WINNIE MANDELA
Date of Birth: Sept 26, 1936 - April 2, 2008
Contribution: Black pioneer, activist, and community leader
Winnie Mandela wasn't just Nelson Mandela's wife; she was a formidable force in her own right. As the first qualified Black medical social worker in South Africa, Winnie tirelessly worked for her community. Winnie Mandela's unwavering defiance against the Apartheid government made her a beacon of resistance. This defiance subjected her to constant harassment, frequent police raids on her home, imprisonment, and torture. Even amidst these challenges, she spearheaded an international campaign for the release of her husband, Nelson Mandela. Beyond her political endeavours, Winnie's indomitable spirit found expression in numerous community upliftment projects. These include the establishment of a local gardening collective, soup kitchens, a mobile health unit, a daycare center, an organization for orphans and juvenile delinquents, and a sewing club. Recognizing her unparalleled dedication and influence, she earned the revered title of the "Mother of the Nation." In addition to her grassroots initiatives, Winnie was a formidable political figure, serving as the African National Congress Women's League president and deputy minister of Arts and Culture during Nelson Mandela's presidency.
SHEIKH AHMADOU BAMBA
Timeline: Birth 1853- Death 1927
Contribution-Muslim religious leader, poet, and founder of the Mouride brotherhood and Muridiyya
Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a spiritual guide and leader. Born in Senegal, emerged as a formidable voice against colonial subjugation. His weapon? A profound commitment to awakening human consciousness through teachings centered on peace, service, and unity. Bamba's creation of the Muridiyya teachings provided a spiritual framework that confronted social injustice, religious obscurantism, and cultural decline. Despite colonial authorities viewing him as a threat, he persisted, enduring exiles in Gabon and Mauritania. Bamba's enduring legacy is seen in the resurgence of Senegalese Islamic identity. He was buried in a village he founded named Touba where the Great Mosque of Touba was built. Touba is now the second- largest city in Senegal and sub-Sahara largest Mosque.
The Nyabingi Priestesses
Timeline: 1850-1950
Contribution: Resistance against colonial domination in the Rwanda and Uganda border regions through spiritual and political channels
Originating with the legendary Amazon queen, Kitami, who had a sacred drum of extraordinary power. Nyabingi is a cultural practice seen as a spirit of liberation. The Nyabingi Priestesses emerged as symbols of liberation against colonial dominance. Embodying the spirit of Nyabingi—a potent cultural practice—these priestesses wielded significant political power, governing the Kiga people. Leaders like Muhumusa and Kaigirwa took center stage in the resistance against German and British colonial forces in the Rwanda and Uganda border. Muhumusa's relentless attacks led to the British enacting the 1912 Witchcraft Act in response to her spiritually-charged resistance. She was imprisoned for two years. Upon her release, she launched her final attack on Anglo-Belgian Germany Boundary Commission, and she was shot, captured and deported to Uganda where she died in 1945. When she died, she was given an immortal status and the name Nyabingi. Kaigirwa, inspired by Muhumusa, mounted her resistance against the British and the British officials placed a high price on her head.However, no one claimed it. She was invaded by the British, but she fought back and escaped. The Nyabingi movements inspired the Rastafarians in Jamaica. At some point, men became Nyabingi priests.
The Dahomey Soldiers
Timeline: 1720’s - 1890’s
Contribution: Elite female military unit from the Kingdom of Dahomey, known for their combat prowess
The Dahomey Soldiers, also known as the Dahomey Amazons by Europeans, were elite female warriors in the 18th and 19th centuries from the West African Kingdom of Dahomey presently known as Benin. Originating as a royal bodyguard corps, these women warriors grew in number, reaching an impressive six thousand soldiers. They are considered to be the only female soldiers in the world who routinely served as combat troops. Armed with sword, spear, and muskets, they lived in the royal palace and devoted their lives to weapon training, fight wars of conquest and to guard the palace and protect their king. Their valor echoed in the Franco-Dahomean Wars, 1890 and 1892 to remove the French troops who had made claims to important ports in the region. However, the shadows of colonial ambitions eventually overcame them, disbanded their units and prohibit women from serving in the military or from bearing arms. The last surviving Dahomey Soldier died in 1979 marking an end to an era of unparalleled military might.
