All the latest on African and Caribbean Literature and Art and other related news and views from the world of books.
“I work toward the liberation of women, but I’m not feminist. I’m just a woman.” This provocative statement from Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta reveals a profound tension between her life’s work and the labels that sought to define it. Emecheta, who wrote unflinchingly about women’s struggles in both traditional African societies and as immigrants in […]
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Beyond the Court: Essential Anti-Racism Reading List The recent controversy between tennis players Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko at the 2024 US Open has once again highlighted the persistent reality of racial microaggressions in sports and society. Townsend reported that Ostapenko told her she has “no education, no class” after their match, sparking widespread discussion
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5 Must-Read African Fiction Books That Will Transform Your Perspective In a world saturated with narratives often filtered through a single lens, discovering African Fiction books offers a profound opportunity to expand your understanding of the human experience. These stories, rich in cultural nuances, historical depth, and diverse perspectives, go beyond the headlines and delve
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5 African Authors Who Changed the Literary Landscape The rich tapestry of world literature would be incomplete without the profound contributions of African authors who have shaped global storytelling for generations. These literary giants didn’t just write stories; they rewrote the narrative of an entire continent, challenging Western perspectives and giving voice to experiences that
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Understanding Racism: A Deeper Dive into “White Fragility” In the ongoing journey of understanding racism, one concept that has been as impactful and widely-discussed is “White Fragility.” Dr. Robin DiAngelo, in a powerful and insightful presentation, delves into her book, White Fragility, to unpack why it’s so challenging for white people to talk about racism.
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Echoes of the Ancestors: How Oral Traditions and Griots Shaped Pre-Colonial Africa In an age before the written word held sway, how did societies preserve their history, their culture, their very identity? For centuries, across the vast and diverse continent of Africa, the answer lay in the power of the spoken word. Oral traditions were
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Rodney Riots of 1968: A Pivotal Moment in Jamaican History For a few tumultuous days in October 1968, parts of Kingston, Jamaica were engulfed in protest and turmoil. This eruption of anger, later called the Rodney Riots, was sparked by the Jamaican government’s decision to ban a popular university lecturer, Dr. Walter Rodney, from re-entering
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Advanced African Kingdoms Before European Contact: 7 Powerful Civilizations Long before European explorers set foot on African soil, the continent was home to some of the world’s most sophisticated and powerful civilizations. These advanced African kingdoms built magnificent cities, established extensive trade networks, developed complex political systems, and created architectural marvels that continue to inspire
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10 Must-Read Books About Malcolm X When you think of Malcolm X, what comes to mind? A fierce revolutionary? A powerful orator? A man who unapologetically spoke truth to power? You’re not wrong. Malcolm X was all these things and more. His life, filled with hardship, triumph, and self-discovery, continues to inspire people worldwide. But
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Motherhood and Magic: Spirituality, Ancestry, and Legacy in Black Women’s Writing Motherhood is a universal theme in literature, but in the hands of Black women writers, it often becomes something more than just a role. It transforms into a vessel for magic, memory, and ancestral power. As we reflect on Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect
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