OLALEKAN ODUNTAN

Thursday, 8 May 2025

Who Was the Great Wilt Chamberlain?

An odyssey through dominance, disbelief, and double-doubles

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The Scoring Storm

If basketball is a symphony, Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring feats were a volcanic drum solo in the middle of Mozart. He wasn’t just prolific—he was primordial. In 1962, he dropped 100 points in a single game —a record so unapproachable it has become basketball’s Bigfoot. Not only is he the only player to ever score triple digits, but he also owns the second-most points in a game (78), most points in a season (4,029), and highest season scoring average (50.4 PPG). That’s not just dominance—it’s statistical warfare.

Imagine scoring 50+ points in a game… 118 times. For context, Michael Jordan managed that feat 31 times, and he had his own sneaker empire. Wilt? He did it so often, the scorekeepers needed ice packs. He once averaged 65+ points over four straight games. If today’s NBA stars look like superheroes, Wilt was a mythological force—Heracles with a hook shot.

He also set records for most 60-point games (32), most 40-point games in a season (63), and most consecutive 30-point games (65)—a streak that makes modern scoring binges look like mood swings. Even his rookie season started like thunder: 58 points in one game, 37.6 PPG average. Most players peak after years of growth. Wilt came in like Zeus with a clipboard.

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The Rebounding Reign

You know you’re doing something right when your name dominates both ends of the court. Wilt didn’t just snatch rebounds—he harvested them like a demigod during famine. His career average? An outrageous 22.9 rebounds per game—a figure so far above current norms it belongs in the clouds.

He still owns the record for most career rebounds (23,924) and most rebounds in a game (55)—against Bill Russell, no less. For reference, in today’s NBA, grabbing 15 boards is a good night. Wilt could hit that in a half. As a rookie, he pulled down 1,941 rebounds, averaging 27 per game. And he wasn’t doing this against high schoolers—these were hardened pros in a more physical era, playing with fewer whistles and no load management.

In the playoffs, he became the Atlas of rebounding. He once gathered 444 boards in a single postseason, with game highs of 41 and half-time hauls of 26. Whether it was 3-game, 5-game, or 7-game series, he set the rebound record for all of them. Bill Russell was his only peer, and even he shared the mountain peaks with Wilt. But here’s the kicker: Wilt never averaged fewer than 18 rebounds in any season. His grip on the glass was eternal.

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The Ironman Identity

Wilt didn’t just dominate games—he devoured them whole. The man played more minutes per game (45. than there are minutes in regulation (48)—how? Overtime, sure, but Wilt played nearly every minute of every game. In 1961–62, he averaged 48.53 minutes per game—out of a possible 48. That’s right: he rested a total of 8 minutes all season. Just long enough to check his hair.

He never fouled out. Not once. In 14 NBA seasons, playing center—basketball’s most bruising position—he averaged only 2 fouls per game. That’s like being a lion that never scratches anything. He holds records for most complete games in a season (79), most consecutive complete games (47), and most minutes played in a season (3,882).

Wilt was a living monument to endurance. He also holds the record for most minutes in a playoff series, most minutes in a Finals, and highest postseason minutes per game (47.24). For today’s stars, a 40-minute game gets you a massage and a rest day. Wilt? He’d run laps around your trainer while quoting Shakespeare.

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The Versatility Volcano

How do you make a 7-foot scoring machine more terrifying? Give him elite passing vision and balance. In 1967–68, Wilt led the NBA in assists, becoming the only center—and only non-guard—to ever do so. He had a season where he averaged 24 points, 24 rebounds, and 8 assists. The math stops adding up because Wilt was doing calculus in a checkers league.

He holds the record for most double-doubles (968) and most consecutive double-doubles (227). He was the first man to ever record a double triple-double (20+ points, rebounds, and assists), and did it while winning, not chasing stats. He even had multiple double quadruples—40+ in two categories—in regulation, back when box scores were recorded with chisels.

Wilt’s triple-doubles weren’t just cute: he once dropped 53 points, 32 rebounds, and 14 assists in one game. In another, 22 points, 25 rebounds, 21 assists. This was not normal. This was Prometheus with post moves.

Even defensively—despite blocks not being recorded—eye-witnesses say he once had 25 blocks in a game. The official NBA block record? 17. And that was set after Wilt retired.

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The Immortal Legacy

What kind of legacy do you leave when you’ve already rewritten every statistical book? You redefine greatness itself. Wilt won two NBA championships and made six Finals appearances, even though his rivals stacked super-teams before the term existed 🧊. He won four MVPs, made 13 All-Star appearances, and was so respected the NBA renamed the Rookie of the Year trophy in his honor in 2022.

