Africans are not Blameless

Chapter One

Seeds Of Humanity

Modern science recognizes Africa as the cradle of humankind. As part of the process of reconstructing the identity and self-confidence of the peoples of Africa, it is necessary that this contribution to human existence be understood and valued by Africans themselves. Africa’s status as the birthplace of humanity should be cherished by the whole world as the origin of all its entire people.

(NEPAD Policy Document October, 2001)

Africa as a continent is beautifully located at the centre of the world. Looking at the world map, one can appreciate the location of the continent among the seven continents constituting our planet Earth. Africans would very much love their continent, should they get a chance of viewing it from a distant spacecraft. It means we have to wait for sometime for us to acquire the technological know-how that will enable us to view the aesthetic nature of our beloved continent. Notwithstanding our incapacity for the present, Africa of the past is the progenitor of the human race. It is in Africa that man finally evolved in his present form, and developed the tools that enabled him to overcome his environmental limitations.

Africa is the birthplace of the human race and in the same token, the birthplace of human civilization. Recent studies by archeologists have shown that man originated from the continent of Africa. Archeological excavations in East and Central Africa have confirmed the presence of remains of the earliest human race in the continent, which were not found elsewhere.

The Journal ‘Nature’ has reported an amazing discovery, which was carried in the Time Magazine of 23rd July 2001, that a graduate student named Yahannes Haile Sellasie (no relation of the Ethiopian late Emperor), studying at University of California, Berkeley, has found the remains of what appears to be the most important ancient human ancestor ever discovered, some 225 km northeast of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. It is a chimp-sized creature that lived in the Ethiopian forests between 5.8 million and 5.2 million years ago - nearly a million and a half years earlier than the previous record holders, and very close to the time when humans and chimps first went their separate evolutionary ways. The new human ancestor is classified as a subspecies of ramidus and accordingly given a scientific name ‘Ardipithecus ramidus ramidus.

Since then, scientists have been busy collecting evidence from fossils in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania of lines of succession of earlier humans. These fossils of earlier human remains are found only in Africa [Paul Rincon, B.B.C. News Science Reporter: Fossil fills the gaps in human lineage].

Africa has more prehistoric paintings and engravings than the rest of the world. You will find rock paintings such as that of Mtoko cave in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and rock paintings at Tassuli in Central Sahara. Think of great Egyptian pyramids, paintings etc. The strategic location of Africa in the globe could be a divine grace, if one is religious-minded, or simply a product of chance happenings over millions of years ago, for those who want a scientific explanation. Crowder, Coote, and Snellgrate, writing about ancient times in 1970, remarked that undoubtedly one of the most important contributions Africa has made to the history of man is man himself. This is to say, Africa was once the nucleus of human activities. Its civilization is the civilization of the world. This is worth remembering and celebrating.

Today, we crave for the survival of the human race, however, with multiple nuclear heads in the hands of different so-called Sovereign states, which could destroy the world several times over and lead to the possible extinction of the human race, it is not surprising that one of the major pre-occupations of the United Nations is to curtail and stop the spread of destructive weapons harmful to the human race and our small planet Earth. Should nuclear weapons fall into the hands of psychotic or neurotic leaders, the catastrophe it will unleash to the whole world is better imagined than witnessed. Africans have a stake at ensuring the continued survival of human race; this is because the continent is the birthplace of humans as well as the first home. Africa is the mother of the human race, and no mother wants to see her children fight among themselves to the absurd level of mutual annihilation. It is not an exaggeration to state that every human being is a distant child of the African continent. One can go further to add that every human being outside the African continent is an African in Diaspora. Africa is a nuclear arsenal free region, judging by its past history, its present inhabitants can effectively play the role of the conscience of the world.

No doubt, one of the earliest great human civilizations in recorded history is the Egyptian civilization, which presently is about 7000 years old. It is the civilization that has pioneered other civilizations. The world is indebted to the Egyptians in so many respects. First and foremost, they invented the science of irrigation and animal traction method that uses the plough to cultivate large fields. This has resulted in the production of surplus food for the entire population. Once there is abundant food, the human mind is set free to wander, think, invent, and transform the world. Their mastery of astronomy enabled them to design a calendar that is very close to the modern day calendar in use. The Egyptian calendar is made up of 12 months of 30 days each, and an extra 5 days, making 365 days per year. The five extra days are meant for festivals and other religious rites celebrations. Today’s calendar reads 365 ¼ days, thus after every four years, the calendar reads 366 days. When it comes to building, Egyptians are great master builders, they built storey buildings, elegant pyramids with decorations, which continuously amazes today’s technological society. No wonder the pyramids are among the great wonders of the ancient world. According to Clement in his book, The story of an ancient world, he said the title of Pharaoh, which Egyptian kings bear, means great house or great palace" because of the splendid house in which they live.

