It's an awful story. It's an awful story. Why do you want to bring this up now?--Chief Awusa of AtorkorFor centuries; the story of the Atlantic slave trade has been filtered through the eyes and records of white Europeans. In this watershed book; historian Anne C. Bailey focuses on memories of the trade from the African perspective. African chiefs and other elders in an area of southeastern Ghana-once famously called "the Old Slave Coast"-share stories that reveal that Africans were traders as well as victims of the trade. Bailey argues that; like victims of trauma; many African societies now experience a fragmented view of their past that partially explains the blanket of silence and shame around the slave trade. Capturing scores of oral histories that were handed down through generations; Bailey finds that; although Africans were not equal partners with Europeans; even their partial involvement in the slave trade had devastating consequences on their history and identity. In this unprecedented and revelatory book; Bailey explores the delicate and fragmented nature of historical memory.
#1625403 in Books Beacon Press 2002-06-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .0 x .0 x .0l; #File Name: 0807009768224 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not your same ole history lesson; he treasures the ...By KIIESMIRANot your same ole history lesson; he treasures the scholarship of activist women. Reparations complexity explained. Kelley opens our hearts and minds to the arts and its connection to society's history and future. Scholarly for all levels.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully writtenBy bookishRobin Kelley is that rare academic who manages to be both brilliant and captivating -- he takes complex ideas and expresses them in a way that anyone can understand. I read this after reading Yo Mama's DisFUNKtional and I liked them both.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Lindsay LopezIntelligent writing!
