The Peace of new energies has lived in the spirit of West Africa for Centuries. Civilisation in Africa was not only a language,an institution or a norm - It has always been a way of Life and there are so many reasons why we need to be proud of our heritage.
The Primary aim behind this section is to provide children and young adults from African and Carribean descent with a brief insight into a few historical and geographical facts about West African History in particular and African History as a whole, especially as our stories have been left out from the most popular history books.
West African History is an endless tale of riches, inventions and achievements. The food for thought is enough inspiration to feed the mind into a research that is extraordinary and remarkable.
Historical and Geographical facts - West Africa
Nigeria is the most populated black country in the world
Liberia is the only country in Africa never to be ruled by a foreign power
Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa
Ghana was the first country in Africa to gain independence in 1957
Sierra Leones Capital- Freetown was founded in 1787 as a haven for slaves. Sierra Leone translates as "Lion Mountain"
Senegals Capital - Dakar was founded in 1857, The Wolof word means "Tamarind Tree"
Cameroon is derived from the Portuguese word "Camarao" meaning shrimp
Benin Republics largest city, Cotonou was established in 1851
Ghana means "War Chief" in tribute to early kings of the area
And more specifically . . .
Oranmiyan - A Prince of Ife was summoned by the people of Benin to rule them in A.D 1170. The Benin Kingdom was famous for its wealth in Civilisation and Art. Its History is lives on in present day Nigeria. (It is here where the Benin Republic got its name from)
Kano, a city in Northern Nigeria was founded around A.D 1000 as a capital of a Hausa Kingdom. The City is also famous for its mud walls.
Historical and Geographical facts - AFRICA - ( The Bigger Picture )
The Sahara is the worlds largest desert.
The Nile is the longest river in Africa and the largest in the world.
Nilus according to the ancient Greeks was the God of the Nile River.
Min is believed to be the the first ruler of Egypt.
Mansa Kanka Musa ruled the Mali Empire from A.D 1312 - 1332. Under his rule, the empire streatched from the Atlantic to present day Nigeria. Its Capital city was Niani and the Cities of Djenne and Timbuktu gained status as World class Islamic academic and cultural centres.
Sundiata Keita was the ruler of the ancient Mali Empire before Mansa Kanka Musa
Beautrice made attempts to reform and Africanise the Christian church which led to her being burnt at the stake of her baby boy in 1706
Jaga was a kingdom founded in the Sixteenth century, located in modern Zaire
Elesbaan, A Sixth century King of the Axum Empire (Present day Northern Ethiopia) ousted a Jewish king in Arabia who had been persecuting Christians. Elesbaan is A Catholic Saint whose feast day is the 24th of October.
The Malinke People also called Mandingo can be found in Mali, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Cote d voire and Guinea
Burkina Faso means "Land of the honest people"
Bilal is a Muslim name which is popular in North Africa referring to Muhammeds first convert. It means "Black Man"
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in 1918 in Transkei, South Africa to a tribal chief. In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to Life in prison Robben island for Anti- apartheid. He was released in 1990.