He led the league in scoring 7 times, rebounding 11 times, and assists once—making him the only player in history to lead the league in all three major statistical categories. Jordan? Magic? LeBron? They’ve all acknowledged Wilt as a unique anomaly.

All four teams he touched—Warriors, 76ers, Lakers, and the Harlem Globetrotters—retired his #13 jersey. His records are so towering they feel less like stats and more like ancient scripture. Watching highlights of Wilt is like viewing footage of a superhero on sabbatical: skyhooking from half court, dunking without jumping, and whispering to rebounds before pulling them down like rainclouds.

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Final Whistle: Who Was Wilt Chamberlain?

He wasn’t just a basketball player. He was a statistical avalanche, a physical anomaly, a walking contradiction: a giant with finesse, a scorer with humility, a bruiser with ballet feet. Wilt Chamberlain didn’t just play the game—he played with the game. And for over a decade, the game chased him. Sometimes it still does.

Wilt wasn’t just great.

He was the gold standard that greatness measures itself against.

He was basketball’s Big Bang—and we’re still living in its echo.

#WiltWasHere

Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Oke Idanre Hill – Full Historical Account

(1). Geographic and Natural Context

Oke Idanre is located about 15 kilometers southwest of Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

The hill rises over 3,000 feet (approximately 914 meters) above sea level and spans about 800 square kilometers.

It features a unique landscape of ancient granite outcrops, valleys, streams, and thick forests.

(2). Ancient Human Settlement

The hill was home to the Idanre people for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest known continuously inhabited places in southwestern Nigeria.

According to oral history, the Idanre people migrated from Ile-Ife, led by a royal leader named Olofin Aremitan. They settled at Oke Idanre to find safety and spiritual guidance.

The settlement on the hill was not only a defense strategy (due to elevation) but also had religious significance.

(3). Key Historical Structures on the Hill

You can still find ruins and preserved landmarks of the ancient settlement:

■ Owa’s Palace

The residence of the traditional ruler (Owa of Idanre) before the relocation.

Built with traditional mud and stone techniques.

■ Ancient Courtroom (Ibi Akoso)

This was where the king and elders settled disputes and maintained law and order.

■ Old Primary School

One of the earliest forms of Western education in the region; it served the hilltop community before relocation to the lowlands.

■ Ancient Burial Sites

Burial grounds for past Owas and notable leaders of Idanre, often marked with stone structures.

(4). Sacred and Spiritual Sites

Oke Idanre is deeply spiritual for the people. Some key religious sites include:

■ Agboogun’s Footprint

A mysterious footprint etched into solid rock, believed to belong to a hunter named Agboogun, an early settler and warrior.

Legend says the footprint fits any visitor’s foot regardless of size.

■ Orosun Shrine

Dedicated to the goddess Orosun, a powerful local deity associated with fertility and protection.

Annual festivals and sacrifices are held in her honor.

■ The Old Market and Sacrificial Sites

Spaces where locals once traded and performed ritual sacrifices to gods for rain, good harvest, or protection.

(5). Cultural Beliefs and Practices

Idanre culture is rich with Yoruba cosmology. The people believe the hills are alive and home to spirits.

Traditional festivals like the Orosun Festival attract worshippers and tourists annually.

Only initiated individuals can access some sacred parts of the hill.

(6). Colonial Influence and Relocation

When the British arrived in the early 20th century, they encouraged the people to relocate to the base of the hills for better access to:

Infrastructure (Roads, Schools, Hospitals)

Commerce

Administration

By the 1920s and 1930s, most of the Idanre population had moved downhill, forming what is now known as modern-day Idanre town.

(7). UNESCO Recognition

In 2007, Nigeria submitted Oke Idanre to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, citing:

Its exceptional fusion of natural beauty and cultural tradition.

Its ancient civilization and well-preserved monuments.

It is under review for full heritage site status.

(8). Tourism and Preservation Today

Oke Idanre is a major tourist attraction with 667 steps leading up the hill.

Efforts have been made to preserve its natural ecosystem, historical monuments, and sacred sites.

Local guides share the history and myths with visitors, helping keep oral traditions alive.

QUEEN NZINGA OF NDONGO

Queen Nzinga (1583-1663) of Ndongo who fought Europeans influence & liberated Angola.

Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (c.1583–1663) was a brilliant and resilient African leader from what is now Angola. Born a princess of the Mbundu people, her name “Nzinga” came from the Kimbundu word kujinga, meaning "to twist"—a reference to her birth. She rose to prominence in a time of Portuguese colonization and the transatlantic slave trade.

Initially an ambassador for her brother King Ngola Mbandi, Nzinga negotiated a peace treaty with the Portuguese in 1622. Famously, during a diplomatic meeting, she asserted her dignity by having an aide kneel to form a human throne when no seat was offered to her. Despite the treaty, the Portuguese broke their promises and continued their aggression.

After her brother’s death—possibly by suicide or foul play—Nzinga assumed the throne in 1624, though Mbundu tradition barred women from ruling. She converted to Catholicism and took the name Dona Ana de Sousa, using religion and diplomacy as tools to solidify her leadership.

Nzinga fiercely resisted Portuguese colonialism for over 40 years, forming alliances with the Jaga and Imbangala warriors, offering sanctuary to runaway slaves, and undermining Portuguese forces by infiltrating their ranks with loyal agents. She led a counterattack from her new base in Matamba, which she took over after being temporarily exiled.

Nzinga established Matamba as a military and trading power, allying with the Dutch to fight the Portuguese. Although her alliance failed to drive them out completely, she forced a treaty in 1657 that acknowledged her authority. She continued to resist until her death in 1663 at the age of 80.

Nzinga is remembered as one of Africa’s greatest anti-colonial and anti-slavery figures, known for her political acumen, military strategy, and unyielding leadership in defense of her people and land.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT GHANA EMPIRE

The Ghana Empire, also known as Wagadou, was a West African empire that existed roughly between the 8th and 13th centuries CE, primarily in the region of modern-day southeastern Mauritania and western Mali.

It was founded by the Soninke people, a Mande-speaking ethnic group.

It was known for its wealth derived from controlling the trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, and ivory. The empire's kings were referred to as "kings of gold" due to their immense wealth.

The word Ghana means warrior or war chief, and was the title given to the rulers of the kingdom. Kaya Maghan (king of gold) was another title for these kings. The Soninke name for the polity was Ouagadou. This meant the "place of the Wague", the term current in the 19th century for the local nobility or may have meant 'the land of great herds'.

Ghana's rise to power was based on its control of the trans-Saharan trade routes.

The empire became extremely wealthy through the trade of gold, salt, ivory, slaves, and kola nuts.

It served as a middleman between North African Berber traders and the forests of West Africa.

The capital city, Koumbi Saleh, was a major trading hub and had two sections: one for Muslims (mostly merchants), and one for the royal court.

The empire had a centralized government led by a powerful king known as the "Ghana".

The king was both a political ruler and a religious leader.

Ghana maintained a large and well-equipped army, using iron weapons to expand and defend its territory.

Subordinate kings paid tribute to the Ghana emperor, showing the empire’s strong influence over the region.

RELIGION.

The indigenous Soninke people practiced traditional African religions.

Islam was introduced by Muslim traders from North Africa.

Over time, Islam spread, especially among the merchant class, but the royal court largely remained animist.

Despite differences in belief, there was religious tolerance, and Islamic learning began to influence administrative practices and literacy.

Decline of the Empire.

In 1076, the empire was invaded by the Almoravids, a Muslim Berber group from the north.

Although the invasion did not lead to complete conquest, it weakened Ghana significantly.

But Internal problems, including rebellions and overreliance on trade, worsened the situation.

Another factor that leads to the decline of the Ghana empire is Environmental changes, such as drought and desertification, also reduced agricultural productivity and trade flow.

By 1240, the Ghana Empire had collapsed, and its territories were absorbed by the rising Mali Empire, led by Sundiata Keita.

MODERN GHANA.

Ghana,officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It lies adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, sharing a border with Ivory Coast (Côte d'lvoire) in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, and Togo in the east.

In 1957, the British colony of the Gold Coast, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah named itself Ghana upon independence.

YORUBA: A NATION OF 26 TRIBES, A SHARED ANCESTRY

A nation is defined as a community of people bound together by a common language, history, ethnicity, culture, and, in many cases, a shared territory. The Yoruba people, also known historically as the Omoluàbí , form a distinct nation with deep historical and cultural roots traced back to Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba civilization.

Despite recent claims by some subgroups denying their Yoruba identity, historical and genealogical records confirm that they remain Yoruba by ancestry. Their origins, traditions, and cultural practices all point to a shared lineage that cannot be erased by modern political or social narratives.