Samuel Ajayi Crowther
Timeline: Birth 1807- Death 31,1891
Contribution: First African Anglican Bishop, linguistic pioneer
Samuel Ajayi Crowther's journey from enslavement to becoming the first African Anglican Bishop is nothing short of extraordinary. Samuel was a Yoruba born in Nigeria and named Ajayi. At age 13 he was Kidnapped, taken as a slave and sold six times before being traded to a Portuguese slave-ship captain. and he was trafficked across continents before finding freedom in Sierra Leone. While heading to the transatlantic market, their ship got intercepted, and the slaves were set free in Sierra Leone. Baptized by the Anglican Church Society (CMS) and change his name to Samuel Crowther. He was among the first students to attend Fourah Bay College, a school founded by the CMS in 1827 to trained Christian services. He also attended a CMS College in England and was ordained by the Anglican Church in 1843. He began his missionary work in Nigeria and assisted in the studies of African languages. He opened a mission in Yorubaland and made a linguistic contribution by producing the Yoruba Bible, publishing Vocabulary of the Yoruba Language book and translating the Book of Common Prayers into the Yoruba language. Crowther influenced government, church and public opinion about Africa while he was in Britain. He was appointed in 1864 as the Bishop of the countries of Western Africa beyond the Queen’s dominions. Crowther opened a mission in Niger and to create unity between the two religious groups; he initiated Christian Muslim discourse in the Upper and Middle Niger regions. Yet, despite his profound accomplishments, Crowther faced the brunt of racial prejudices from European missionaries who subsequently attacked Crowther’s mission, discredited his work and replaced his entire staff with white missionaries. Crowther was distressed by the conflict and died from a stroke attack. casting a shadow over his unparalleled legacy.
Thomas Peters
Timeline: Birth 1738 - Death 1792
Contribution: Black pioneer, abolitionist, and community leader
Thomas Peters' odyssey from enslavement to leadership is a testament to human resilience. Thomas Peters was born a slave. Peter fled from his slave master and joined the British army and became a sergeant in the Black Pioneers. Following the British defeat, he was among the 3,500 Loyalist evacuated to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The equality and resources promised were unfulfilled so Peter was selected to present the black case before the Crown. He went to London in 1790, petitioning the black grievances, including denial of vote right, trial by jury and equitable land grants in Canada. Peter learned about the Sierra Leone Company in London seeking black settlers. He returned to Nova Scotia with a government-financed scheme offering free land and independence in Sierra Leone. He persuaded over 1,200 former slaves to join him in the voyage to Sierra Leone. He and his “Nova Scotians” Founded Freetown in 1792 after the first group of blacks arrived from London in 1787. The Sierra Leone company created an all white appointed officials in Sierra Leone governed by Lt. John Clarkson. Rations were short, distribution of land delayed and many died from fever during the rainy season. Black loyalist became paid employees of the company. Peter disapprove of the Clarkson leadership believing that a successful colony in Sierra leone would benefits black people everyone and that anarchy and disorder will destroy it. Peter voiced the people’s concern to Clarkson but he was discredited as he fear Peters actions was an attempt to replace him with a government headed by Peter. The Clarkson address Peter as a traitor during a public assembly and the people sided Clarkson. Meanwhile, Peter continued to remind his people of the promises made to them and the realities of their situation. Peter was publicly humiliated for retrieving his property from a settler who died from fever. He was charged as a thief and that shattered his reputation and credibility. He later died of fever on June 25 after leaving in Sierra Leone for three months. His true legacy is that he was a courageous man who fought for justice and fought against discrimination. He is an inspiration for Black-self expression and self-determination. Despite facing public vilification and personal hardships, his unwavering commitment to justice and equality remains an enduring legacy.
