In a resounding call for increased focus on African Studies, distinguished scholars in the field of decolonial studies have emphasized the need for substantial investments in understanding the rich tapestry of Africa’s history, demography, culture, politics, economy, languages, and religion.
This advocacy gained momentum during the latest edition of the Toyin Falola Interview Series, a globally watched event with a viewership exceeding 3 million.
Led by Professor Toyin Falola, the panel included eminent figures such as Professor Nelson Maldonado-Torres, Professor Walter D. Mignolo, Professor Shose Kessi, Professor Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Professor Julia Suarez-Krabbe, and Oyeronke Oyewumi.
Their discussions delved into the significance of decolonial efforts, challenging conventional narratives and urging a shift towards exploring Africa’s vast resources beyond the scope of colonization.
Professor Oyeronke Oyewumi underscored the need to move beyond the limitations of decolonial discourse, stating that Africa holds over 300,000 years of history that remains largely unexplored.
She emphasized the importance of reclaiming agency and posed a critical question: “Is colonization all we are about?”
Addressing the intersection of race science and colonial history, Professor Shose Kessi highlighted the colonial nature of the history of race science.
She called for intensified studies to amplify marginalized voices in postcolonial contexts, shedding light on how colonialism permeates everyday life and contributes to gender-based violence.
Professor Nelson Maldonado-Torres proposed an operational model, advocating for the creation of a robust network of support to nurture and protect the works of decolonial thinkers.
He emphasized the role of academia in strengthening the position of these agents and standing with them in their endeavors.
Professor Walter D. Mignolo explored the linkages between decoloniality, decolonization, coloniality, colonization, and modernity.
He argued that colonization is a consequence of modernization and that modernity, as a concept, conceals the logic of oppression and exploitation inherent in coloniality.
Decoloniality, according to Mignolo, is a conscious response to challenge the prevailing narratives of modernity.
As these prominent scholars champion the cause for increased investments in African Studies, the global academic community is urged to reevaluate historical perspectives, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Africa’s multifaceted heritage.
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