African Histories & Futures
Literature
Literature on African histories and futures
This section gathers readings, essays, interviews, and literary conversations that explore the richness and diversity of storytelling across Africa and beyond. Here we share texts that challenge assumptions, illuminate histories, and open new possibilities for how stories can shape the worlds we inhabit
Are we on the cusp of a new age of African literature? If so, the key to new novels from African writers seems to be the fresh use of historical fiction to articulate a new future.
African Literature
This section highlights authors, essays, and platforms that explore the evolving landscape of African storytelling across languages, generations, and geographies.
Four hundred years after enslaved Africans were first brought to Virginia, most Americans still don’t know the full story of slavery.
The Africa Institute announces the Indian Ocean region to be the third edition of its ‘country-focused season’—an annual initiative exploring one African country or African diaspora community through a range of scholarly and public programs.
Without the discovery of hand-pollination by an enslaved boy 180 years ago, this beloved spice might never have thrived outside of Mexico.
Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor and John Njenga Karugia in conversation with Natasha Ginwala
Swahili coast cultures are diverse African cultures, made up of a confluence of peoples. They are traders and farmers, cattle keepers, & fisher people who have moved and interacted across land and sea for centuries
African history has gone through many incarnations as an academic discipline. Most recently, there’s been a global turn in African historiography.
African history has gone through many incarnations as an academic discipline. Most recently, there’s been a global turn in African historiography.
Film /Documentaries
other art forms
Documentaries
Here, we share works that engage with African histories and contemporary realities, using visual storytelling to challenge perspectives and open new ways of understanding.
Black Man's Land: Images of Colonialism and Independence in Kenya; White Man's Country ep 1 of 3
Black Man's Land: Images of Colonialism and Independence in Kenya; Mau Mau Crisis ep 2 Of 3
Black Man's Land: Images of Colonialism and Independence in Kenya; Kenyatta ep 3 of 3
Music/Dance
This section explores sounds and movements from across Africa that reflect cultural identity, social commentary, and artistic innovation.
Compass: The world of Gnawa
Faces of Africa - Fela Kuti: The Father of Afrobeat, Part 2
Faces of Africa - Fela Kuti: The Father of Afrobeat, Part 1