Indigenous Culture (103)

With Complete Proof: The 2017 Edition - Celebrating Black Excellence A Tribute To J. A. Rogers Think back to your time in the classroom, what can you remember being taught about your African origins? Besides the period of slavery, the struggles of the civil rights sixties and range of inventions innovations and breakthroughs of the 19th and 20th century, not much right. It’s no secret, nor has it been for some two thousand years Black African people have been around since what many would call the dawn of time. It was the children of Africa that began civilising the world introducing them to the liberal arts like reading, writing, mathematics, medicine, advanced agriculture and stone masonry to name a few. Africa through the middle ages just like the ancient times was the academic headquarters of the world, the home of spirituality, the continent was where the blueprint for modern day society was created. Sadly, the assignation of self-worth was completed through the barbaric Maafa (African holocaust/ transatlantic slave trade) John Henrik Clarke said: “Slavery ended and left its false images of Black people intact.” Systemic institutionalised racism ensures the perpetuation of these false images mainly through the entertainment & media platforms but most damagingly through the education & academic systems. Jamaican born Journalist & Historian, Joel Augustus Rogers, whose numerous works and contributions to the international black community are mostly unknown today understood the importance of highlighting the triumphs of black African excellence. In 1934 he released his version of this title as a crash course to Black African history, to uplift and empower people with less access to information than we do today who faced lynchings and social beratement for succeeding. 2017’s edition was produced to remind the world of J. A. Rogers. On top of that, to combat to the global white supremacist power structure by helping to cement in the minds of all Black African people worldwide that they’re the original standard of excellence. Published 12 Dec 2017. 124 pages.

With Complete Proof - A Short Cut to The World History of The Negro J.A. Rogers devoted over fifty years of his life to his research. He had not only looked at world history but also at the history of people of African origin, and has show how their history is an inseparable part of the history of mankind. First published in 1934 and revised in 1962, this book gathers journalist and historian Joel Augustus Rogers' columns from the syndicated newspaper feature titled Your History. Patterned after the look of Ripley's popular Believe It or Not the multiple vignettes in each episode recount short items from Rogers's research. The feature began in the Pittsburgh Courier in November 1934 and ran through the 1960s. Review - "I really liked this. Or rather, I liked J.A. Rogers' insistent energy to be believed in this tiny book. Rogers lists all sorts of African accomplishments and deeds and categorizes them in lists such as Ancient Civilizations, Sex, Religion, Rulers, Slavery, etc. A lot of this information not included in your typical mainstream lesson. And apparently Rogers traveled all over Europe to gather this info from different museums and libraries, so I'll definitely want to check out his other works". Published May 1st 1995. 72 pages.

They Came Before Columbus shows us a dramatic, thought-provoking, and incredibly detailed documentation of the presence and legacy of Africans in ancient America. In They Came Before Columbus, we see clearly the unmistakable black Africans in pre-Columbian America, and their overwhelming impact on the civilisations they came into contact with. Examining navigation and shipbuilding; cultural analogies between Native Americans and Africans; the transportation of plants, animals, and textiles between the continents; and the written and griot accounts of the explorers themselves, Ivan Van Sertima builds a mountain of evidence to support his claim of an African presence in the New World centuries before Columbus. Van Sertima remakes some of the most powerful scenes of human history with his gift of storytelling: the launching of the great ships of Mali in 1310, the sea expedition of the Mandingo king in 1311 and many others. Published September 23rd 2003. 336 Pages.

Restoring Your Health Through The Seven Kitchens of Consciousness Book The City of Wellness, brings together Queen Afua's method of healing yourself through diet and nutrition. Restoring Your Health Through the Seven Kitchens of Consciousness, educates readers on bridging the relationship between their food-lifestyle and their wellness. A step by step method of elevating your health through giving up flesh and increasing fresh raw foods for increased wellness, and healing of actual health problems such as hypertension and obesity. Not a typical diet book, rather a lifestyle change. Endorsing foods that increase the vibrational frequency that leads to optimal health, herbal and specific food groups are discussed. She reminds us that historically, African Americans had limited access to doctors and other healthcare providers. Midwives and other "root healers" were all that blacks had from Africa through slavery up until the past 40-50 years. In some locales of the South and Carribean, "root healers" continue to heal with foods and herbs. Today this life threatening health crisis is spreading through the African American community like a twenty-first century black plague. Review - "This book has my attention its great if your in the process of healing oneself inside and out. If your on the path of eating right, meditation and self healing the mind or if you have read this Author other books this is a great edition". Published September 9th 2009. 398 pages.

