Title: African history through the eyes of African and African-American authors
Introduction
In the world of history, there are many stories that remain in the shadows, particularly those written by African and African-American authors. In his recently published work, entitled “Africa in World Time”, Senegalese historian Mamadou Diouf highlights the importance of these stories and their impact on our understanding of African history. In this article, we will explore the relevance of the rediscovery of these stories and their contribution to the reconstruction of a more complete vision of the African past.
The African narrative of history: an often neglected perspective
Mamadou Diouf rightly points out that the African narrative of history often remains invisible in the current academic landscape. However, Africans have always tried to reinscribe their continent in world history. They sought to make their voices heard and show Africa’s footprint in the world. This reconstruction of the African past is not only an African question, but it also has an impact on the entire writing of history.
The situation of African academics and the narrative of the continent’s history
African scholars face several challenges in reconstructing African history. The post-colonial pan-African and nationalist project has not yet been fully realized, leading to a fragmentation of historical narratives into community stories. Furthermore, the economic crises facing African universities do not facilitate these questions. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the rediscovery of the Islamic library in Africa, which highlights the continent’s written and philosophical tradition. African historians use Arabic to write in their own language, opening new perspectives for research and understanding of the African past.
The connection between the shores of the Atlantic and the writing of African history
One of Mamadou Diouf’s fascinating discoveries is the presence of connections between African and African-American intellectuals in the writing of African history. There is a real conversation between the two sides of the Atlantic, where African intellectuals read African-American intellectuals and vice versa. It is worth mentioning the pioneering role of the African-American author Du Bois, whose book “The Negro” published in 1915 laid the foundations for reflection on the place of Africa in world time. This convergence of ideas and perspectives greatly enriches the narrative of African history.
Towards a plural history: a call for the diversity of historical narratives
Mamadou Diouf pleads in favor of a plural history which would give a place to different historical narratives, beyond just academic perspectives. It is important to allow a reappropriation of history by those first concerned after centuries of dispossession. This diversity of historical accounts does not call into question the boundary between memory and history, but it enriches our understanding of the past by taking into account different perspectives and points of view.
Conclusion
The rediscovery of African and African-American historical narratives represents a major advance in the reconstruction of African history. African scholars play a vital role in this endeavor, exploring new horizons such as the Islamic library and engaging in dialogue with African-American intellectuals. It is time to recognize the importance of these alternative narratives and embrace a plural history that does justice to the diversity of African voices and perspectives.