Chapters 1 to 5 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The History Of Africa / Great African Kings And Warriors / Slavery / The Nobility Inside Slavery (The Knights Of Malta) / The Royal African Company/ Written by Butch Leake (Narrated by Gary Davis) Copyright 2023

Africa has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Pre-colonial Africa was marked by diverse societies that included hunter-gatherer communities, thriving empires, and trading states. In West Africa, the Mali Empire was one of the most notable empires that emerged during this period, while the Kingdom of Ethiopia in the east was known for its strong Christian heritage.

In the early centuries of the second millennium, the trans-Saharan trade network rose to prominence, linking North Africa with sub-Saharan regions. This marked an era of economic and cultural exchange that contributed significantly to the growth of several communities in West and Central Africa.

The 15th century marked the beginning of the colonial era, with the arrival of the Portuguese in West Africa. This marked a new era of exploitation and humiliation of African people. Europeans pursued this continuously throughout the centuries, and over time, the continent became the trading bloc of the western world. The Berlin Conference of 1884 saw European nations gather to regulate the scramble for Africa, and this event allowed colonial power structures to thrive. Many Africans were subjected to forced labor, while their natural resources were exploited, and their land seized.

The late 1950s saw growing calls for independence as African countries sought to reclaim their sovereignty. Independence movements gained significant momentum throughout the continent, with Ghana being the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence in 1957. This marked the beginning of Africa's liberation, with many other countries following in Ghana's lead.

Post-independence struggles have characterized Africa's experience with challenges such as economic deprivation, political instability, and civil wars. Across several African countries, various leaders have implemented policies that favor a few at the expense of the majority. Corruption, tribal tensions, and human rights abuses, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Somalia, have characterized modern-day Africa. However, significant progress has occurred in certain countries such as Rwanda, which has experienced robust economic development and social progress.

Today, Africa is a rapidly changing continent, with 54 countries and more than one billion people. African people continually confront old and new challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, disease and poverty, along with a growing youth population, and exploitation of a few. Despite these difficulties, this unique, diverse and culturally rich continent continues to uphold its heritage, educate its people, work against injustices, and seek ways to progress in a sustainable and free future that sheds off colonial influences.