Metu Neter, Vol. 1: The Great Oracle of Tehuti and the Egyptian System of Spiritual Cultivation. The oracles of Ancient Black Civilizations aimed to guide individuals and nations in all areas of life. Through them it was possible to discover the spiritual cause and meaning to earthly events. These great oracles prescribed the words of power and other occult forces that can be manipulated by the initiate in order to control the events of his life. Published 1st July 1990

Success through spiritual means is the essence of spirituality as far as life on earth is concerned. We all know that However useful it is to cultivate our earthly resources such as education, financial knowledge. We were given a great resource - the power of the spirit. In Metu Neter Volume 3 - The Key to Miracles, Ra Un Nefer Amen - leading author on Kamitic Spiritual science - guides you step by step in the science of uniting with God and developing your divinity as the key to success in life. Because the system relies heavily on the great oracle of Kamit - the Metu Neter - you will also acquire the ability to coach others to acquire the skills of living as God intended - relying on the power of the Spirit - the miracle worker in us. Published July 7th 2008.

In Metu Neter Vol 2: Anuk Ausar: The Kamitic Initiation System you will find, for the time, a complete step by step guidance to achieving spiritual perfection, and a successful life, based on the Kamitic initiation system. Those student on those spiritual path will know, Where I am at in my spiritual growth? What is the next step and the next? "How much progress am I making, and how do I know when to move on to the next level?". 350 Pages. Published 1st June 1994. Review - "The Mdu Ntr is deep. This is an essential buy if you own the 1st volume. This volume goes further in depth into the initian system of the adept in Khemit this is an absolute must read for any and every Melenated being as this is your destiny. I would urge to read and fully overstand the 1st volume and gain practice and experience before jumping into this as with practice and experiance this will be a natural progression for you. There is also a volume 3 available".

A collection of 25 essays examining the neuroses of white supremacy. During the course of the struggle of African people against European racism, brutality and domination, many innovative thinkers have risen from our ranks. The greatest and most courageous scholars have devoted their lives to the pursuit of an explanation for the virtually inherent animosity most white people appear to have toward people of colour. Unlike her predecessors, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, a brilliant, Washington, DC psychiatrist has rejected conventional notions about the origin and perpetuation of racism. 310 pages First Published 21st October 1994

Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 The Destruction of Black Civilization took Chancellor Williams 16 years of research and field study to compile. The book, which was to serve as a reinterpretation of the history of the African race, was intended to be "a general rebellion against the subtle message from even the most liberal white authors and their Negro disciples: "You belong to a race of nobodies. You have no worthwhile history to point to with pride." The book was written at a time when many black students, educators, and scholars were starting to piece together the connection between the way their history was taught and the way they were perceived by others and by themselves. They began to question assumptions made about their history and took it upon themselves to create a new body of historical research. The book is premised on the question: If the Blacks were among the very first builders of civilization and their land the birthplace of civilization, what has happened to them that has left them, since then, at the bottom of world society? Precisely, what happened? The Caucasian answer is simple and well known: The Blacks have always been at the bottom." Williams, instead, contends that many elements - nature, imperialism, and stolen legacies - have aided in the destruction of the black civilization. The Destruction of Black Civilization is revelatory and revolutionary because it offers a new approach to the research, teaching, and study of African history by shifting the main focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans in Africa to the Africans themselves. The book, thus, offers "a history of blacks that is a history of blacks". "Because, only from history can we learn what our strengths were and, especially, in what particular aspect we are weak and vulnerable. Our history can then become at once the foundation and guiding light for united efforts in serious planning what we should be about now."

