The contents of this book could not have come at a more useful time.
As governments across Europe are backpedalling on the few gains for multiculturalism and diversity, Rashidi reminds us of the long and interesting history that Black people have made or contributed to in Europe.
It is an intriguing history, taking us from the earliest humans in Europe, through the earliest civilisations of the Mediterranean, through the Moors of the mediaeval world, and to the great Black individuals who made history in the different European countries. Finally, Rashidi shows that Black people have figured in the religious and mythological thought of the European peoples.”
Black Star: The African Presence in Early Europe is an excellent read. Rashidi is conspicuously polished as a wordsmith. For some people, this is suspicious, as many critics don’t like writers who write too well!
Fortunately, the referencing and supporting material is all there. Like Professor Yosef ben-Jochannan’s books, Black Star is also an excellent research tool. It is unlikely that any reader of this book will remain a passive receptor of information.
On the contrary, Rashidi points you to new sources of information to pursue more study in the respective topics. He also has biographies of the earlier Black scholars who have delved into these areas.