For Teachers
Themes in West Africa’s History by Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong
A history of West Africa, ranging from ancient empires to contemporary societies. Examines how West African cultures have been shaped by, religion, economics, politics, and social factors.
A History of the African People (5th ed.) by Robert William July
Examines African societies and development through themes such as migration, religion, climate, foreign invasions and imperialism, and independence.
The African Experience: From Olduvai Gorge to the 21st Century by Roland Oliver
A thematic look at African history, starting with human colonization of each region, and then exploring topics such as food production, language, religion, formation of societies, slavery and the slave trade, and international political systems.
Ancient West African Kingdoms: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai by Mary Quigley
A historical look at the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires of West Africa. This book describes the social, economic, political, and cultural life within each kingdom, as well as details about the lives of influential figures.
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Describes the social construction of race and how racism has been systemically enforced and perpetuated in American society. Oluo provides a guide to having honest and open dialogue about race, in order to become more knowledgeable, empathetic, and anti-racist in everyday life.
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Educates readers on the history of race and racism in America, and how deeply engrained racist ideas our in American institutions. Kendi provides a deep look into anti-Black thinking and oppression, and how America has perpetuated systemic and institutionalized racism.
For Students
The "Lucy" Fossil Rewrote the History of Humanity
A BBC article about the discovery of "Lucy" in Ethiopia in 1974, and the implications that her discovery had on our understanding of human life.
Introduction to music and oral history traditions in Africa
How Griots tell legendary epics through stories and songs in West Africa
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art
West African Kingdoms: Ancient Ghana
An overview of the Ghana Empire's progress and decline, while also providing an overview of geography, origins, and culture. From the BBC.
This 14th Century African Emperor Remains the Richest Person in History
Biography of Mansa Musa, the Emperor of Mali in the 14th Century. From history.com
Songhai, African Empire, 15th-16th Century
Web page providing a detailed look into the development of the Songhai Empire in West Africa. Includes a timeline of important dates and events. From South African history online.
National Geographic article describing the history of the Moors throughout Africa and Europe.
The Gold Trade of ancient medieval West Africa
Race and Racial Identity Are Social Constructs
A New York Times article by Angela Onwuachi-Willig explaining the social construction of race and the consequences of this construction
Transatlantic Slave Trade: Introduction
An introduction to and history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which was responsible for the trafficking of 12-15 million people from Africa to the Western Hemisphere.
An overview of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Provides a definition and a brief history. From a consortium of British museums.
