Workshop debunks African history myths

By Ayanna Watson

A SE history assistant professor debunked different myths about Africa by sharing information about the continent’s history.

“Something I think we’re lacking in particular in the U.S. is an understanding of Africa and Africans and the history of this continent,” Brad Borougerdi said. “I want to provide you with some knowledge of this area of the world.”

One myth Borougerdi broke down was that Africa had no history until Europeans brought Christianity to Africa.

“The point that I’m trying to make is that Africa does have a rich and defined history,” he said.

Borougerdi explained the difference between slavery and racism in Africa. In Africa, slaves were captured people, but many Europeans were taken as slaves as well.

“Your blackness didn’t make you a slave,” he said.

Borougerdi’s description of Africa did not align with what some students were taught in school.

“What we learned here was the brainwashing in our public schools making Africa a bad continent, and it’s not,” SE student Renata Starks said.