly how much Africans/ black greatly impacted culture across continents. The most interesting and most important piece of information that I learned came from “The Founding of Black America.” I was never taught in any of my history classes (and I took APUSH and a history class here at CSUEB) about the impactful role that the founders of Black America played in not just in black history but history period. I find it interesting that the only topics that were covered regarding black history were slavery and the civil rights movement. It seems to me almost as if, when black history is written about and taught in school it is very minimalistic and in some sense inaccurate, for example the Stamp Riot Acts in Boston, history as it was told to me did not include blacks as a part of the patriots fighting with the British. I think that we need people like the writers of these two reading that are helping to educate not only black people but everybody about the influences of Africans/black people had in shaping the world today.

1/17/2015 02:11:57 am

Africa Past
IAfrica’s history has been sign cant for researchers in the interest of African way of life because of the lack of written sources in parts of the continent. Academic techniques such as the recording of oral history, archaeology and genetics have been crucial. But the discoveries by archeologist state the human race was the birthplace in Africa. Date back almost as far as thousands of years Africa is the oldest in the world. When we observe history we can see the absence of color consciousness. In the beginning white was the unusual whiteness of their skin. In the Bible Noah cursed his son Ham indirectly by cursing his son Canaan. (10: 6) Some once believed that the verse justified the slavery of African people, who, it was allegedly, was descended from Canaan, but the Canaanites were white. But as it is noted all the people of the world since the flood have descended from the three-son s of Noah.
Therefore it was Canaanites who, was the servant of servants exactly ignore the most degrade of slavery. So we see slavery was not new to Africa, and we know that the Negroes did play a major role in the settlement of civilization. Just as they did when the European first started to transport them for Africa the colonies, here in American. After we arrive here we are not African, but black people and place in the front lines of the entire struggle. This allowed black to take action, by organizing the beginning for freedom. Both story content that African ancestors of American Blacks were among the major benefactors of the human race. The evidence as survives clearly shows that Africans were on the scene and acting when human opened. Over the course of centuries, beginning around 300 A.D. and we realize that much of its legacy still continues today
post last night maybe to late. But I didn't see it on blog

1/21/2015 11:35:00 am

There is a lot of new aspects that I learned from both of the readings. In reading the African Past one of the parts that interested me was about the Greek Historian named Herodotus. When he visited th country before Bethlehem and said that the Egyptians were black and curly haired. I remember watching movies like Cleopatra and thinking so they are blue eyes and not brown. I was confused because they do not tell us the truth about a lot of history. I learned how there is evidence that Egyptians were black. I also enjoyed learning about the best known Arabic's blacks named Antar who was a poet. I did not learn nothing like this in history. It was also interesting about reading about the women of Sudanese. How they committed suicide because they were too proud to allow themselves to fall into the hands of white men when the state was overthrown.
I also learned some interesting information in reading The Founding of Black America. Black patriots and how they volunteered because of what they believed in the Declaration. Learning about great Black heroes that fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. I never learned in school about anything else besides slaves and a little information about Native Americans. They always left out things. I enjoyed reading how there were a lot of blacks that fought in defense of American liberty. I never learned about the first black naval Captain named Captain Mark Starlin. I really enjoyed learning about a slave named Pompey who helped capture someone because he was helping being a undercover agent. They never taught me any of this in school. I also notice how in school they never tell the truth with history. I learned on my own from my son being native from his family about wounded knee. I also learned the truth about thanksgiving. History growing up in school tells so many lies and I am blessed I am learning the truth so I can pass it on too my son. There was so much I learned from reading those both that I should have heard about in middle school. I feel we learn some of it but it is more about the slaves and a little about natives but nothing in depth like we should learn.

Placing history in the front: The African Past & The Founding of Black America (week 2)

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Placing history in the front: The African Past & The Founding of Black America (week 2)

Leave a Reply.

POSCI 3335

Archives

Categories

THE BEAUTYOF BLACKCREATION

ABOUT USJOURNALS​​SUBMISSIONS

THE BEAUTY

OF BLACK

CREATION

ABOUT US

JOURNALS

SUBMISSIONS