The following are short descriptions of individuals, places and events which have contributed to the shaping of African American history. These encyclopedia entries serve as a starting point for much more inclusive descriptions and discussions that appear in other sources. For additional information please consult the print or website sources cited in the entry.
Djenné, also known as Jenne or Dienné, is a southern Malian city that was an ancient center for trading and Muslim scholarship during its height. It is nestled on the Bani River and is approximately 220 miles southwest of Timbuktu. The city had a population … Read MoreDjenné, Mali (11th or 13th century- )
Kano, also known as Kano City, is located in the northern region of Nigeria on the Jakara River. It is the capital of Kano state and in 2006 boasted a population of 2,828,861 people making it the second largest city in Nigeria. Many of the … Read MoreKano, Nigeria (7th c.?- )
Port Harcourt is the capital, largest city, and port town of Rivers state. It is located in southern Nigeria and is situated along the Bonny River. In 2006 Port Harcourt boasted a population of 1,005,904 people making it the 5th most populous city in Nigeria. … Read MorePort Harcourt, Nigeria (1912- )
Ibrahim Omer is an Eritrean-born New Zealander politician. He is best known for becoming the first African and second former refugee to become a member of the National Parliament of New Zealand. Omer was born and raised in Eritrea where he spent much of his … Read MoreIbrahim Omer (1978- )
Florinda Soriano Muñoz, also known as Mamá Tingó, was an Afro-Latina female activist for farmers’ rights within the Dominican Republic whose actions helped reclaim farmland for more than three hundred families within the Hato Viejo region. Soriano received the nickname “Mamá Tingó” by her friends, … Read MoreFlorinda Soriano Muñoz (Mamá Tingó) (1921-1974)
In April 1966, The First World Festival of Negro Arts, which is now known as FESMAN, launched its debut as the first modern cultural event celebrating global Black culture. The Festival took place in Dakar, Senegal and was initiated by Senegalese president Léopold Sédar Senghor … Read MoreFirst World Festival of Negro Arts (1966- )
In 1942, during World War II, British military officials authorized the construction of two military air bases in the then British colony of the Bahamas. The main base would be located outside of Nassau, the colonial capital, near the airport and the other at the … Read More1942 Burma Road Riot, Bahamas
Devante Smith-Pelly, one of only 30 Black players in the National Hockey League (NHL), was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada on June 14, 1992. His parents, Wayne Pelly, who oversees a limousine company, and Jacqueline Smith, who works in corporate communications, raised Smith-Pelly and his … Read MoreDevante Malik Smith-Pelly (1992- )
The Olmec heads of Mexico are a collection of 17 giant stone head sculptures believed to have been carved by the Olmecs. The heads, and their inspiration, have been the cause for much debate throughout history. The Olmec civilization is considered to be the first … Read MoreOlmec Heads of Mexico (1200-400 B.C.?)
Benin City, which is also known as Edo, is located in the southern region of Nigeria. It is the capital of Edo state and in 2016 boasted a population of 1,500,000 people making it the largest city in the state as well as the fourth-largest … Read MoreBenin City, Nigeria (10th Century- )
