Africancentered

Africancentered is a perspective and approach that emphasizes the history, culture, achievements, and worldview of people of African descent. It is often used in academic and activist contexts to highlight the significance of African contributions to global civilization and to counter Eurocentric narratives that have historically marginalized or misrepresented Black experiences.

This perspective seeks to understand and interpret phenomena from the standpoint of African people, recognizing the diversity of African cultures and histories across the continent and the diaspora. It involves re-examining historical events, social structures, and cultural expressions through a lens that prioritizes African agency and perspectives. Key areas of focus can include African philosophy, spirituality, art, literature, political thought, and social systems.

The Africancentered movement gained significant traction in the late 20th century, particularly within Black studies programs in universities and in community organizing. It aims to foster a sense of pride, identity, and self-determination among people of African descent. It also critiques systems of oppression, such as colonialism and racism, by revealing their impact on African societies and peoples.

While often associated with Black nationalism, Africancenteredness is a broad framework that can encompass a range of political and social views. Its core principle remains the validation and centering of African experiences and knowledge systems as integral to understanding the human story.