How Europe Underdeveloped Africa is a 1972 book written by Walter Rodney that breaks down how Africa was deliberately exploited and underdeveloped by European colonial regimes. Rodney explains that both power politics and economic exploitation of Africa by Europeans led to the poor state of African political and economic development evident in the late 20th century.  This book is one of the most acclaimed books written in the 20th century about African development and post-colonial theory alongside Frantz Fanon, The Wretched Of The Earth. 416 pages Published 23rd October 2018

African Origin Of Electromagnetism  The Ankh: African Origin of Electromagnetism explores the ancient Egyptian Ankh, a cross that symbolised both the physical and eternal life, and its relationship to the origin of electromagnetism. Nur Ankh Amen, African anthropologist. Uses every scientific discipline that modern technology has to offer, in the tradition of Chiekh Anta Diop, to acquire the correct perspective on African high culture and civilisation. Its is now the time for Africans to battle Egyptology from the hands of westerners who have distorted our perception of civilisation, by a more forceful and public attack on their lies. We must expose to the light of truth, every lie and every claim of a European or Asian origin of Kemit and re-establish the link with our ancestors for the sake of our children. Review - "Wow what can I say?! I've always been fascinated with the Ankh along with its meaning and purpose, as well as the Pyramids of Egypt and whilst I'm not an expert on Electricity, I was able to understand this book and the factual and evidence based origins of Electromagnetism. It's certainly answered a lot of questions for me and put another piece in the puzzle for me and furthered my desire to undertake more research Because of this book I would like to further my understanding of modern electricity and how it differs from ancient electricity, as well as African and Egyptian History, DNA and Melanin, as well as Benjamin Franklin, Nikola Telsa and others. The author has made a few references to the Bible and Quran, as well as interpret many of the Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Spirituality. Do I recommend this book? Most definitely! It explains a lot and more! It's a book I certainly want to refer to and worth a place on my book shelf". Published May 1st 2001. 143 pages.

Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 The Destruction of Black Civilization took Chancellor Williams 16 years of research and field study to compile. The book, which was to serve as a reinterpretation of the history of the African race, was intended to be "a general rebellion against the subtle message from even the most liberal white authors and their Negro disciples: "You belong to a race of nobodies. The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 is a revolutionary, one of its kind approach to the research, teaching, and study of African history by shifting the main focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans in Africa to the Africans themselves. The book was written at a time when many black students, educators, and scholars were starting to piece together the connection between the way their history was taught and the way they were perceived by others and by themselves. They began to question assumptions made about their history and took it upon themselves to create a new body of historical research. The book is premised on the question: If the Blacks were among the very first builders of civilization and their land the birthplace of civilization, what has happened to them that has left them, since then, at the bottom of world society? Precisely, what happened? The book, thus, offers "a history of blacks that is a history of blacks". "Because, only from history can we learn what our strengths were and, especially, in what particular aspect we are weak and vulnerable. Our history can then become at once the foundation and guiding light for united efforts in serious planning what we should be about now." Review - "This is a brilliant book. I love reading Chancellor Williams. The Destruction of Black Civilization provides the blue print and the analysis from which the African Diaspora may reach and find the strength for positive self development. The book employs the use of focussing on great civilizations as an impetus for returning to pride in the African culture. I am using this book in my Africa American History class, because African American students must realize the brilliant and intellectual structures from which their heritage eminate. I am going to say more about this wonderful book". Published June 14th 2017. 386 pages.

Dr. Ben, also known as Yosef Alfredo Antonio Ben-Jochannan. Celebrates Africa Mother in an lecture/essay style format. Dr. Ben identifies and corrects myths about the inferiority and primitiveness of the indigenous African peoples and their descendants. Review "Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan is an incredible scholar. He has done such excellent work in the recovery of Ancient African history. His particular thesis demonstrates that Africa, as the Mother of Civilization, birthed much of the ideology of Western Civilization. Through the Middle Passage, much of the European slave traders denigrated Africans and African history, suggesting that African history contributed nothing to the world. Texts like Dr. Ben's text emphasize the importance and the major contributions that Africans and African history has made to the world, generally, but specifically to the Western Cultural and Western Civilization feature. Before the Romans, Before the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Nubians, the culture of Kemet, existed in Africa, and Dr. Ben artiuclates and demonstrates how these cultures reached a high level of civilization in spite fo the anti-African sentiments that were very prominent in the 19th century. This is a very good book". Published 1971, 1988. 750 pages.

