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Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race From 4500 B.C. To 2000 A.D.
A widely read classic exposition of the history of Africans on the continent—and the people of African descent in the United States and in the diaspora—this well researched analysis details the development of civiliza
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
About the author
Chancellor Williams
11 books168 followersDr. Chancellor Williams was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree in Education and Master of Arts degree in history from Howard University. He studied abroad serving as a visiting research scholar at the Unversity of Oxford in England and at the University of London.
Chancellor Williams began field research in African History in Ghana (University College) in 1956. His primary focus was on African achievments and autonomous civilizations before Asian and European influences. His last study in 1964 covered an astounding 26 countries and more than 100 language groups. His best known work is "The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D." For this effort, Dr. Williams was accorded honors by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
A little known fact about Dr. Williams is that in addition to being an historian and professor, Dr. Williams was president of a baking company, editor of a newsletter, The New Challenge, an economist, high school teacher and principal and a novelist.
Dr. Williams remained a staunch advocate that African historians do independent research and investigations so that the history of African people be told and understood from their perspective. Dr. Williams stated clearly, "As long as we rely on white historians to write Black History for us, we should keep silent about what they produce." Dr. Chancellor Williams joined the Ancestors in 1992.
Chancellor Williams began field research in African History in Ghana (University College) in 1956. His primary focus was on African achievments and autonomous civilizations before Asian and European influences. His last study in 1964 covered an astounding 26 countries and more than 100 language groups. His best known work is "The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D." For this effort, Dr. Williams was accorded honors by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
A little known fact about Dr. Williams is that in addition to being an historian and professor, Dr. Williams was president of a baking company, editor of a newsletter, The New Challenge, an economist, high school teacher and principal and a novelist.
Dr. Williams remained a staunch advocate that African historians do independent research and investigations so that the history of African people be told and understood from their perspective. Dr. Williams stated clearly, "As long as we rely on white historians to write Black History for us, we should keep silent about what they produce." Dr. Chancellor Williams joined the Ancestors in 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 22, 2009
This is a VERY informative book that takes you through the history of the various dynasties and transitions of power between the races. It sheds light on the luxurious lifestyle that black people/people of color and their mixed progeny enjoyed for so many years before their demise. It, also, describes how the life of the Egyptian lived many years ago and how the lightening and darkening of the races came about. It is so very interesting that anyone can and will enjoy learning from it.
April 30, 2013
Books like this are not historical. Cool if you want to feel good. And considering the terrible condition of African people, some just want answers outside of facts--then this book will fill your socks. But you have to ask yourself seriously now, is that all you want. This is the age of plurality of knowledge. It rejects egocentric universalism and exclusivism in the study of history.In our age we need to demonstrates that the methodology and tools that we employ are above those the colonialist used to describe us. It is fitting and reactionary for authors to make into myth the history of Africa, but that does not take us closer to the truth. The issue of race (us and them) is a modern problem created with the Atlantic slave trade. It is certainly not 4500 BC which is a ridiculous conspiracy theory.
The Title along should raise a massive red flag. Destroyed by who? Sounds like Africa plays the victim again. Also there was no "black" civilization in antiquity, and certainly no concept of "black race" to be destroyed. And someone else mentioned this habit of lumping people of Africa into a slave name--black. Axum did not agree to be part of the "black race" with Nubia. Nor did Songhai with the empires it conquered. Worse still (and related) the GREAT ISSUE OF RACE, is a modern issue, not a historical issue. Ancient Greeks did not hold the same race views as modern Americans. Actually it would have been the Very Ancient Egyptians who distinguished themselves against the people this book calls "black". And so did the Ethiopians (even til this day)
The thesis is suspect because all civilizations rise and fall and Africa had its time in the Sun. Moreover. Many agents lead to the demise of African civilizations. It cannot be explained to suit modern politics and emotion. Threading facts together and explaining them away is not history. Books like this may have empowered many, because our situation is so dire. But do we understand ourselves better? Now we have to go deeper and really start reading.
Today we have DNA, deep history, serious scholarship on the ruins of old. It is sad that people will rest on this kind of therapy. If it got you to search for Africa then it has done all it can do, do not let the quest die with this kind of material.
