In class we discussed Dr. Molefi Kete Asante's theories concerning Afrocentrism. How do theories associated with Afrocentrism affirm, complicate or change your understanding of a.) African American Studies b.) formal education and c.) World History?
Some of the points associated with Afrocentrism we discussed:
- European civilization originated in Africa, particularly Ancient Egypt
- Evidence of advanced cultures in other parts of Africa that refute cultural inferiority
- America is not a melting pot. Assimilation meant rejecting African cultures for African Americans.
- “Afrocentricity is the idea that African people and interests must be viewed as actors and agents in human history, rather than as marginal to the European historical experience – which has been institutionalized as universal." - Dr. Molefi Kete Asante
