TED: The powerful stories that shaped Africa | Gus Casely-Hayford

The video challenges the notion that Africa lacks history, highlighting the continent's rich narrative and cultural heritage. It discusses the preservation of Mali's heritage against Ansar dine's destruction, the impact of colonialism on African narratives, and the misinterpretation of Great Zimbabwe by Europeans. The Mali Empire's intellectual legacy, particularly under Sundjata Keita and Mansa Musa, is emphasized, showcasing Africa's historical contributions to global knowledge.

What did Hagel famously claim about Africa?

• Africa was a land of technological advancement.

• Africa was a place of great history.

• Africa was a place without history.

• Africa was the cradle of civilization.

What was Ahmad Al-faqih charged with during the Ansar dine invasion?

• Smuggling artifacts

• Genocide

• Ethnic cleansing

• Destroying cultural heritage

How did the Ashanti resist British colonial control?

• By controlling their narrative and symbols

• By adopting British customs

• By forming alliances with other tribes

• By migrating to other regions

What did Karl Mauch mistakenly believe about Great Zimbabwe?

• It was King Solomon's temple.

• It was a natural formation.

• It was built by Africans.

• It was a modern construction.

Who was the founder of the Mali Empire?

• Leo Frobenius

• Ahmad Al-faqih

• Sundjata Keita

• Mansa Musa

What was Mansa Musa known for during his pilgrimage to Mecca?

• Writing scholarly works

• Building mosques every Friday

• Conquering new territories

• Establishing trade routes

What did Mansa Musa's legacy in Timbuktu include?

• A vast collection of medieval documents

• A network of trade routes

• A new form of government

• A series of military conquests

What was the focus of learning in Timbuktu during its peak?

• Hinduism

• Christianity

• Islam

• Buddhism

What role did African scholars play in Western learning?

• They only influenced African studies.

• They focused on religious texts.

• They contributed significantly.

• They were largely ignored.

What is the significance of African narratives today?

• They are solely for entertainment.

• They are irrelevant in modern times.

• They hold communities together.

• They are only of historical interest.