Discerning the beauty, power, and genius of Black people is more easily realized when taking a long view of Africana history that includes the massive contributions of Black people to the world. Unveiling that history will be an ongoing feature of the Blacknificent Life! Newsletter. This first edition features the seminal essay, Why Africana History? by the great historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke. A must-read article for understanding the utility of studying history, it emphasizes the crucial value of the past to understanding the present and preparing for the future.

Dr. Clarke makes the compelling case that knowing about historic Black achievements is foundational to Black agency. He identifies the work of other great historians whose scholarship charts pathways to the relentless accomplishments of Black people throughout the world. Considering how rarely we hear the names of these scholars and their publications, this article also functions as a resource for nurturing historically inspired self-regard. Click below to access foundational information quite useful to cultivating your best self.

Queen Nanny’s title reflects a Black woman’s royal bearing and her commitment to protect and serve. Born an Ashanti from Ghana, West Africa, Nanny was captured and taken to Jamaica to toil on British plantations. But she refused to remain enslaved. She just said, “No.” Maybe she said, “Hell No!” Nanny escaped and forged thousands of men and women into warriors braving the mountainous countryside in a long and relentless battle against British soldiers. Nanny helped establish free Black communities in Jamaica known as Maroon societies. Her innate abilities, fortified by faith and a strong connection to the Divine, are believed to have been the source of her legendary powers. A spiritually-guided navigator, warrior, herbalist and healer, Queen Nanny’s impact and the Maroon spirit of resistance still lives in Jamaica and beyond.