Africa, the cradle of humanity, is a continent rich in history, culture, and innovation. Yet, its representation in global historical records often feels sparse or distorted. This lack of recognition stems from a mix of colonial influences, systemic erasure, and undervaluation of oral traditions. Here’s a closer look at why African history remains underrepresented in books.
Colonial Erasure
During the colonial period, African societies were portrayed as uncivilized to justify the exploitation of their lands and resources. European colonizers destroyed many African historical artifacts, oral traditions, and records to erase the continent’s achievements. The colonizers also imposed their own narratives, depicting Africa as a land without significant history before their arrival.
Figure 1: A map of Africa divided into colonial territories during the Scramble for Africa.
Oral Traditions vs. Written Records
African history has traditionally been passed down orally, through storytelling, proverbs, and songs. While these methods are effective in preserving culture, they lack the permanence of written records. Western academia, which prioritizes written documentation, often dismissed oral traditions as unreliable, further contributing to the invisibility of African history.
Figure 2: An elder sharing folktales with children in a traditional African village.
Eurocentric Education Systems
Many educational systems worldwide are Eurocentric, focusing on European history, philosophy, and achievements. African contributions, such as ancient kingdoms like Mali, Great Zimbabwe, and Nubia, are often reduced to footnotes. Even in Africa, colonial education systems instilled the belief that African history was secondary or unimportant.
Figure 3: A history textbook with an emphasis on European events over African ones.
Gatekeeping in Publishing
The publishing industry has historically been dominated by Western perspectives. African scholars face challenges in getting their works published and distributed globally. Even when books about Africa are published, they often cater to a Western audience, focusing on stereotypes like poverty or conflict rather than celebrating the continent’s diversity and achievements.
Figure 4: A display of African literature at a local bookstore.
The Way Forward
Today, African historians, writers, and educators are reclaiming their narratives. Initiatives like the digitization of ancient manuscripts, the rise of African publishing houses, and the promotion of African studies are paving the way for a more balanced historical representation. Platforms like blogs, YouTube, and social media are also empowering Africans to share their untold stories with the world.
Figure 5: A young African woman recording a documentary about her community’s history.
By amplifying African voices and supporting authentic storytelling, we can ensure that Africa’s rich history gets the recognition it deserves. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and celebrate the continent’s invaluable contributions to human history.
