Black History or World History?

Black History Month is a term I struggle with and have done for some time. On one hand its a celebration of the achievements of a very large marginalized group, and on the other hand it marginalizes people further by globally viewing one history as a separate entity. Separate from the history of humanity as a whole...marginalising a group further. But why? why the need for separation when history doesn't really work like that? History it interconnected.

The deep interlinkage of African history with global history extends far beyond specific individual achievements and is fundamental to the world's development, politics, and culture.

The wealth generated by African resources and people has shaped global economic systems for centuries. For example, the Mali Empire of the 14th century, particularly under the reign of Mansa Musa , was one of the world's largest producers of gold, an essential component of the global currency and trade system. His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 famously depressed the price of gold in Egypt for a decade due to the sheer volume of gold he distributed. Furthermore, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly removed an estimated 10 to 12 million Africans to the Americas over four centuries, an unparallel demographic and human rights catastrophe. This forced labor was the foundational economic engine for the rise of key industries, such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco, in the New World, fueling the industrial revolution and the economic dominance of European and American powers. The profits generated from the forced labor of African people established banking institutions and industrial empires whose wealth and influence persist to this day.

In terms of technology and innovation, many agricultural practices vital to the global food system originated in Africa. For instance, coffee , now one of the world's most traded commodities, was first cultivated and consumed in the highlands of Ethiopia . West African societies were pioneers in metallurgy, with evidence of advanced iron smelting techniques dating back to as early as 1000 BCE in places like Nigeria and Sudan, preceding similar developments in parts of Europe.

Did You Know?

Did you know that during World War II, over 15,000 African American soldiers were stationed in the Netherlands, playing a crucial role in the efforts to secure freedom and liberate the Dutch people from the oppressive German occupation? These brave soldiers were instrumental in various military operations, including the critical securing of cities such as Venlo and many others, helping to pave the way for the eventual liberation of the country. Their contributions were not only significant in terms of military strategy but also played a vital role in fostering relationships between the United States and the Netherlands during a time of great turmoil.

Moreover, the field of medicine has seen remarkable achievements by individuals of African descent. For instance, the first-ever open heart surgery in Africa was successfully performed by the pioneering Nigerian doctor, Fabian Udekwu. This monumental event marked a significant milestone in African medical history and showcased the growing capabilities of healthcare professionals on the continent. It is also noteworthy that the very first open heart surgery in the world was conducted much earlier, in 1893, by the distinguished African American doctor, Daniel Hale Williams. His groundbreaking work in this field not only saved lives but also challenged the prevailing racial barriers in medicine at the time, paving the way for future generations of medical practitioners.

In addition to these remarkable contributions in the military and medical fields, African American inventors have also made significant strides in technology and everyday life. For example, the filament in your light bulb at home, the essential component that keeps the light burning brightly, was developed and manufactured by the innovative African American inventor, Lewis Howard Latimer. His work in electrical engineering and patenting was pivotal in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of light bulbs, thus transforming the way we illuminate our homes and public spaces.

Black History World History

The legacy of African history is intensely felt in the present-day political landscapes of the world:

• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): The Congo's immense mineral wealth, particularly in resources like cobalt (over 50% of the world's known reserves) and coltan , makes it critical to modern global technology (smartphones, electric vehicle batteries). The current humanitarian and political complexities in the DRC are a direct continuation of its brutal colonial history under Belgium's King Leopold II , whose regime resulted in the death of an estimated 10 million people through forced labor and exploitation. Modern-day conflicts and instability are intrinsically tied to global competition for these strategic minerals, linking African governance to Western consumer habits.

• Sudan: Sudan's history is a crossroads of African and Arab cultures, trade routes, and empires. Its modern history, marked by two civil wars and the secession of South Sudan in 2011, is a dramatic example of how colonial-era administrative boundaries and post-colonial competition for resources and political power can fracture a state. The ongoing conflict is fueled by historical ethnic and political tensions, but also by the geopolitical interests of external powers vying for influence in the Red Sea region and control over resources like arable land and oil.

• Palestine: While geographically and culturally distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Palestinian struggle for statehood is fundamentally connected to the broader global history of anti-colonial movements, many of which were led by African nations. The African Union (formerly the OAU) has historically supported the Palestinian cause, viewing it through the lens of self-determination against foreign occupation—a political narrative deeply familiar to nearly every African nation. Furthermore, the principles of non-alignment and solidarity among the Global South, championed by African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, explicitly included support for the liberation of Palestine, firmly weaving its political struggle into the fabric of 20th and 21st-century international relations.

  
  

These examples illustrate just a fraction of the myriad ways that our histories intertwine, revealing that humanity is not marginalized but rather interconnected in profound and meaningful ways. As we delve deeper into these narratives, it becomes increasingly clear that the contributions of African and African diaspora descendants are woven into the very fabric of global history. From military victories to medical breakthroughs, technological advancements, and shaping modern geopolitics, their legacies continue to influence and inspire future generations. Black history is more than just a celebration of the contributions of Africa in the confinement of a month. It is world history and just like world history, we dont need to wait until October or February to explore it.

If you are interested in learning more about these significant contributions and how they have shaped our world, whether for your school or business, we invite you to explore our resources and educational materials that delve into these important histories.

Check out our Black History - Our History Packages; From PPT assemblies to resources and lesson guides saving hours of planning to help kick start your discussion on Black History. Register for a package here:https://lnkd.in/ev9n8Uwk