Chinua Achebe
Timeline: Birth Nov 16, 1930 - Death March 21, 2013
Contribution: Renowned writer, poet, and teacher
Chinua Achebe, a literary titan hailing from Nigeria, reshaped the narrative of African literature. Known for his literary contents of western imposition on African cultures, values, and traditions. Achebe offered a poignant critique of Western narratives and championed a renaissance in African storytelling. His writings, translated into numerous languages, have solidified his status as a literary luminary, inspiring generations globally. Chinua Achebe was born in Nigeria. He studied English and literature and worked as a director of external broadcasting at Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation. He Toured the United States in 1969 lecturing at universities. He was an English professor and publishing director and editor. He was partially paralyzed due to a car accident and later moved to the United States where he lectured in schools and colleges. Achebe wrote his groundbreaking novel Things Fall Apart in 1958 which sold over 12 million copies and translated into more than 50 languages. He fought to rewrite the story of Africa that has been long told by western voices. Achebe wrote many novels, poems, collections of short stories, children’s books and essays. His achievements include winning the Man Booker International Prize, CommonWealth Poetry, and the Nigerian National Merit Award. He also received over twenty-five honorary doctorates from universities throughout the world.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Timeline: Birth Oct 29, 1938
Contribution: First female president in Africa, Nobel laureate
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's journey from a Harvard graduate to Liberia's first elected female president is marked by indomitable courage and leadership. Nicknamed the Iron Lady, her tenure was defined by a relentless pursuit of democracy, women's rights, and peace-building. Recognized globally, her Nobel Peace Prize stands testament to her unwavering commitment to transformative leadership. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was born in Liberia, and she has four children. She is a Harvard University graduate and has held prominent positions in government, the banking industry and at the United Nations. She criticized former dictatorship leaders in Liberia. She was imprisoned and narrowly escaped execution. Sirleaf became the first elected female Head of State in Africa. She served 12 years in office leaving a recognizable legacy of democracy and women’s right. She worked hard to promote peace, reconciliation and social and economic development. Sirleaf is a worldwide inspiration and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent struggle for the safety of women and women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work. In 2012 she was ranked among the top 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes. She is recognized as one of the Top Best Leaders in the world by Newsweek magazine.
Olaudah Equiano
Timeline: Birth 1745 - Death March 1797
Contribution: Writer, abolitionist, and anti-slavery campaigner
Olaudah Equiano's also known as Gustavus Vassa narrative, from the shackles of slavery to the corridors of advocacy, remains a light of hope. His harrowing experiences, chronicled in his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," played a pivotal role in galvanizing abolitionist sentiments. Today, his legacy endures, reminding generations of the indomitable spirit of resistance against oppression. Born in Nigeria, from the Igbo tribe. Olaudah and his sister were kidnapped and sold into slavery when they were little. He was transferred to Barbados and later shipped to Virginia. In 1757, a naval captain bought him and named him Gustavus Vassa. Olaudah travelled to England with the naval captain when he was 12 years old, and that is where he learned to read and write and do arithmetic. Equiano was sold a few more times before he could afford to buy his freedom for 40 pounds. While in the Caribbean, a slave trader tried to enslave him, but Equiano managed to escape. He returned to London and worked with the Sierra Leone resettlement project. He also formed the Sons of Africa group to campaign for abolition through public speaking, writing letters, and lobbying parliament. He led a delegation to the House of Commons in 1788 to support a bill that will improve conditions on slave ships. He wanted people to see slavery through the eyes of a former slave, and he knew the most powerful arguments against slavery was his own story. Equiano published his autobiography in 1789 called the "Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano." The Autobiography gave a detailed account of the horrors of slavery, and it played a pivotal role in changing public opinion about slavery. It became a bestseller and made Olaudah a rich man. He promoted his book all over the United Kingdom working to change attitudes towards enslave people and to inspire others to join the abolition campaign. Slavery ended in the British colonies forty years after his death.