African American Studies, African Geography, and the Bantu Expansion

Flashcards on African American Studies, African Geography, and the Bantu Expansion

African American Studies

Interdisciplinary field examining the histories, cultures, and contributions of people of African descent.

Origin of African American Studies

Emerged during the 1960s-1970s amid the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements as a response to exclusion and racism in traditional academic institutions.

Purpose & Goals of African American Studies

Highlight African American experiences and global impact, address systemic issues such as racism, slavery, and social injustice, and center marginalized voices and histories.

Core Themes of African American Studies

African diaspora & migration, identity, race, and ethnicity, resistance, resilience, and activism, cultural expression (arts, music, literature), historical trauma and healing, and intersectionality.

Impact of African American Studies

Influenced Civil Rights movements, policy reform, and education; raises awareness about systemic inequality and inspires social change.

Overview of African Geography and Cultural Diversity

Vast and diverse, with 54 countries and thousands of ethnic groups, covering 20% of the world's landmass, and the only continent to span both equator and prime meridian.

Sahara Desert

Largest hot desert; ancient trade routes.

Serengeti Plains

Location of the Great Migration.

Congo Basin

2nd-largest rainforest; rich biodiversity.

East African Rift Valley

Home to early human fossils (e.g., 'Lucy').

Nile River

Lifeblood of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Victoria Falls

'Smoke that Thunders' between Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Significance of African Geography

Geography has influenced migration, trade, settlement; key to understanding global history and human origins.

Origins & Causes of the Bantu Expansion

Began 2,000+ years ago in present-day Cameroon/Nigeria; driven by population pressure, agricultural advancements, and ironworking skills.

Migration Patterns of the Bantu Expansion

Moved east and south through Congo rainforest and into grasslands; migration took over 2,500 years; adapted to different environments.

Cultural Contributions of the Bantu Expansion

Introduced iron smelting for tools and weapons, built lasting settlements and trade centers, spread languages, farming techniques, and social structures.

Language Legacy of the Bantu Expansion

Over 500 Bantu languages spoken today.

Effects & Significance of the Bantu Expansion

Cultural blending with other tribes: intermarriage, shared customs; established dominant agricultural and military systems.

Legacy of the Bantu Expansion

Influenced modern languages, cities, and cultural practices; a story of resilience, innovation, and lasting transformation.