12 lessons to restore the image, the character, and the responsibility of the goddess blackwoman Review - "This book is excellent. I like that the author is very conversational and he writes as if he's speaking directly to you. In some books, this may not be acceptable, but it really worked as the format for this one. I honestly think that this book can be used as part of a curriculum for teaching girls how to respect themselves. His points were very true and they could sting if you do not possess esteem for yourself. However, I encourage all to read the entire book before making a final judgement. He seems to be a parent. Every point he made was relevant still. These points are in fact lessons and I would definitely give this book as a gift to any woman who I thought needed to learn about her self value. Published October 1st 1996. 170 pages.

Dr. Barashango discusses the origins of European Holidays their pagan roots and why we as Black People should not celebrate them. Afrikan People And European Holidays: A Mental Genocide: Book 1, breaks down Christmas. Review - "A brilliant and indispensable text. Inspiring even. Barashango outlines a logical argument highlighting the psychotically aggressive qualities of popular European historical events, charts the process of moral and cultural destruction of Indigenous People of the Western Hemisphere and African people, and then links these experiences to the need to reject European holidays, recognizing them as a mechanism to solidify White’s pathological cultural ethos, and to strengthen the psychological chains of mental bondage for Black Americans. Christmas is highlighted in this text, Book One". Published November 3rd 1979. 106 pages.

Eurocentric History, Psychiatry And The Politics Of White Supremacy. This book presents two revolutionary lectures by Amos Wilson. The first, European Historiography and Oppression Exposed: An Afrikan Perspective and Analysis, was among the first contemporary analyses which delineated the role Eurocentric history-writing plays in rationalising European oppression of Afrikan people and in the falsification of Afrikan consciousness. Review - "I am so pleased with this publication and I want to buy more books from Dr. Amos Wilson. The content is absolutely a masterclass of psychological insight. We are invited to explore how we view history. Basically, we are programmed to view 'history', as a celebration only, however, the book emphasized the importance of learning from the past and provides key evidence to support higher learning. An informative, intellectual book that conveys the importance of understanding Afrikan Consciousness and the role of the system, in dictating and brainwashing the Afrikan. It is emancipating and doesn't teach hate, but love, for self, as we are born into a world that teaches us to love every other race, but the Afrikan. Amazing. Published July 1st 1993. 139 pages.

An Incisive Look Into Masculinity And The Societal Definition Of Afrikan  Amos Wilson examines Issues of Manhood in its complexity, just the mention of manhood conjures up debate. Manhood in definition seems to be ever-changing, under challenge and charge. In view of behaviour often confusing, violent, sometimes immature, and invariably nonproductive, frequently to the detriment of the black community, manhood stokes discussion and search for an alternative, even status quo overthrow. Amos puts the much debated question under further scrutiny, "what is a man", "be a man", man as leader, provider and producer, is encased in a political, economic, social and geopolitical framework largely in the manufacture and control of a dominating power oft-times white, racist, ruthless, American, where ambition and opportunities to succeed are curtailed, few, education poor or inappropriate, history and psychohistory deemed irrelevant, violence and aggression without respite, where city, state and national governmental regimes care little to alleviate these conditions except line the coffers of wealthy friends and class allies as entitlement. Although delivered over 25 years ago, in view of right wing racist ascent to governmental office nationwide, his accuracy seems spot-on prophetic. This text we partner with Understanding Black Adolescent Male Violence where Wilson again shows in detail how American society creates and sustains Black adolescent criminality in its inner-cities across the United States. He boldly asserts that Black-on-Black youth violence is rooted in historical and contemporary White-on-Black violence. Wilson advances a continental African paradigm worthy of discussion and applicability to Diasporan males, one that dovetails with female understanding of black males, her mate selection, childrearing and steadfast in forging family and community vital to tribe and nation. Review - " I think Amos Wilson is misrepresented. While he was a trained Psychologist, he is one of the most profound Existentialist thinkers I have ever read. Where he belongs is with Franz Fanon! His work on consciousness and the orientation of one person to another is nothing short of brilliant.  Defining manhood is of the upmost importance in Afrikan societies and because many of us in Amerikkka dont receive this training its imperative we read this book". Published 1st December 2016. 146 pages.