The Yoruba nation consists of 26 distinct tribes, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Yoruba heritage:

Yoruba-Ife

Yoruba-Oyo

Yoruba-Igbomina

Yoruba-Ekiti

Yoruba-Owé

Yoruba-Òwòrò

Yoruba-Akoko

Yoruba-Ijesa

Yoruba-Owo

Yoruba-Akure

Yoruba-Ondo

Yoruba-Ikale

Yoruba-Ilaje

Yoruba-Egba

Yoruba-Ijebu

Yoruba-Awori

Yoruba-Yewa

Yoruba-Ohori (Benin Republic)

Yoruba-Onko

Yoruba-Remo

Yoruba-Ife or Ana (Togo)

Yoruba-Itsekiri

Yoruba-Ibarapa

Additionally, major Yoruba urban centers such as Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin are melting pots of multiple Yoruba tribes:

Lagos – A combination of Awori, Ijebu, Remo, Egba, and Yewa tribes.

Ibadan – A combination of Oyo, Ijebu, Egba, Remo, and Yewa tribes.

Ilorin – A combination of Oyo, Igbomina, Ekiti, Oworo, and Owe tribes.

The Yoruba identity is not just about language or geography—it is about shared ancestry, traditions, and a legacy that has stood the test of time. The attempt by some groups to sever themselves from this rich heritage is a modern construct that does not align with historical reality. The Yoruba nation, with its diverse yet unified cultural landscape, remains a force to be reckoned with in African history.

Source: YorubaHistory

The Untold African Legacy of Belize: A Journey Worth Taking

When people think of Belize, they often imagine turquoise waters, Mayan ruins, and lush jungles. But beneath the beauty lies a powerful story that’s rarely told—a story of African strength, resilience, and cultural legacy that has shaped the heart of the nation. From the vibrant rhythms of Garifuna drumming to the language, cuisine, and values of the Creole people, Africa lives and breathes in Belize.

The majority of Afro-descendant communities in Belize reside in places like Dangriga, Hopkins, Punta Gorda, and the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. Dangriga, often called the “Cultural Capital of Belize,” is home to the Garifuna people, descendants of Africans who escaped slavery and blended with Indigenous Caribs on the island of St. Vincent before arriving in Belize. Their arrival is still celebrated every November 19th—Garifuna Settlement Day—with powerful music, dance, and rituals that preserve African memory and pride.

What many don’t realize is just how deeply African influence has shaped Belizean culture. From the syncopated beats of paranda and punta music, to traditional foods like hudut (fish stew with coconut and mashed plantain), and even the Belizean Creole language—Africa’s fingerprints are everywhere. And yet, these stories remain in the shadows of more dominant narratives.

It’s time to change that. If you’re looking for history, heritage, and healing, Belize is calling. Walk the beaches of Hopkins and hear the ancestral drums echo through the night. Taste the history in every bite, and meet people whose identity is a living testament to survival, strength, and joy. Belize isn’t just a paradise—it’s a portal to rediscover Black excellence in the Americas. Visit, learn, and let your heart be changed forever.

Monday, 5 May 2025

The Story Of Giants From Edo Ethnic Group

Some people say Giant never lived on the Surface of the Earth 🌎 but We the Edo kingdom have a Story that made men wonder how it came about, Everything you have been told about Giant's has happened to us.

So many years Ago A Giant lived amongst men in the Heart of the Ancient city of Benin, He was described to be Above 20 ft Tall and had Six(6) fingers in each hand making it 12 fingers all together, his toes where Six(6) on each foot making it a total number of Twelve (12).

His Voice Roar like Thunder and every step of his foot was heavier than that of a drum Sound.

Every Morning when he wakes up, he uproot a Palm Tree to sweep his father's compound and it's Environs, He was fearless and Brutal.

The Sound of his Name Feared the heart of Men.

He had Mystic Powers and was a man that Never saw Death.

His Name is Prince Idubor Also called Aruanran or Aruan, a son of Oba Ozolua ( the Fearless and Warlord King) and his Mother was Queen Ohonmi. It was said that Prince Idubor was destined to be the King of the Great Benin Kingdom but Circumstances Surrounding his birth made it not possible because as at the time he was born he refuse to cry, he was born in the early hour's of the morning and his brother Esigie was born in the Afternoon and he cried before Prince Idubor.

Aruan was known All over for his fearless Approach towards everything he does. A wonder amongst men. He led battles and won all for his father Oba Ozolua.

Oba gha tokpehh iseeee...

Source : Edo history

Did you know?

A new ocean is forming in Africa along a 35-mile crack that opened up in Ethiopia in 2005.