Ancient Egyptians value education, they taught their children mathematics, astronomy, medicine and writings. They invented writings such as hieroglyphics (picture writings), demonic writing, which was popular with merchants. Paper was invented, along with ink, which makes writing easier. This development made it possible for Egyptians to record their progress and store in libraries, for the use of later generations. One cannot ascertain who discovered the arts of making fire, but it is clear that Egyptians were the first to simplify the sciences of making fire. In fact, they were the first to invent matches. By knowing how to make and control fire, the field of other sciences, which involves transformation of substances opened. Copper was discovered and later, an alloy of copper with tin known as bronze, which is stronger and more durable than ordinary copper metal, was also discovered.

In medicine, Egyptian doctors have performed wonders; they were able to make some simple surgery on patients. They also discovered complicated ways of preserving the body of dead humans (mummification). This to them has a religious significance.

All these amazing human efforts, which are referred to as Egyptian civilizations, according to notable African scholar Sheikh Anta Diop was certainly an African civilization. Diop asserted that the mummified remains of the Pharaohs contained the pigment Melanin in great proportions, and this pigment instantly signifies black presence.

Now let us come back to pre-historic Africa. Continents were once united at one time in history, and earlier humans, who were hunters and wanderers, crossed over to other continents from Africa million of years ago. The continuous geological formations, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have resulted in cleavages of the continents with seas forming barriers. Humans went their separate ways as a result of changes in the world environment, which was beyond human control. Different groups in different continents evolve some survival features, technology, and traits unique to their environment. This could be the reason why different continents and regions develop differently. It also tells us why it is difficult for one group to identify with another group of humans. Example: Chinese and Indians; Europeans and Africans, etc. The difference in the identity of the human race also signaled a struggle for supremacy by different contending groupings. Those who remained in Mother Africa continent have the name Africans and are mostly black skin. Those who left had names such as Asians, Europeans, and Indians etc.

Humanity Week

The world needs to celebrate humanity’s survival and great progress made in science, technology, culture, religions, and politics. The great leap forward needs to be sustained through increased cooperation between peoples spread in diverse continents and countries. The coming together of the world’s different communities to celebrate humanity will in the long run benefit not only Africa, but also the world. The fact that we were at one time one community in world history certainly calls for reflection that what unites the human race is more important than what divides it.

As pointed out earlier, Africans are the progenitors of the human race. It is quite sensible if African leaders put their acts together and call for the United Nations (U.N) to dedicate one week every 5 years to humanity. The Olympic games as popular as the games in the world today are, in all respects, a remembrance of the Greeks cultural heritage, which is being celebrated every four years with so much fanfare. The role Greeks played in shaping modern European societies readily earns it the respect and honor worthy of the re-enactment of the Olympic Games as a tribute to the services rendered to Europe and the rest of humanity. But one can also reason that the evolution of humankind is more important than the invention of the Olympic Games. It will be an added credit to Africans, if they can at least remind the world of human’s first abode on the planet Earth.

Humanity week should be celebrated in a designated country at every five years interval. A country should be selected to host the week-long event. The showcasing of the brotherhood of humanity should be the essence of the week. Human condition, progress, and ingenuity should be talked and exhibited. These should encompass human’s achievements for the past 5 millions years, the development of tools, education, history, culture, civilizations, to the present world government (United Nations).

Humans are the most intelligent specie on the planet Earth. Our survival depends on our conduct. Human’s activity as a result of progress in science and technology is threatening this small beautiful planet Earth. The coming together of humans who are in all respect citizens of the Earth to discuss the place of mankind and the prospects of humans has a magnetic effect at cementing differences in the perceptions of each other’s residing in dissimilar environments.

Technology has shrunk the world into a small village. We cannot pretend that communities are so markedly different that we would not understand each other. That was the thinking, some 100 years ago. Now, with a touch of a button, you can reach every part of the world; you can buy and sell goods; you can arrange educative conferences; you can study and earn a diploma; and you can learn a language that you have a scant knowledge of its native speakers, who are mostly far remote from your location.

The world has come together, at least scientifically and technologically. Cultural and social rapprochement is still at its infancy. It seems that the knowledge explosion has outstripped the human readiness to digest its relevance in a world that had, in the past, suffered terrible wars, famine, slavery, diseases, and prejudices. The humanity week is meant to tally human progress with social progress.

Gregory R. Copley warns in a Defense and Foreign Affairs Journal, 2005 that:

All progress then is fragile and reversible; if mankind forgets, if it loses its will toward inquiry; or if it destroys the framework of lesson, and civilizational structures. Dark ages can once again rob mankind of progress, prosperity, and security. If mind turns from learning and permit leaden authority or hysteria to sweep away the facility of individual to enquire.