This book presents an explosive collection of essays that call for Black consciousness and revolutionary action. Haki R. Madhubuti is an African American author, educator, and poet. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa, and served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963. Madhubuti is a major contributor to the Black literary tradition, in particular through his early association with the Black Arts Movement beginning in the mid-60s, and major influence, even today. A proponent of independent Black institutions, Madhubuti is the founder, publisher, and chairman of the board of Third World Press, which today is the largest independent black-owned press in the United States. Haki R. Madhubuti examines Black nationalism, white minority rule, Pan-Africanism, the real need for Black institutions and the role of the creative artist in Black struggle. Published June 1st 1978. 272 pages.

Excellent collection of speeches! John Henrik Clarke covers an array of topics through this selection of speeches, from the contributions of Nile Vally civilizations to the future of Pan-Africanism in the 21st century. Review - "Dr. Clarke does an incredible job of stringing together the common historical threads that constitute a cultural imperative among africans in america towards the eventualization of our spiritual, physical, and psyco-socioeconomic freedom. The level of analysis that he provides is almost comforting in the face of a broader society that would regard this field as a psuedo-science". Published August 1st 1993. 223 pages.

Historically, as you progress through time, you will eventually encounter a powerful triad of religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Walter Williams is an economist, commentator, columnist, and academician known for his classical liberal/libertarian views. In this powerful and mind blowing book, Walter Williams highlights how all of these religions have had strong mass appeal and persuasive powers, and they remain the most powerful tools in the western world's arsenal of controlling forces. These religions serve as the ultimate sentry for western world interests.they were developed and are perpetuated to preserve past gains, enhance present gains, and ensure future gains. The information presented in this book differs from the traditional Islamic theology and literature and must be read with an open mind. Review - "I've read this book right after the book, The Historical Origin of Christianity by the same author. I recommend everyone, especially black people that have been raised a Christian, a Muslim or Jew to read this book. Like the author said in the book, religions were placed as tools to control a population". Published March 1st 2003. 187 pages.

This new, two-volume edition of "What They Never Told You In History Class" is the first major revision in over fifteen years. It is important that Africans in the Diaspora know their ancestors story from the perspective that they are their ancestors. It contains a wealth of new information that has never been included in any previous edition. It has now been divided into two volumes. Review - "This is not your average history book. This book dispels many myths we have heard (or been told) regarding the black race and our cement in world history. Learn about the real first black president (nope not Obama), and what some of our storied political leaders have said about the black race legacy and future etc. It is a very good resource of information for mankind, particularly those of African heritage". Published April 1st 2000. 314 pages.

A must have read for the history of holidays. Dr. Barashango discusses the origins of European Holidays their pagan roots and why we as Black People should not celebrate them. Review - "Book Two critiques Easter and other holidays. Not intended to be academic, this book is a perfect layman read with forceful and sensational language, and is concise. For most it will be eye-opening; reading historical facts not learned in school that may be hard to digest because the logical conclusion is to challenge the status quo. He embellishes his arguments with quotes from Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad and other Black leaders who represent an uncompromising viewpoint. Though the topic is heavy and disheartening, the book does not leave the reader depressed with these uncovered truths. It ends with a nice chapter explaining the Kwanzaa Holiday to the uninitiated as a healthy alternative to the current holidays program that he argues only exacerbate the psychological distress of Black people". Published December 1st 2001. 136 pages.

For the first time is evidence for one of the most dramatic, but distorted, ignored and forgotten episodes of human history. Michael Bradley is one of the most underrated scholars of our time. One of a number of books indicating the African presence among nations and people outside of Africa as early as 800 B.C. and probably before. Dawn Voyage: The Black African Discovery of America reveals the agricultural, religious, artistic and architectural evidence that "Black" Africans from the sub-Sahara were probably the first "discoverers" of America from across the Atlantic, but notes that the first true "discoverers" were, the Asiatic nomads crossing the Bering Land Bridge during the period of the last "Ice Age".The book also shows readers evidence that,  seafaring Asians possibly reached America across the Pacific earlier than "Black" Africans from across the Atlantic. But the evidence is presented to show that African contact, unlike possible sporadic Oriental sea-borne contact, actually influenced the development of Mezo-american civilisations in important ways. Review - "excellent book. well documented and well written. discusses the pre columbian contact of african civilization with american civilizations, supports the theory of trans atlantic voyages and the dissemination of cultural traits from africa to america". Published 1987*, July 1st 2011. 193 pages. .