The Title along should raise a massive red flag. Destroyed by who? Sounds like Africa plays the victim again. Also there was no "black" civilization in antiquity, and certainly no concept of "black race" to be destroyed. And someone else mentioned this habit of lumping people of Africa into a slave name--black. Axum did not agree to be part of the "black race" with Nubia. Nor did Songhai with the empires it conquered. Worse still (and related) the GREAT ISSUE OF RACE, is a modern issue, not a historical issue. Ancient Greeks did not hold the same race views as modern Americans. Actually it would have been the Very Ancient Egyptians who distinguished themselves against the people this book calls "black". And so did the Ethiopians (even til this day)
The thesis is suspect because all civilizations rise and fall and Africa had its time in the Sun. Moreover. Many agents lead to the demise of African civilizations. It cannot be explained to suit modern politics and emotion. Threading facts together and explaining them away is not history. Books like this may have empowered many, because our situation is so dire. But do we understand ourselves better? Now we have to go deeper and really start reading.
Today we have DNA, deep history, serious scholarship on the ruins of old. It is sad that people will rest on this kind of therapy. If it got you to search for Africa then it has done all it can do, do not let the quest die with this kind of material.
December 23, 2010
This is a brilliant book. I love reading Chancellor Williams. The Destruction of Black Civilization provides the blue print and the analysis from which the African Diaspora may reach and find the strength for positive self development. The book employs the use of focussing on great civilizations as an impetus for returning to pride in the African culture. I am using this book in my Africa American History class, because African American students must realize the brilliant and intellectual structures from which their heritage eminate. I am going to say more about this wonderful book.
August 17, 2010
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS; "WOW!NOW LETS GET TO WORK"
January 2, 2022
I am so grateful for our great Afrikan historians who found the truth, thoroughly uncovered and recorded it, thus giving myself and others a deeply profound point of view. This is a #1 read. Finishing this book brought me peace. I am inspired! I will read Chancellor Williams companion to this: The Rebirth of Afrikan Civilization as well.
*Also, it would be beneficial to read this before having a conversation about our collective human history. It’s for all people to read. It’s not just an issue of race, but a look at, and a measure of how other debilitating human factors were created and helped to deteriorate our human conditions. This book will mean a lot of things, those things of course will be different based on who you are and how you’ve come up in the world. As long as you’ve read it, you’ve given it thought, and that’s what’s up.
*Also, it would be beneficial to read this before having a conversation about our collective human history. It’s for all people to read. It’s not just an issue of race, but a look at, and a measure of how other debilitating human factors were created and helped to deteriorate our human conditions. This book will mean a lot of things, those things of course will be different based on who you are and how you’ve come up in the world. As long as you’ve read it, you’ve given it thought, and that’s what’s up.
July 7, 2012
Book contains many historical inaccuracies and seems to be written with more emotion than factual evidence. The book has some interesting points nevertheless.
June 21, 2016
Though a historian by trade, this work is actually more accurately described as a treatise on Africana Social Theory (AST). It is an important work for anyone studying AST or Afrocentric thought. As a work of AST it lays out a very important analysis of what the author calls "African constitutional democracy" and the role adherence to, and movement away from this central politico-economic discourse has played in strengthening and weakening African civilization throughout its history. As a work of Afrocentric thought, it poses the (socially constructed) reality of race as the central problem of black survival in the face of genocide and (neo)colonialism, both contemporaneously and historically. It problematizes Islam and its role in the Arab oppression of black people, but gives Christianity (and to a lesser extent Judaism) somewhat of a pass, while backhandedly acknowledging that much race-based violence was done "in the name of" the former of the latter two (Christianity.) He also drapes a not-clearly-warranted "monotheistic veil" over the history of African spirituality. This is more than likely because of the author's own (stated) religious orientation. The work also discuses the "unusual level of disunity" among African peoples historically, and its role in internally weakening the defense of African peoples against external colonizers.
While the book is important for the reasons outlined, its weak in its treatment of internal structures of dominance such as patriarchy (only making token references to black matrilineality) and says nothing at all about heterosexism and its role in African civilization. The author in these ways (and others even more subtle) fetisheizes civilization as a social form as opposed to examining it as one form among many in a more disinterested, and less teleological way. His social change ideas are unoriginal, and not very comprehensive, yet still somewhat extensive. Overall, this work remains valuable.
While the book is important for the reasons outlined, its weak in its treatment of internal structures of dominance such as patriarchy (only making token references to black matrilineality) and says nothing at all about heterosexism and its role in African civilization. The author in these ways (and others even more subtle) fetisheizes civilization as a social form as opposed to examining it as one form among many in a more disinterested, and less teleological way. His social change ideas are unoriginal, and not very comprehensive, yet still somewhat extensive. Overall, this work remains valuable.