Africans have much to benefit for the simple reason that Africans are increasingly being looked down as the underdogs of the present world, despite the fact that the seeds of humanity was sown and germinated in the African continent.

Chapter Two

Human Race, Races And Genes

Humanity is one and the same. The term ‘human race’ is an acceptable attribute of humankind, because it implies the unique features of human beings, irrespective of their geographical locations, social and cultural achievements etc. It is a word that respects the higher and lower strata of humanity. The Stone Age dwellers and the digital age humans all belong to the human race. It was the challenges that were posed by environments that led to differentiation of humans’ material conditions. A harsh environment requires much use of brains, which in most cases led to development of ingenious survival tools. A much more merciful environment leads to the docility in the use of brains; in this situation, change is very slow. It takes centuries to produce any significant noticeable change in an environment whose climate is merciful to its inhabitants.

The problem arises when humanity is viewed as a collection of several races rather than one unified race. As in the 15th century, the word race was given a bad connotation. Race becomes a classifying word, thereby elevating one group against another. It is vaguely used to classify humans’ environmental, cultural, and mental conditions. In short, it tells your state of being. Nowadays, humans are classified as:

1.  White race or Caucasian

2.  Yellow race or Mongolian

3.  Black race or Africans

4.  Red race or native Americans

5.  Brown race or Malayan etc.

This classification has an ulterior motive, in most cases the white Caucasian race is placed at the top of the ladder while the black race comes down to the bottom of the ladder. The question is; what makes someone white race and another black or brown race? Is it not the result of the interaction between nature and nurture that tells what you are? Quist-Adade, writing about race (New African Dec. 2005), stated that race is neither natural nor biological, instead the concept was artificially and arbitrarily created by human beings. In this case, the concept of black, white, red races is a misnomer. Presently, once a race is mentioned, one would like to know which race. If it is the white Caucasian race, then it is an advanced race. If it is the yellow or brown race, it is a developing race, if it is the black race, it is a backward race. The thought is simply instantaneous, because the word race has degenerated to play a classification role.

The Darwin theory of the survival of the fittest lends credence to the race theory, which later transformed into racism. Darwin’s theory is a scientific theory that deals with a biological evolution of species. But the theory along the way was misapplied to human’s social conditions. Those with racist tendencies use Darwin’s theory to justify aggression of one group of humans against another, the fittest against inferior people, the unfit. Juan Comas, in his writing about Darwin and racism (The Unesco courier may 1982), asserted that in international politics, racism excuses aggression, for an aggressor no longer feels himself bound by any consideration for foreigners belonging to inferior races who are classifiable as little, if at all, above the beasts. It is interesting to note that people especially of black stocks are not amused with the connotations of the black race, because it signifies not what you are, but other people’s thinking of who you are, in fact your state of being is being interpreted not from your humanness but from another criteria imposed on you; that is the color of your skin.

Morgan Freeman, a notable black American film star, chastised the concept of a month dedicated to black history. He was reported to have said, it is ridiculous as there is no white history month. He was of the view that the only way to get rid of racism is to stop talking about it, the labels black and white is an obstacle to beating racism. If this is the case, so what does race stand for?

In a discourse of this nature that touches sensitive issues such as race, there is the need for one to maintain scientific neutrality. That is, clear your minds of all prejudices. Approach the issue with the utmost objectivity and state the truth of the matter in the light of the scientific findings of the 21st century.

Developments in biological sciences have been used to degrade or uplift one human group against another. Darwin’s theory on the origins of the species (1859) has changed biology so much; it revolutionizes biologist’s work in life science. And unfortunately, Darwin’s theory was grabbed by sociologists who applied it to humans, the so-called social Darwinism. Humanity, based on social Darwinism, is classified into fit and the unfit, superior and inferior, stronger and weaker. The fit, superior and stronger derives social and economic privileges, while the unfit, inferior, and weaker are enslaved, colonized, and economically weak. They are the poverty stricken people, in other words, the poor of the world.

Biology has come back again to redeem its image. As a basic science, there are ample opportunities for scientific research and extension of frontiers of knowledge. The latest development in genome science opens the gate for addressing race issues. It is estimated that there are 3.2 billion chemical sequences of letters in the human D.N.A. These sequences of letters interact and maintain the stability of the human race. Their identifications will help explain how close humans are to one another. Biological science is close to discovering the blueprints of human life, the totality of Homo sapiens as biological specie.

Biologists have found that a human has about 80,000 genes, and these genes are extremely identical from one human to another, irrespective of their status, geographical locations, cultural achievement, or color. That is to say, all humans are 99.9% similar in genetic composition. We are only different by point one percent, too minute to make any significant difference. In other words, our differences arose from only 0.01 percent throughout the world. One can ask, then why hype about our differences? To answer this question, we have to come back to the interaction between nature and nurture.

