Before Europe truly knew Africa, they first imagined her. In dreams and distant stories, they spoke of a vast land filled with mystery and promise. With determination and growing knowledge, they set out to find what they had long sought. In time, those dreams became reality, and they arrived in Africa not by chance, but through long journeys driven by curiosity and ambition.
They crossed mighty rivers and endless deserts. They traveled thousands of miles by land and sea, enduring hardship until they reached Africa lands governed by kings, queens, councils, and long-established systems of leadership. What they found was not emptiness, nor chaos, but organized societies, functioning civilizations, and people living with dignity.
Upon arrival, they began to study Africa deeply. They explored the secrets of our rivers that sustained agriculture and trade. They entered forests rich with life, medicinal knowledge, and wildlife. They climbed mountains that concealed gold, iron, diamonds, and other minerals. In doing so, they realized that Africa was not lacking it was abundantly blessed.
They studied African animals and environments, learning how Africans lived in balance with nature. They observed African cultures both light-skinned and dark-skinned peoples recognizing the diversity of languages, traditions, and identities. They learned our clothing styles, food systems, music, dances, songs, games, and celebrations, all of which reflected creativity, discipline, and social harmony.
They carefully examined African weapons and defense systems and saw that Africans valued honor and knew how to protect it. They studied African systems of governance and discovered organized political structures, laws, justice systems, and diplomacy. They encountered African religions and spiritual beliefs, witnessing structured worship, moral codes, and respect for the divine.
They observed African professions and economies internal trade networks, weaving, blacksmithing, tailoring, tanning, dyeing, craftsmanship, and artistic design. They admired the wisdom behind African architecture, homes built to suit climate and environment. They entered royal courts and studied palace structures, realizing the sophistication of African statehood.
Throughout this period, Africans welcomed them as guests. We carried the burden of hospitality with honor. We prepared their sleeping places, fed them, entertained them, and protected them and their children. We guided them through villages and towns, escorted them across dangerous paths, carried their loads, and shielded them from harm or theft. Even when the roads were muddy, thorny, and harsh, we stood firm. No one dared to mistreat them under our care.
Through this closeness, Europeans gained full knowledge of Africa our strengths, our wealth, and also our divisions.
When they returned to their lands, they did not return empty-handed. They carried maps, records, and strategies. They carried knowledge gathered through our openness. And when they came back again, they did not return as learners.
They returned as invaders.
The hospitality Africa showed them was forgotten. The protection, kindness, and trust we extended were erased from memory. The guests came back with guns, chains, and deceitful treaties. They conquered, divided, and subdued Africa, imposing colonial rule through force and manipulation.
Kingdoms were dismantled. Leaders were removed or turned into puppets. Borders were drawn without regard for people, culture, or history. Africa’s resources were seized, her labor exploited, and her systems reshaped to serve foreign interests. The wealth extracted from Africa was used to build Western industries, cities, and power, while Africans were left impoverished on their own land.
Even after political independence, the chains did not fully break. Colonialism changed its face. Today it appears as aid, loans, partnerships, and foreign influence. Western countries and their allies continue to exploit Africa’s resources in the name of development, while keeping African nations dependent through debt and economic control.
Africa must face this truth clearly, no foreign power will develop Africa for Africans,Africa is not poor. Africa is rich in land, minerals, water, culture, intelligence, creativity, and youthful energy. What has held Africa back is disunity, weak leadership, and continued dependence on external powers whose interests are not African interests.
This is a call to all Africans across tribes, religions, nations, and the diaspora. Unite, Learn from history and Control African resources for African benefit. Build African institutions that serve the people. Educate future generations to know their history and value their identity. Reject exploitation disguised as help. Choose leadership that is accountable to Africans, not to foreign masters.
The future of Africa must be planned by Africans, defended by Africans, and built by Africans. Let Africa remember: we were once hosts, then victims but we do not have to remain victims.
O Almighty Unite us, let us love one another.
Unite us, Africa, and prepare our future with wisdom, unity, and courage.
#Africa #BlackHistory #World
No comments:
Post a Comment