History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

HAP 136 - Civilization Reclaimed - African-Centered Thought

Dec 11, 2023

Dive into the vibrant intersection of hip-hop and African identity, as pioneering artists reclaim their roots. Learn about key Afrocentric thinkers like George G.M. James and Sheikh Anta Diop, who have shaped modern African-centered thought. Explore the cultural heritage that influences music today, from Fela Kuti to hip-hop legends. Uncover the transformative path of the Nation of Islam and its impact on Black culture. Plus, witness a historian's desperate effort to preserve African history in the face of decline.

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INSIGHT

Hip-Hop Meets Africana Thought

Hip-hop in the late 80s uniquely fused popular music with Africana intellectual traditions.
Rappers boldly incorporated African identity and historical figures like Malcolm X into their art and fashion.

INSIGHT

Egyptian Origins of Greek Philosophy

George G.M. James argued ancient Greek philosophy was derived from Egyptian thought.
Suppression of Egyptian schools by Roman emperors led to centuries of intellectual darkness in Europe.

INSIGHT

Asante's Afrocentricity Theory

Molefi Asante developed Afrocentricity as a unique theory rooted in earlier Africana thought.
Afrocentricity seeks to center African perspectives in research and social change.

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The rebirth of African civilization

Chancellor Williams

Black Man of the Nile

Yosef Ben Yalkanun

Afrocentrism, Mythical Paths, and Imagined Homes

Stephen Howe

The African Origin of Civilization

Sheikh Anta Diop

The Destruction of Black Civilization

Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D.

Chancellor Williams

Chancellor Williams' 'The Destruction of Black Civilization' is a groundbreaking work that took 16 years to research and compile. It challenges the conventional view that black people have always been at the bottom of world society by highlighting factors such as nature, imperialism, and stolen legacies. The book offers a new perspective on African history, focusing on the experiences of Africans themselves rather than those of Arabs and Europeans in Africa.

Afrocentricity, The Theory of Social Change

Molefi Kete Asante

Negro Nations and Cultures

Nations Nères et Cultures

Sheikh Anta Diop

Between the World and Me

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me is a personal and literary exploration of America's racial history. Written as a series of letters to his 15-year-old son, Samori, Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on his own experiences growing up in Baltimore, his education at Howard University, and his career as a journalist. The book delves into the realities of being Black in America, including the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery, segregation, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Coates shares personal anecdotes and historical insights to prepare his son for the challenges he will face as a Black man in America, while also offering a broader critique of American society and its treatment of Black bodies. The book is a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, history, and the struggle for racial justice[2][3][4].

Stolen Legacy

George James

George G.M. James's "Stolen Legacy" argues that ancient Greek philosophy was derived from ancient Egyptian thought, which was itself of African origin. The book challenges traditional historical narratives and aims to highlight the contributions of African civilizations to Western thought. It's considered pseudo-history by many mainstream scholars due to its controversial interpretations and lack of substantial evidence. However, it remains influential within certain circles for its attempt to reclaim African intellectual heritage. The book's impact lies in its contribution to discussions about cultural appropriation and the rewriting of history.