The crack, which has been expanding ever since, is a result of three tectonic plates pulling away from each other.

It’s thought that Africa’s new ocean will take at least 5 million to 10 million years to form, but the Afar region’s fortuitous location at the boundaries of the Nubian, Somali and Arabian plates makes it a unique laboratory to study elaborate tectonic processes.

There are still some big unknowns, including what is causing the continent to rift apart. Some think that a massive plume of superheated rocks rising from the mantle beneath East Africa could be driving the region’s continental rift.

Each plate boundary in the Afar region is spreading at different speeds, but the combined forces of these separating plates is creating what’s known as a mid-ocean ridge system, where eventually a new ocean will form.

The three plates are separating at different speeds. The Arabian plate is moving away from Africa at a rate of about 1 inch per year, while the two African plates are separating even slower, between half an inch to 0.2 inches per year.

HISTORY LESSON

In Africa, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶, has been in power for 46 years. He is currently 82 years old, much older than Traoré, yet the West won't call him a dictator because they benefit from his looting and oil.

Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon 🇨🇲, has been in power for 43 years. He is currently 91 years old, yet France is fine with him and won’t call him a dictator because he is their puppet and does whatever they want.

Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda 🇺🇬, has been in power for 39 years. He is currently 79 years old, yet the West is not trying to remove him because he serves their interests and they benefit from his corruption.

Ismail Omar Guelleh, the President of Djibouti 🇩🇯, has been in power for 26 years. He is currently 77 years old, yet the Americans don't call him a dictator because his country hosts the largest U.S. military base in Africa.

As Thomas Sankara once said, "If you see the West praise me, just know that I have betrayed you.

The West doesn’t go after the leaders who are destroying, looting, and exploiting Africa. They go after the leaders who resist their imperial systems, their neocolonial control, and those who fight for total economic liberation. They killed Thomas Sankara and supported Blaise Compaoré. They killed Patrice Lumumba and allowed Mobutu Sese Seko to destroy Congo. They killed Muammar Gaddafi, and now Libya is a war-torn, modern slave depot nation.

The West’s only interest is their own. They have no genuine concern for Africa’s progress. All they want, and all they have ever wanted, is to see Africa drowning in poverty, terrorism, and disunity, while they and their puppet leaders in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Congo, South Africa, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Uganda, Kenya, etc continue to destroy the continent from within.

They lie about Islamist terrorism in Africa, but it is their own handiwork. They are the ones who create these terrorist groups, fund them, and arm them to prevent African countries from prospering while they loot African resources. Think about it: why are terrorists in Nigeria primarily active in the Niger Delta and areas rich in strategic minerals and resources? It's plain and simple: they create the terrorists, supply them with modern weapons (where would illiterate militants get the expertise and resources to buy and operate such weapons otherwise?), and push them to destabilize African nations that have the potential to become a super power. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, they and their puppet leaders continue to steal minerals and enrich themselves.

It’s that simple.

That’s why Boko Haram has existed in Nigeria for longer than you can imagine, and yet Africa’s third-strongest army, the Nigerian Army, has been unable to eliminate them for years now. Hilarious.

The West will continue to support their puppets as long as it benefits them, while they will do everything they can to eliminate anti-imperialist and anti-neocolonial leaders like Traoré who are against their atrocious imperial policies.

Wake up, young Africans. This is the script.

HAMANI DIORI

Hamani Diori (6 June 1916 – 23 April 1989) was the first President of the Republic of Niger. He was appointed to that office in 1960, when Niger gained independence from France.

Although corruption was a common feature of his administration, he gained international respect for his role as a spokesman for African affairs and as a popular arbitrator in conflicts.

Born in Soudouré, near the capital, Niamey, Diori was the son of a public health officer in the French colonial administration. He attended William Ponty Teachers' Training College in Dakar, Senegal, and worked as a teacher in Niger from 1936 to 1938, then became a Hausa and Djerma foreign language instructor at the Institute of Study Abroad, in Paris.

Niger gained independence from France on 3 August 1960 and Diori was elected president by the country's national assembly in November 1960. Organizing a powerful coalition of Hausa, Fula, and (most prominently) Djerma leaders, including chiefs and traditionalists, in support of Niger’s independence referendum, Diori gained French favor.

He also narrowly escaped assassination in 1965. Faced with an attempted military coup and attacks by members of Sawaba, he used French advisers and troops to strengthen his rule. Close links with France lead to student and union protests against what they described as "French neocolonialism". However, his relationship with France suffered when his government voiced dissatisfaction with the level of investment in uranium production when Georges Pompidou visited Niger in 1972.

