Monday, November 16, 2009

A GREAT AND MIGHT WALK....JOHN HENRIK CLARKE



I am knowledgable but I cannot say that I am a Griot when it comes to African history (native, the diaspora, or in America). John Henrik Clarke has been noted as one of the most knowledgable historians within our lifetime and after watching this documentary, it has inprired me to seek more of our culture and heritage. African history is not only important to individuals of African decent, but to all people across the globe. There is a lot to learn in spirituality, education, and governance within the continent. I suggest that everyone, if you haven't already, take a second to watch this documentary. (Start Video around 20 minutes)

The Great and Mighty Walk film description:

This award-winning documentary chronicles the life and times of the noted African-American historian, scholar and Pan-African activist. Both a biography of Clarke himself and an overview of 5,000 years of African history, the film offers a provocative look at the past through the eyes of a leading proponent of an Afro-centric view of history. From ancient Egypt and Africa's other great empires, Clarke moves through Mediterranean borrowings, the Atlantic slave trade, European colonization, the development of the Pan-African movement, and present-day African-American history. Born into an Alabama sharecropping family in 1915, Clarke has been a central figure in the Harlem community since the 1930s, and has since evolved as a leading Pan-African ideologist, one who continues to stir heated debate both within and outside the African-American community. The film features an extensive interview with Clarke which is complemented by compelling archival footage and photos of Africa and its people, past and present.

Suggested Readings in African History:

Precolonial Black Africa by Cheikh Anta Diop

Civilization or Barbarism An Authentic Anthropology by Cheikh Anta Diop

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima

The Rise of Slavery in the Americas by David Eltis (didn't read this yet personally but it was recommended)

1 comment:

ImanSelecta said...

N Form A Tiv.