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.
Decolonisation
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.
Politics and Society Ghana’s Year of Return 2019: traveler, tourist or pilgrim?
For Africans and diasporans, learning about their heritage is important. But it remains to be seen how this will translate into a sustained continental and diasporan engagement.
Politics and Society Apartheid flag falls as Equality Court’s rules it’s now illegal to publicly display the flag in South Africa
In a landmark ruling South Africa’s Equality Court has ruled that it’s now illegal to publicly display the apartheid flag in South Africa. The court ruled that displaying the apartheid flag constitutes hate speech. The historic ruling, which come 25 years after the racist apartheid regime was ended has been widely hailed by civic groups and members of the public on social media.
Politics and Society Ghana hopes ‘Year of Return’ will boost tourism. But caution is needed
Ghana is banking on a much needed boost to its tourism sector from its call to Africans in the diaspora.
Politics and Society What exactly does Paul Kagame have to explain to the West?
A recent interview in French media with Rwanda’s president went viral after it veered off script into the area of human rights. Why, one wonders, does this never happen to Western leaders? Does Donald Trump, for one, not have some explaining to do? It is time for Western media to talk about the West’s human right record.