Widespread civil disorder followed allegations that some government ministers were misappropriating stocks of food aid and accused Diori of consolidating power. Diori limited cabinet appointments to fellow Djerma, family members, and close friends. In addition, he acquired new powers by declaring himself the minister of foreign and defense affairs. On 15 April 1974, Lieutenant colonel Seyni Kountché led a military coup that ended Diori's rule. He was imprisoned for six years. After his release in 1980, he remained under house arrest until 1987.

After being released from house arrest, he moved to Morocco, where he died on 23 April 1989 at the age of 72.

The Secrets Deals France Forced On Mali And Other African Nations After Colonization

These are the post-independence agreements France forced its former African colonies to sign that are still in effect today in most former French colonies.

Colonial Debt – Former colonies were required to repay France for the "benefits" of colonization, effectively reimbursing their colonizers.

Control of Financial Reserves – France automatically seized and managed the national financial reserves of its ex-colonies.

First Rights to Resources – Any raw or natural resource discovered had to be offered to France before any other country.

Preference in Contracts – French companies were given priority in public contracts and tenders.

Military Dependency – France held exclusive rights to supply arms and train military personnel.

Military Intervention – France retained the right to deploy troops and intervene militarily to protect its interests.

Annual Reporting – Former colonies had to send France a yearly financial report and reserve account.

No Independent Alliances – They were forbidden from forming military alliances without France’s approval.

Mandatory Support in Wars – Colonies were obliged to side with France in any war or global conflict and fight for France were necessary.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger broke away from these.

THE BLACKAMOORS OF EUROPE

In the 15th century CE, all African nobles in Europe were fighting for survival. The Papacy in Rome had declared a Papal bull (Romanus pontifex) in 1455, written by pope Nicholas V, which declared all blackamoors as heretics... and that they should be subjected to perpetual Slavery. The enslavement or massacre of these Africans was allowed. The blackamoors lost all their territories in Europe and were left with only one stronghold in the south of Spain.

On February 2, 1492, the blackamoors surrendered all their castles to the church. The truce was broken by Spain shortly after. The massacre was great, so much so that the new Sultan of Constantinople, head of the ottoman empire, sent ships to collect and escort survivals to his lands. Some of the survivals went back into Africa.

A great numbers of the blackamoors were seized and they became the first group of people to be shipped to the Americas as 'slave and property.' This group of enslaved men and women had the letter 'R' emblazoned onto their flesh, on the forehead or on the right shoulder, indicating that they are property of the Spanish royal court. For example, when Alexander Pissaro, (who killed AttaHuaxca, emperor of the Inca people, in the 1520s and took over the Inca lands) was given permission by the Royal house of Castile to take over the land, several of these enslaved blackamoors were given to him as servants.

This was a tremendous fall. It was to affect millions of Africans who had always remained on their native lands, mostly without the slightest idea of what had happened in Europe.

#Africa #BlackHistory #World

Sunday, 4 May 2025

Easter Series: Where Is the Real Eden?

Imagine, for a moment, a lush garden described as the origin of humanity—Eden—through which four rivers once flowed: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates. Now imagine that this garden vanished, along with all four rivers. If that’s the case, let’s apply basic logic: Can a location with only two rivers be the same as one with four?

The word Mesopotamia literally means “between two rivers”—the Tigris and Euphrates. The name Tigris comes from the Akkadian Idiqlat, dating to around 2500 BCE, and means “flows swiftly.” So here’s the question: Is it possible that Mesopotamia—home to only two known rivers—is the same place described in Genesis as having four? Based on sheer numerical and geographic mismatch, the answer is: highly unlikely.

Thankfully, we now have a scientific lens unavailable to ancient scribes: paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climates through sediment cores, fossil pollen, satellite imaging, and dry riverbeds. It tells us something extraordinary: the Sahara was once green. Not just green, but flowing—with at least four major river systems, now long vanished.

Among them is the Tamanrasset River, which once coursed from the Hoggar Mountains in Algeria to the Atlantic Ocean—confirmed by radar data from NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. Other ancient rivers include Wadi Sahabi, Wadi al-Hayat, and Wadi Tanezzuft, feeding a vast fertile zone across what is today Libya, Chad, and Niger.

Satellite imagery and archaeological discoveries reveal ancient lake systems, fish fossils, Neolithic settlements, and cave art depicting giraffes, crocodiles, and abundant vegetation—all buried beneath the dunes. In Paleohydrology of the Sahara (Drake et al., 2010), scientists confirm that the region supported a “Green Sahara” between 10,000–5,000 BCE, matching Eden’s criteria: fertility, early civilization, and four rivers.