Sapolsky, writing in the Newsweek magazine April, 2000, argued that genes and the environment interact, nurture reinforces or retards nature. That is to say, physical differences among human groups emanate from interaction of genes and environment. This led to emanation of racial human groupings such as white, red, black, yellow, and brown, etc. These groupings are necessary requirements of differences in physical environments; humans evolved a survival mechanism to withstand extreme heat, extreme cold, and mild weather. Those human groupings living in different climatic conditions possess certain physical features that will enable them to survive and blend with their environment.

The white Caucasians are different from the Chinese, the Chinese are different from the Eskimos, and the Eskimos are different from the blacks. It is likely that cell mutation takes place, which allows certain human groupings to adapt to prevailing climatic condition and pass the changes to their offspring. Blacks have their skins rich in melanin; this chemical protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun rays. In the same way, white European skins are rich in vitamin D, this allows absorption of little sun rays, which helps in absorption of calcium, an element critical for healthy bone formation. These changes are simple imposition of environment on genes, as safeguards for the survival of human groupings. The more the differences in environmental conditions, the more the differences in human physical traits.

The mere fact that humans are 99.9% identical in all respects easily attested to the uniqueness of the human race as a uniform entity. Nature allows simple variations as a survival mechanism to climatic conditions that each human grouping finds itself in. The classification according to their material achievement is uncalled and cannot possibly stand the tests and rigors of scientific scrutiny.

Once more, humanity has to celebrate its closeness and brotherhood to one another. White, black, red, brown, and yellow groupings are neither inferior nor superior to each other. They are one and the same. The difference that only exists is as a result of the particular environment in the planet Earth you come from.

Chapter Three

Changing Fortunes Of Africans

Africans occupy a special place in the human evolutionary epoch, but because Africans are unaware of their special place in the human evolution, they never bothered to exhibit superiority tendencies over others. Human beings are the same everywhere; the only difference is at what civilization epoch one belongs to. One may be in the 21st century, but belong to the Stone or Middle Ages civilization. This depends on the society in which you live. Civilization affects our different approaches to the world and to the solutions of myriad problems confronting the world.

African civilizations, especially south of the Sahara, failed to appreciably grow in league with other civilizations, populating other continents. Up till today, some African societies live the way their forefathers lived. Walter Rodney argued that some parts of the developed areas of the African continent, as at the 15th century, were at the same level of development with Europe. Then what led the African continent to recede back in time while other continents forged ahead?

One would have to keep on asking questions: why Africans are the least developed in comparison to all other regions in the world? Why black grouping was left behind other groupings in all facets of human advancement? Why, even in Africa, the Arab Maghrib in North Africa is comparably more developed than blacks populating the Sub-Sahara? Why blacks are the most heinously enslaved human groupings. To find credible answers, one has to undergo a tortuous journey of soul searching. These questions are weighty questions to all Africans, irrespective of their place of abode. And these questions are sometimes worrying to a mind that tries to investigate this unusual anomaly.

Well, it is tempting to the less inquiring mind to say it is God’s wish to create white and black skins and make black skin subservient or inferior to white skin. In fact, this sort of response is too simplistic and defeatist, bordering on fatalism and a backward concept of life. Rather than resort to giving answers to a particular question, this discourse will try to unfold the dilemma gripping Africans. It may be our self-induced problems, our own making, rather than bad omens falling to us.

Twin Evil: Slavery and Racism

Modern Africa is a continent populated by black skins and, to a lesser extent, white skins at the Northern tip of the continent. At one time in African history, the continent’s inhabitants lived in peace and tranquility and were equal to all other continents. One cannot dispute that there were trades in slaves and warfare amongst different ethnic groups prior to the arrival of Europeans and Arabs, but these are human traits all over the globe irrespective of the continents. In some continents, discrimination is religiously sanctioned. The class you belonged to is made your station for life; a caste system still exists in India. In ancient Europe, human sacrifice was not uncommon; the essence was to ward off evils and natural calamities.

Slavery at certain stages of human development is universal. It is perfectly normal to buy and sell human beings. An African Monarch, King Pepple of Bonny, while trying to justify slavery, was reported to have said that slavery was ordained by God and sanctioned by the Juju priests. A slave could be a prisoner of war, caught at intertribal wars, a debtor who could not repay his debt, or a person hunted by human traffickers. This sort of slavery continues without much opposition except by the slaves themselves, whose pains of exploitation sometimes led them to revolt against their masters. The slavery practiced by Africans among themselves was benevolent, and therefore could not destabilize the society’s structure. Sometimes, slaves rose to become head of families or clans. The slavery that was imposed on Africa by invading powers was alien to