Full Disclosure Podcast: An African History of Africa
Introduction
- Host: Podcast project to discuss books and interesting people.
- Guest: Zainab Badawi discusses her book “An African History of Africa from the Dawn of Humanity to Independence.”
- Scope: Comprehensive history from birth of humanity to modern times, covers vast range.
Book Discussion
- Objective: To stimulate interest in Africa's rich and often occluded history.
- Author Background: Born in Sudan, living in the UK since age 3, dual British and Sudanese heritage, straddling both worlds.
- Hyphenated Identity: Comfortable being British, Sudanese, or British Sudanese.
- Childhood Memories: Brief recollection of leaving Sudan, family moved to join the father already in London.
Author’s Early Life
- Father: Pre-independence politics in Sudan, turned to journalism, moved to London due to press restrictions in Sudan.
- Mother: Settled in London, persuaded father to stay in the UK.
- Family: Deep attachment to Sudan, regular visits back.
Great-Grandfather’s Influence
- Babiker Bedri: Pioneer of female education in Sudan, established girl schools against opposition, visionary for women’s education.
- Family Tradition: Education is a core value, Women’s University in capital.
- Current War Impact: Family fled to Cairo, affected educational institutions.
- Islam and Female Education: Contrasted campaigners like Malala; education for girls is embedded in family, contradicts popular media portrayals.
Cultural Observation
- Differences Among Muslim Communities: Indian and Pakistani young women facing education barriers contrasts with author’s family perspective.
Journalism and Education
- Early Exposure: Engaged in news and current affairs, raised on BBC World Service.
- Career Path: Journalism wasn’t the original plan (wanted to be a doctor), shifted during teens due to squeamishness.
- Oxford and SOAS: Read PPE at Oxford, did languages, Masters at SOAS while working in television.
Professional Career
- Journalism Background: Started with ITV traineeship, natural drift to broadcast journalism.
- Balancing Work and Family: Managed career around having children, did not pursue foreign postings heavily.
- Impact of TV Series: Directed a major TV series on African history, leading to the book.
Book Creation
- Initial Inspiration: Seeing UNESCO’s General History of Africa volumes, decided to bring African perspectives to wider audience.
- Content Diversity: Uses varied sources from Arab scholars to oral traditions.
- Goal: To challenge and change perceptions about Africa’s history being Eurocentric.
Challenges & Achievements
- TV Series vs Book: Seven years on TV series, three years on the book, broad geographical and gender representations.
- Western Historians' Bias: Example of denial of African history by historians like Hugh Trevor-Roper.
Educational Mission
- Importance of Recognition: Struggle to highlight African history that is often overshadowed or misrepresented by Western viewpoints.
- Restitution Debate: 90% of African artifacts outside Africa, need for repatriation to understand and honor African history.
- Target Audience: Younger generation both in and out of Africa, to correct stereotypes and foster pride.
Future Advocacy
- Advocacy for Africa: Emphasize history's importance to influence present and future perceptions and policies regarding Africa.
- Potential Projects: More advocacy, possibly another book, continued focus on bringing African perspectives to the forefront.
Conclusion
- Zainab Badawi’s book is a comprehensive attempt to reframe African history from African perspectives for a global audience.
- Encourages the younger generation to learn and appreciate Africa’s rich and diverse history.
- Stresses the importance of history in shaping present understanding and future planning.
Book: “An African History of Africa from the Dawn of Humanity to Independence” by Zainab Badawi.