In this substantial body of work, Joseph J. Williams describes the Hebraic practices, customs, and beliefs, which he found among the people of Jamaica and the Ashanti of West Africa. First published in 1931 and long out-of-print, today’s reader will find Hebrewisms a valuable resource for understanding the cultural unity of African people. Joesph J. Williams examines the close relationship between the Jamaican and the Ashanti cultures, the folklore and belief systems.  The language and culture of the Ashanti, who many Jamaicans have descended from, is also throughly studied by comparing them to well known and established Hebraic traditions. William’s findings suggest shocking similarities. And, he challenges the reader by concluding that Hebraic traditions must have swept across “negro Africa” and left its influence “among the various tribes.” While Williams presents a strong case, his evidence, including hundreds of quoted sources, also builds a strong case for the reverse—that an indigenous, continent-wide belief system among African people stands at the very root of Hebrew culture and Western religion. Review - "Joseph J Williams compiles many years of research that gives extensive details into the tribal customs of the people of West Africa. What I love and have always loved is the evidence it provides on the Hebrew customs and traditions practiced by many African Tribal Nations". Published May 20th 2003. 356 pages.

Sheds light on the continual exploitation of Africa by the West In this sequel to The West And The Rest Of Us, Chinweizu questions the colonial mentality, in its various manifestations, and how it has continually obstructed African economic development and cultural renaissance since political decolonization was achieved. And while it is generally known about the deleterious effects of European colonialism on African development, in Decolonising the African Mind, Chinweizu uncompromisingly reveals the same deleterious effects Arab colonialism has had on African development, in contrast to the generally held notion that domination of Africans by Arabs was some type of benign conquest in comparison to the white man. Chinweizu accurately stuns the reader that Europeans and Arabs have historical had their own political designs on the African continent, which was not for the benefit of African people. What becomes clear while reading this book, is that no matter what propaganda tries to suggest, Africa is not an overseas cash cow or provenience for Europeans or Arabs. Africans around the world must maintain the unapologetically and uncompromisingly claim their African identity, as opposed to being lost in some “multicultural” melting pot, with identities like “person of colour”. Which is ironic, as majority of the world has colour, the only people without colour is Europeans, by understanding the invasion of Africa by Arabs, Africans can understand that liberation will not come by negating one’s African identity into the fraternity of “people of colour”. Then central objective in decolonising the African mind is to overthrow the authority which alien and detrimental traditions exercise over the African. This demands the dismantling of white supremacist beliefs, and the structures which uphold them, in every area of African life. One should certainly use items from other traditions provided they are consistent with African cultural independence and serve African objectives; but one should neither ape nor revere them, let alone sacrifice African interest to them. Review - "Sheds light on the continual exploitation of Africa by the West wherein the so-called development of Africa is actually a debt trap from which developed nations benefit.  Much food for thought here. The author moves beyond the "blame game" and explores solutions. I was also struck by the honesty and fairness when it came to measuring the scale and impact of outside influences on African society, culture, art and literature". Published 1st January 1987. 294 pages.

Few of Dr. Ben's books are written with co-authors. The Black Man's North and East Africa is an exception. Written with one of his early colleagues, George E. Simmonds. This work attacks the racist manipulation of African and Black history by 'educators' and 'authorities on Africa'. Defenders of the Africans' right to tell their own story. the authors insist that Black people must take responsibility for their own history, "Until African (Black) people are willing, and do write their own experience, past, and present, we will continue being slaves, mentally, physically, and spiritually, to Caucasian and Semitic racism and religious bigotry."1971*,2005. 96 pp. illus.