And all major evidence—fossil records, genetics, linguistics, archaeology, and early written tradition—points to a single origin for humanity: Africa.

Eden wasn’t between two rivers.

It was buried beneath sand.

And paleoclimatology dug it back up.

None of this is a historical mystery. If you had studied history, you’d already know who we are.

In the 1st century BCE, Diodorus Siculus wrote of the Ethiopians—Black Africans south of Egypt—as the first humans, the first to honor the gods, invent ritual, and receive divine favor:

“They say that because of their piety toward divinity, they clearly received divine grace and have never been captured nor experienced a foreign despot… Heracles and Dionysus, in their travels over the inhabited world, left only the Ethiopians beyond Egypt unconquered because of the Ethiopians’ piety and the very great difficulty of the attempt.”

(Bibliotheca Historica, 3.3)

Diodorus continues:

“The historians relate that the Ethiopians were the first humans, and they say that there is clear evidence for this claim. Nearly all sources agree that the Ethiopians did not arrive from elsewhere, but being born from the land they are justly called autochthonous. They add that it is obvious to all that the people who live under the midday sun are probably the first that the earth brought forth. This is because the sun’s heat dried up the earth as it was still wet from the genesis of everything and produced life.”

(The Library of History 3.1–10)

Even Homer, the father of Greek epic, placed the gods of Olympus not in Athens or Delphi, but in Ethiopia, where they feasted with the “blameless Ethiopians.” Cambyses of Persia tried to conquer them. He failed. So did Semiramis. So did the legends of Greece.

The gods went where memory was longest. And memory, in Africa, never died.

#Africa #World #History

Africa’s Pastoralists: The Untold Story

1️⃣ Who Are Africa’s Pastoralists?

■ 50 million pastoralists (42% of the world's herders) thrive in Africa, yet their legacy is overlooked.

■ One of humanity's oldest professions, dating back to 10,000 BCE—surviving where farming fails.

2️⃣ Colonialism's Invisible Wounds

■ Land theft: Mobile pastoralists were labeled "nomads" so their lands could be stolen legally.

■ Farmers vs. herders: Sedentary communities held power; pastoralists were pushed into barren frontiers.

3️⃣ The Double-Edged Sword of Pastoralism

Strengths:

■ Low environmental impact—works with nature, not against it.

■ Early innovators: First astronomers, timekeepers, and legal systems (Sahara, 9000 BCE).

7 Critical Struggles Today:

■ Land loss: Governments and corporations seize ancestral grazing lands for private use.

■ Cattle rustling: Armed theft of livestock destroys livelihoods and fuels violence.

■ No safety nets: Zero financial support when droughts or policies force families out of pastoralism.

■ Gender-based violence: Pastoral women face higher rates of assault than non-pastoral women.

■ Education gap: Pastoral girls have Africa's highest illiteracy rates—double the average.

■ Healthcare crisis: Mothers carry sick children 50km on foot; many die in childbirth.

■ Urban marginalization: Climate refugees face crime and exclusion in crowded cities.

4️⃣ Quiet Resistance

■ Ancient democracy: Councils of elders (like the Maasai Laibon) still govern justly.

■ Modern warriors: Grassroots groups fight for land rights and climate justice.

5️⃣ The Fight for Survival

■ Land justice: Mobile grazing rights = survival.

■ Education revolution: Camel libraries deliver books to remote Kenyan children.

■ Healthcare on wheels: Mobile clinics save lives in Chad's deserts.

6️⃣ DYK Ancient Egypt emerged from Pastoralism?

Ancient Egypt’s civilization emerged from pastoralist roots, beginning with nomadic herders who thrived in the Green Sahara (7000–5000 BCE). As the region dried, these tribes migrated to the Nile Valley, bringing cattle-worship traditions and animal husbandry skills that would later shape Egyptian culture. Archaeologists have uncovered their legacy at sites like Nabta Playa, featuring the world’s oldest stone calendar and ritual cattle burials. Though the Nile’s floods enabled agriculture to dominate, pastoral influences endured: gods like Hathor (depicted as a cow) and pharaonic titles like "Strong Bull" reflected this heritage. Even today, groups like the Beja people maintain nomadic traditions along Egypt’s borders. Taxes were collected through the cattle count. This fusion of pastoral and farming practices created the foundation for one of history’s most enduring civilizations—proving Egypt’s grandeur was built not just on crops, but on the backs of sacred cattle and the knowledge of ancient herders.

