Lecture Notes: John Henrik Clarke and African History

Introduction

• History as a Tool: Described as a clock for political and cultural timing, and a compass for self-locating in human geography.
• John Henrik Clarke: An African American historian and activist, dedicated to intellectual and spiritual liberation.
  • Despite glaucoma, continues to influence through books and lectures.
  • Born on a sharecropper farm in Alabama, 1915.
  • Principally self-trained using public libraries and bookstores.

Early Life and Education

• Born in Union Springs, Alabama, into a culturally rich but economically poor environment.
• Influential Teacher: Miss Evelina Taylor encouraged him to pursue education seriously.
• Self-taught through public libraries and second-hand bookstores.

Influences and Motivations

• Inspired by the essay "The Negro Digs Up His Past" from the book "The New Negro."
• Sought out African history against the notion that Africans had no history.

Harlem and Cultural Exposure

• Moved to Harlem during the Great Depression.
• Impressions of Harlem: Clean, safe, and culturally rich community.

Political Activism

• Involved with socialists and communists but never a formal member.
• Influential Figures: Paul Robeson and W. E. B. Du Bois.

Pan-Africanism and African History

• Met Arthur Schomburg, who emphasized studying African and European histories.
• Learned about the African communal societies and their historical significance.

African Civilizations

• Nile Valley civilization as the standard of society.
• Debated and proved the African origins of Egyptian civilization with scholars like Cheikh Anta Diop.

Military Service and Post-War Activities

• Served in the army during World War II; focused on administrative roles.
• Reinforced his commitment to pan-Africanism upon returning.

Pan-Africanism

• Defined as the building of a global African community.
• Advocated for African independence and unity.

Colonialism and African Independence

• European invasion of Africa started with Alexander the Great.
• Impact of colonialism and the role of Africans in global history.

Significant Historical Events and People

• Hannibal's military campaigns against Rome.
• The Roman Empire's reliance on Africa.
• Spread of Christianity and Islam in Africa.
• Influence of Arab and Roman conquests on African culture.

Modern Pan-African Movements

• Marcus Garvey’s vision for African unity.
• The fifth Pan-African Congress and African independence.
• Kwame Nkrumah's leadership in Ghana.

Civil Rights Movement

• Relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
• Critique of non-violence as a strategy.

Reflections on African American Progress

• The importance of education and identity.
• Criticized showbiz liberation and superficial progress.

Legacy and Impact

• Dr. Clarke's focus on teaching and historical awareness.
• Advocacy for the liberation and empowerment of African people.
• Belief in the spiritual and cultural mission of African people globally.

Conclusion

• John Henrik Clarke remembered as a dedicated teacher and advocate for African history and self-liberation.