Black Contributions to World History Black communities globally in the face of: Slavery: From the transatlantic slave trade to forced labor systems across the Americas. Colonialism: European imperial powers subjugated many African nations, extracting resources and disrupting societies. Segregation and Apartheid: Institutionalized racial discrimination in places like the U.S. (Jim Crow laws) and South Africa (apartheid). Racism and Economic Disparities: Ongoing systemic inequalities affecting Black populations worldwide. Despite this, Black people have preserved identity, culture, knowledge, and resistance, surviving and shaping history on their own terms. --- 2. The Preservation and Transmission of Black Culture, Identity, and Knowledge This can focus on how Black heritage has been preserved through: Oral traditions: Storytelling, music, and language. Literature and Scholarship: From early African-American writers like Phyllis Wheatley to modern thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois, Toni Morrison, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Resistance Movements: Civil Rights Movements, anti-colonial struggles, Pan-Africanism, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Spirituality and Religion: Syncretism of African traditions with Christianity, Islam, or other belief systems (e.g., Vodou, Santería, Rastafari). --- 3. Black Contributions to World History This includes highlighting how Black individuals and communities have shaped history: Ancient African civilizations (e.g., Egypt, Nubia, Mali Empire). Revolutions and uprisings, such as the Haitian Revolution—the first successful slave revolt. Arts and Culture: Jazz, blues, hip hop, dance, fashion, literature, and visual arts. Science and Innovation: Figures like George Washington Carver, Katherine Johnson, and modern Black scientists and engineers. --- 4. The Erasure and Reclaiming of Black Histories Much of Black history has been marginalized or distorted. The survival of Black identity often involves fighting historical amnesia, including: Challenging Eurocentric narratives Reclaiming lost or stolen histories Building institutions that celebrate Black excellence (e.g., HBCUs, Black museums, cultural centers)