7️⃣ DYK The Mongol Empire Was Built on Pastoral Genius?

The Mongol Empire’s world-conquering power sprang from nomadic pastoralism, perfected over millennia on the Central Asian steppe. From 1206 CE, Genghis Khan united horse-riding clans whose entire culture revolved around herds—they drank mare’s milk, lived in portable gers, and measured wealth in livestock. Their mobility became military strategy: cavalry archers could ride 80 miles daily, outpacing any settled army. Even their governance reflected pastoral roots—the "Pax Mongolica" guaranteed safe passage for merchants along the Silk Road, much like seasonal grazing routes. The Mongols used a kurultai system, where tribal leaders and bone-rank elites gathered to elect the Great Khan through consensus, often involving debates (under the gaze of the eternal blue sky Tengri), feasts, and displays of loyalty, though military strength and noble lineage heavily influenced outcomes. Today, Mongolia still has 3x more horses than people, and 25% of the population remains nomadic herders. The empire that once ruled from Beijing to Budapest proved pastoralism wasn’t just a lifestyle—it was the ultimate geopolitical weapon.

8️⃣ Governance and Other Pastoral Customs

Pastoral communities usually have their own laws which they have developed. They have evolving customs they follow to survive. They have music, and they tend to carry arms for self-defence. They usually have clans, a senate (council of elders) and an elected leader. They were among the earliest communities in Africa to develop a Situational Democratic system.

Overall, while I have tried to keep the information provided mostly accurate, it is important to recognize that Africa is a diverse continent with a wide range of cultures, histories, and experiences, and there can be variations and complexities within the pastoralist communities across different regions.

Let me know if you think there is anything I have missed.

#Africa #World

THE REAL NORTH AMERICANS WERE INDIANS AND THEIR NAMES ARE NAMED AFTER THE PLACE OF THEIR TRIBE NAME

Half of all US states, 25 to be exact, are named after Native Americans.

We will take a look at some of the 25 states and the meaning of their names. They will be listed in alphabetical order.

(1). Alabama: Named after the Alabama tribe, or Alibamu, a Muskogean-speaking tribe. Sources are divided between the meanings "clearers of the thicket" or "gatherers of herbs."

(2). Alaska: Named after the Aleut word “alaxsxaq,” meaning “the mainland”

(3). Arizona: Named after the O'odham word “al ĭ ṣonak,” meaning “little spring”

4. Connecticut: Named after the Mohican word “quonehtacut,” meaning “place of the long tidal river”

(5). Hawaii: Original Hawaiian word meaning “homeland”

(6). Illinois: Named after the Illinois word “illiniwek,” meaning “men”

(7). Iowa: Named after the Ioway tribe, whose name means “gray snow”

(8). Kansas: Named after the Kansa tribe, whose name means “people of the south wind”

(9). Kentucky: Origins unclear, may have been named after the Iroquoian word “Kentake,” meaning “in the meadow”

(10). Massachusetts: Named after the Algonquin word “Massadchu-es-et,” meaning “big-hill-little-place.”

(11). Michigan: From the Chippewa word “Michigama,” meaning “big lake.”

(12). Minnesota: Named after the Dakota Indian word “Minisota” meaning “white water.”

(13). Mississippi: Named after the river that was named by the Choctaw, meaning “big water” or “father of waters.”

(14). Missouri: Named after the Missouri tribe whose name means “those who have dug canoes.”

#BlackHistory #World

HISTORY LESSON

You’ve heard of Caesar. You’ve heard of Napoleon. But have you heard of Askia the Great?

In 1493, just a year after Columbus set sail for the Americas, Askia Mohammed Toure rose to power in West Africa and built the Songhai Empire into one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen.

He ruled a realm said to be larger than all of Europe. His capital, Timbuktu, became the Harvard of the 16th century—where students studied law, grammar, surgery, and philosophy under renowned scholars.

Books were imported from North Africa and sold for more than gold. Doctors, judges, and scholars earned high salaries from the king himself. Timbuktu had over 100,000 people, with libraries, schools, and mosques that rivaled any in Europe or Asia.

Askia didn’t just conquer—he reformed the military, built a strong financial system, and promoted education and justice. Henry Barth called him “one of the most brilliant and enlightened administrators of all time.”

It’s time to rewrite the narrative.

It’s time the world remembered ASKIA THE GREAT.

HISTORY LESSON

These are the post-independence agreements France forced its former African colonies to sign that are still in effect today in most former French colonies: