By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani
When I first read about this book in the Guardian International sometime last year, I knew it had to be good. But even more so when I read somewhere about the author narrating a story of a Nigerian lady that bought 1200 copies of the book to distribute back here in Nigeria. In this seminal work, Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War, Howard French provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of African history and its impact on the world. French’s ground-breaking analysis challenges the dominant Eurocentric narrative of history, highlighting the agency and contributions of Africans to global events.
Subdivided mainly into five parts, the book covers a broad expanse of African history, from the early encounters between Europeans and Africans to the struggles for independence in the mid-twentieth century. Through a meticulous examination of historical events and phenomena, French emphasises the complex and interconnected nature of global history, illustrating how the experiences of Africans were intertwined with those of Europeans, Americans, and Asians.
One of the most striking highlights of the book is French’s deep commitment to challenging conventional narratives of African history. Through a nuanced analysis of primary sources and historical evidence, French emphasises the agency and contributions of Africans in shaping their destinies. He highlights how Africans responded to the challenges of imperialism, colonialism, and globalisation, from the rise of Pan-Africanism to the emergence of new cultural and intellectual movements.
Another key feature of the book is French’s emphasis on the dynamic and diverse nature of African history. Rather than presenting a monolithic view of African societies and cultures, French highlights the rich and complex tapestry of human experience on the continent. He explores the diverse political, social, and economic structures that emerged in different regions of Africa and how Africans adapted to changing circumstances over time.
Overall, this book is a tour de force of African history that challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to rethink their understanding of the world. French’s masterful analysis and deep commitment to historical accuracy and nuance make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Africa and its impact on the global stage.