Cosmetics companies have agreed to remove racially offensive language from their skin products – but history, in Kenya and South Africa, shows they’ve done the same before.
Decolonisation
Arts and Culture Black Lives Matter but slavery isn’t our only narrative
Black Lives Matter brings the slavery story into the present in America – but it leaves Africa stuck in the past.
African identities Why Ghana is struggling to get its language policy right in schools
Inadequate public education on a new language policy has generated resistance from parents at the early childhood education level in Ghana.
Politics and Society West Africa to abandon CFA franc and adopt single currency – the Eco
Eight West African countries have agreed to change the name of their common currency to the Eco, finally cutting ties with the CFA franc. The Eco will still be pegged to The euro but the rule that member states keep 50 percent of reserves with French treasury will be removed.
Politics and Society University of Bristol appoints history of slavery professor to interrogate its past
The United Kingdom’s first black female history professor, Olivette Otele, is set to take on the role of interrogating the University of Bristol’s part in the transatlantic slave trade. She will help the university better understand its past as it struggles to keep up with its counterparts.
Politics and Society How colonial rule predisposed Africa to fragile authoritarianism
The unstable authoritarian pathway that many post-colonial African states followed was facilitated by the way in which European empires undermined democratic elements within African societies.
Arts and Culture Celebrating Babajide Olatunji’s painting of Efunsetan Aniwura in UK Black History Month
Nigerian artist Babajide Olatunji’s latest masterpiece Efunsetan Aniwura: Iyalode of Ibadan is currently exhibited at the Contemporary African Art Fair at the Somerset House. Who was Efunsetan Aniwura and why is she prominent in Yoruba history?
Africans rising Wangechi Mutu unveils first installation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s façade in 117-years
Designed by Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1902, the American Metropolitan Museum of Art’s facade features four niches intended to house free-standing sculptures. 117 years later this intention has been fulfilled by Kenyan contemporary artist Wangechi Mutu with an installation dubbed, “The NewOnes, will free Us”
Politics and Society Remembering an anti-colonial and liberation hero: Robert Mugabe’s 10 most famous quotes
Zimbabwe and Africa have lost an anti-colonial and liberation hero with the passing of former President Robert Mugabe (95). A colossal, brave and charismatic yet divisive figure, Mugabe tirelessly fought for Zimbabwe’s political and economic freedom his entire life. Gushungo as Mugabe was affectionately known was undoubtedly one of the most vocal anti-colonial African leaders and dedicated his life to fighting colonialism and neo-colonialism. We share with you 10 of his profound quotes.