African Life and Customs is an essential collection of Edward Wilmot Blyden's articles that examines the socioeconomic structure of African society. A native of St. Thomas, West Indies, Blyden (1832-1912) lived most of his life on the African continent. He was an accomplished educator, linguist, writer, and world traveler, who strongly defended the unique character of Africa and its people. In African Life and Customs, Blyden examined the culture of "pure" Africans. Africans who haven't had much or an influence by European and Asiatic influences. He highlights the family as the basic unit in African society and polygamy as the foundation of African families. He described African social systems as cooperative; everyone worked for each other. No one went without work, food, or clothing. Blyden challenged white racial theorists who held Africans were inferior and whose arguments supported their preconceived ideas. He assumed Africans to be "distinct" rather than inferior, and he analysed African culture within the context of African social experiences. Blyden's views were seen as controversial by some during his time, today, upon reevaluation, his work is seen by many as an important attempt to perform a holistic analysis of African society. African Life and Customs is an impressive African-centered interpretation of African culture. Review - "Beyond Excellent. This book taught that the African people were a wholely honest dealing people. There were no words for jail or prision, because the culture was not designed in a manner to produce criminals. With the European advancing on the West Coasts of Africa words started to enter the African languages for lock, jail and other means of capital punishment. It is European behavior to be a criminal and African Americans in particular have adopted European culture and destroyed themselves not knowing this foreign culture was repackaged as Thug Culture and now it is internalized by millions of African Youth. It is sad what European culture when adopted by Africans can be better than any nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon to destroy a people". Published March 1st 1994. 96 pages.

This provocative study examines the far-reaching influence of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Theodore G. Vincent 1936-2009 independent scholar and author of many books including "Black Power and the Garvey Movement" (1971) and "The Legacy of Vicente Guerrero, Mexico's first Black President", details UNIA’s origins (Universal Negro Improvement Association), that represened the largest mass movement in African-American history, and debunks the many myths and controversies surrounding the organisation and its founder, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Initially written to explore the black militancy movement of the 1920s from the point of view of the Black Power struggles of the 1960s, the author’s new introduction adds a 21st-century perspective. Published September 26th 2013. 336 pages.

The 16th century saw the beginning of African enslavement in the Americas until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment and emancipation in 1865, Africans were hunted like animals, captured, sold, tortured, and raped. They experienced the worst kind of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual abuse. Given such history, isn't it likely that many of the enslaved were severely traumatized? And did the trauma and the effects of such terrible abuse end with the abolition of slavery? Emancipation was followed by one hundred more years of institutionalised subjugation through the enactment of Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, peonage, convict leasing, domestic terrorism and lynching. Today the violations continue, and when combined with the crimes of the past, they result in yet immeasurable damage. What do repeated traumas that several generations of people endured produce? What impact have these ordeals had on African Americans today? Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome helps to lay the necessary foundation to ensure the well-being and sustained health of future generations and provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of society's beliefs, feelings, attitudes and behaviour concerning race in America. Review: "Are you ready to understand the Psychological trauma created by 400 years of slavery? If you answered yes then Dr Leary’s Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome – America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing is a must read. This book is an analytical journey of the horrifying effects of chattel slavery, lynching, Jim Crow laws, racism and all the other oppressive methods used against African-Americans for decades upon their psyche. Dr. Leary methodically lay’s out of how the lifestyles of African Americans today was influenced by their ancestors. She takes the reader through the process of diagnosing the various illnesses plaguing the African-American community by clearly defining and discussing the major categories of afflictions and providing one real life examples after another provoking feelings of recognition." 252 pages

In this strong and confident book, George G. M. James states that the “Greek philosophy” in which nearly all of Western culture has its roots actually originated in ancient Egypt. Carefully drawing on historical research and a new age rethinking of the typical narrative of Greek history, James asserts that our celebration of the ancient Greeks as the creators of Western civilisation and philosophy is misattributed. He argues our praise rightfully belongs to the people of Africa. Furthermore, this massive knowledgable and cultural theft has helped lend credence to the damaging notion that the entire continent of Africa has contributed nothing to world civilisation.  James explorers noted connections between glorified Greek philosophers and the influence of Egyptian thought, suggesting other possible links between northern Africa and Greece as well.Stolen Legacy is an important book for understanding the history of philosophy, culture and race in the modern world. 202 pages.