Introduction to Black Studies and African History Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the African Worldview, the definition and distinction of Black Studies, pre-European African empires, forms of resistance to enslavement, and the post-1865 emancipation experience.

"I am because we are"

The main rule of the African Worldview indicating that everything and everyone is connected, and the group is always more important than just one person.

African Worldview (Knowledge and Aesthetics)

The understanding that people acquire knowledge through both their minds and feelings, and that music and art are functional parts of daily life used to unify the village, celebrate, or honor deceased family members.

Black History/Herstory/Theirstory

The true story of what Black people have done.

Black Studies

A school subject that examines the world using Black ideas and values, looking at history through the eyes of Black people as heroes and leaders rather than just adding names to standard history books.

Pre-European Africa

A continent that, prior to the arrival of Europeans, flourished on its own for thousands of years with rich kingdoms, huge cities, big schools, and busy trade.

Empire of Mali

A pre-European African empire famous for its gold and learning, demonstrating Africa's advancement before European contact.

Refutation of White Supremacy

The disproving of the false notion that Africa was backward or needed white people to save it, proven by the reality of Africa's independent success and rich civilizations.

Enslaved Life in America (1619–1865)

A harsh existence where enslaved people worked from sunup to sundown and faced beatings in Southern fields, or worked as servants and performed skilled labor in cities.

Cultural Survival and Daily Resistance

Everyday methods used by enslaved people to resist and survive, such as breaking tools, working slowly, feigning illness, creating secret families, telling old stories, and singing songs.

Underground Railroad

Escape paths to freedom utilized by enslaved African people as a major form of active resistance against enslavement.

Post-1865 Priorities

The primary goals of African people freed after the Civil War and the 13th Amendment, focusing on reuniting with lost family, getting married for real, and building schools and churches.

Post-1865 Obstacles

The critical hardships faced immediately following emancipation, including having no money, land, or homes, alongside hostile laws enacted by white people to keep Black people down.