Unleashing the African genius: an interview with legendary historian Ashra Kwesi

by Minister of Information JR

Black-historian-Dr.-Ashra-Kwesi, Unleashing the African genius: an interview with legendary historian Ashra Kwesi, Culture Currents The African historian Ashra Kwesi will be bringing a level of scholarship to the Bay Area that hasn’t been seen since Professor Theophile Obenga moved back to the Congo. What is unique about Ashra Kwesi and the other great professors like Dr. Ben, Dr. John Henrik Clark and Dr. Cress Welsing, to name a few, is that they put their scholarship to use in this war that African people are fighting for self-determination all over the world.

He will be speaking on Saturday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m., at the Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., in downtown Oakland. Come check it out.

M.O.I. JR: Can you tell about your upcoming speaking engagement at the Joyce Gordon Gallery? What is going to be covered?

Ashra Kwesi: I will cover “The African Origin of Civilization, Reclaiming Our African Genius” from the “Books in Stone in Egypt.” I will reveal first hand information from the ancient temples, tombs and papyrus papers recorded in Egypt when African people were teachers of the world.

The lecture will cover the ancient history of the African Nile Valley that gave birth to civilization; Imhotep, the world’s first physician and grand master teacher; the African science of observing the universe that produced the world’s first calendar; the African mystery schools, prototypes for the world’s universities; and the destruction of Black peoples’ history from the ancient temples and tombs of Egypt.

This information is based on my 31 years of study and tour experience in the African Nile Valley. Fourteen of those years I spent as an assistant to the noted kemetologist, Dr. Yosef Ben Jochannan.

M.O.I. JR: What is the importance of African youth having a consciousness about African history early on in life?

Ashra Kwesi: It gives children a clear identity of themselves, their people and what African people have done historically. Since African history predates a lot of their Western education, it empowers and informs not only youth, but parents and educators.

M.O.I. JR: What is the importance of parents being involved in their children’s education?

Ashra Kwesi: Positive African-centered parental involvement takes children in a clear-cut direction, while giving them a strong purpose in life. An understanding of their ancient history offers a confident, life-changing option to both children and their parents.

How does it affect the self-esteem of the child? Knowledge of African history stops children from being insecure in the European classroom setting. It provides them with confidence that strengthens them while preparing them for life, work and to be successful in the future. It also motivates them, promotes leadership skills and helps to eliminate behavioral issues.

M.O.I. JR: What are four things that you would recommend for parents to do to unleash the African genius in their children?

Ashra Kwesi: A: Expose them to books about African historians, writers and inventors. B: Place African art in our homes to remind children of their roots. C: Have ongoing conversations about the greatness and struggles of African people. D: If financially possible, take them to Africa for an eye-witness account of African greatness.

Email POCC Minister of Information JR, Bay View associate editor, at blockreportradio@gmail.com and visit blockreportradio@gmail.com.