Lecture on Afrocentricity by Dr. Malefi Kete-Asante

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Malefi Kete-Asante, noted scholar and activist.
• Role: President of the Malafi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies.
• Background: Prolific author with 83 books and over 500 articles.
• Known for creating the first PhD program in African-American Studies at Temple University in 1988.
• Introduced the Theory of Afrocentricity.
• Keynote address at Suffolk County Community College as part of the Black History Month celebration.

Key Concepts Discussed

Sankofa

• Meaning: "Go back and get it."
• Importance of reclaiming African history to ensure it's not rewritten or lost.

Afrocentricity

• Definition: African people must view themselves in their historical context.
• Not against anyone but promotes understanding of African historical narratives.
• Origin: Conceptualized in 1977 during a blizzard in Buffalo, NY.
• Key Idea: Africans should be centered within their own narratives, not marginal to European or other narratives.

Eurocentricity vs. Afrocentricity

• Eurocentricity: Often imposes European experiences as universal truths.
• Afrocentricity: Challenges this by emphasizing African agency and historical perspective.

Education and Misrepresentation

• Critique of traditional education systems that marginalize African history.
• Example: American education starts with Greek history while ignoring earlier African achievements like the pyramids.
• Need for multicultural education systems in multicultural societies.

African Contributions

• African civilizations as the origin of humanity and many technological innovations (e.g., early calculators, mummification techniques).
• Importance of recognizing African languages, cultures, and historical achievements.

Cultural Dislocation

• Many Africans and African diasporans face dislocation from their historical narratives.
• Afrocentric approach seeks to relocate African phenomena within the context of African agency.

Practical Implications

• Afrocentric education can empower African-American students by centering their narratives.
• Advocacy for Black Studies programs in universities as essential for a well-rounded education.

Questions & Discussion

• Discussion on the need for multicultural education systems.
• Engaging peers in Afrocentric thought through organization and education.
• Encouragement for students to pursue studies they are passionate about, including African-American studies.
• Importance of agency in education and moving beyond a Eurocentric framework.

Conclusion

• Dr. Asante calls for a broader understanding and acceptance of African history and culture.
• Encourages questioning and exploring Afrocentric perspectives.
• Promotes the idea that all cultures have valuable contributions to humanity.

Final Thoughts

• Afrocentricity as a tool for understanding and re-evaluating history and culture.
• Importance of centering African voices within their own historical narratives.