M, HS, Adult

The author of more than 30 books on Africa, Basil Davidson guides viewers through a comprehensive overview of African history, culture, and geography from ancient Africa to the present. The New York Times described this series as “stunning.”

Examines the rise of ancient African kingdoms, especially Egypt and Nubia, and the origins of European racial prejudice towards Africa.

Part Two: Mastering a Continent

Examines how Africans in three societies have made a living from diverse and often hostile environments.

Traces the roots of the medieval gold trade from Africa to India, China, and Italy; focuses on the kingdoms of Ghana and Mali.

Part Four: Kings and Cities

Explores the functioning of traditional African kingdoms, with a focus on Kano in northern Nigeria.

Deals briefly with the slave trade itself; focuses on explorers, missionaries, and colonizers.

Part Six: The Magnificent African Cake

Examines the European “Scramble for Africa.” Covers the conquest, the forms of colonial control, and the colonial extraction of wealth.

Explores the struggle for independence in several African colonies, including the Gold Coast (Ghana), Kenya, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and the Belgian Congo.

Part Eight: The Legacy

Discusses the aftermath of colonial rule, and examines contemporary problems of independent African nations.

HS, Adult

From the history of Egyptian pharaohs, matriarchal social systems, and the slave trade to contemporary political crises, Dr. Mazrui discusses African developments from the perspective of its triple heritage: its indigenous culture, Islam, and the impact of the West. Note: We own three of the nine videos in the series.

M, HS, Adult

The true story of 53 Africans who, in the 1830s, revolted and seized the slave ship Amistad . Thwarted in their plans to return home, they were captured and charged with murder and piracy. They won their freedom through the courts.

Song performed by Joan Baez.

M, HS, Adult

Combines still photos, cell animation, live action, and optical effects, all choreographed to the song “Asimbonanga”—to act as a reminder of the daily oppression faced by black South Africans.

HS, Adult

Shows how student leader Steve Biko fostered the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa and encouraged black South Africans to think of themselves as a people with a distinct identity and destiny.

HS, Adult

Examines how South Africa has tried to control the economies of its neighboring countries and how these countries have responded with their own efforts to develop independently.

HS, Adult

Told as a historical and linguistic detective story. Traces the connections between the Gullah people, brought to South Carolina as slaves, and Sierra Leone. Powerfully shows the continuation of cultural ties through speech, songs, and culture.

HS, Adult

A definitive history of South African resistance to white rule from Bambata’s Rebellion of 1906 to the uprisings of 1976.

Adult

Patrice Lumumba, founder of the Congolese National Movement, is remembered in this film documenting the year 1960: from the Belgians’ promise to hold democratic elections to the murder of Prime Minister Lumumba. Through interviews with European journalists who covered 1960 and portrayed events from a European perspective, this powerful film juxtaposes photographs and newsreels from 1960 with contemporary footage.

M, HS

Provides an introductory overview of the history, geography, and politics of Nigeria.

M, HS (brief scene of bare breasts), Adult

Based on the first widely read slave autobiography from 1789, this video dramatically portrays Equiano’s life. Additional archival material and brief interviews with scholars such as Stuart Hall and Ian Duffield reveal the social and economic context of the 18th century slave trade.

Former chair of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Representative Howard Wolpe discusses apartheid.

HS, Adult

History of resistance to apartheid by the African National Congress.

HS, Adult

Based on footage from “A Savage War of Peace” by Video News Service in South Africa.

HS, Adult
Tells the story of black children under apartheid and their detention and torture by South African security forces.