June 2, 2017
Was hoping here to find a counter-balanced, Afrocentric antidote to Euro-focused studies on the continent, and while Williams certainly offers that point of view, his attempts to condense 6,500 years worth of events into a simplistic narrative involving nefarious forces continually seeking to destroy black excellence make for a clumsy and amateurish take on complex history. The huge span of time covered should have been a tip-off, and while I’m inclined to get on board with the idea that racial animus and notions of white superiority have fueled aggressions within/against Africa all throughout time, Williams’ approach to this isn’t rigorous enough to sustain all the claims he’s making, with most sections glossing over the complexities of intra-continental politics rather than exploring how they influenced and were influenced by such discrimination. His generalizations, and general habit of viewing ancient societies through a modern lens (assuming a solidified black stand against Arab invaders, as if BC-era Africans were imbued with black power rhetoric) reduces the effect of his analysis, while making it harder to trust even the sections where it seems like he’s presenting a less biased summary of events.
April 4, 2013
Outdated, of course but very interesting historically, the perspective a strong voice in the (then) developing field of black studies that came out of the cultural revolution of the 60s & 70s. I'm not familiar enough with the particularities of ancient African history to have any comment on factual accuracy. Lump summing all the different African peoples under the label of black (vs. eurasian whites) was annoying. A particularly interesting point was made about the hemming in of Africans off of the coastal lands, control of access of intercontinental market exchange (sort of a la Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, Steel).
August 19, 2012
A history of the war against the African people. The most important book you will ever read.
May 13, 2019
A few years ago, I read the Mis-education of the Negro and back then I thought the Negro who was being referenced was the African American. but after having read this book I am convinced that all of us black people, both on the motherland and in the diaspora we are mis-educated.
As a black person, I am grateful for such scholarship as this book, it challenges the false narrative that we were not a people until the white man came. What the book shows beyond doubt to the open minded scholar is that we black people already had thriving civilisations when Europeans were still living in caves.
We have to know our history, have to know where we came from, for us to be able to know who we are and what we can achieve in the future. Chancellor Williams has provided us with that opportunity to know our history and rediscover ourselves. Contrary to the most popular and widely accepted belief that Greece and Rome are the mothers of Western civilisation, he book highlights that they themselves took their ideas from black civilisation, at least this is what the Greek authors and historians themselves say.
He has also highlighted through the ages, since 6500 years ago that we have been conquered, debased and written out of history, time and time and time again because of our lack of unity.
This is a must read for those Africans who want awaken their consciousness and those who want to sharpen their Afro-centrist thought. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was eye opening and it answered some of the questions I had that if we invented writing how then did we lose it, if we were wearing cloth thousands of years ago how did we lose all that. You have to read it yourselves to find our, I am not going to write that. lol
As a black person, I am grateful for such scholarship as this book, it challenges the false narrative that we were not a people until the white man came. What the book shows beyond doubt to the open minded scholar is that we black people already had thriving civilisations when Europeans were still living in caves.
We have to know our history, have to know where we came from, for us to be able to know who we are and what we can achieve in the future. Chancellor Williams has provided us with that opportunity to know our history and rediscover ourselves. Contrary to the most popular and widely accepted belief that Greece and Rome are the mothers of Western civilisation, he book highlights that they themselves took their ideas from black civilisation, at least this is what the Greek authors and historians themselves say.
He has also highlighted through the ages, since 6500 years ago that we have been conquered, debased and written out of history, time and time and time again because of our lack of unity.
This is a must read for those Africans who want awaken their consciousness and those who want to sharpen their Afro-centrist thought. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was eye opening and it answered some of the questions I had that if we invented writing how then did we lose it, if we were wearing cloth thousands of years ago how did we lose all that. You have to read it yourselves to find our, I am not going to write that. lol
October 13, 2014
i am currently reading this book. I have to say it is just amazing what europeans did to Africa. This book fills in a lot of historical holes for me. I can say that i have been mis-educated in the American education system. People condemned books like this because they have something to hide, otherwise they wouldn't spend so much time trying to discredit truth. I know that in all books there is bias but the wouldn't stop me from reading them. Somewhere between bias vs bias is the truth. This book makes you think and ponder and I look forward to finishing it. To people of African decent, wake up and learn the truth. The question that looms large with me is what motives whites from the world population to commit such heinous, demon, evil atrocities against people of color. Now before someone condemns this book, it also details the problems within African continent and why they were so easily conquered by outsiders. This book is not historical nonsense but is FILLED WITH FACTS hidden from the people who need it most, black people around the world. All i can say is that people of color have been robbed of culture and billions of dollars of wealth which now resides in the hands of Caucasians around the globe. The ponzi scheme began early on the continent of Africa eons ago. This book is informative so far.
March 9, 2023
Cedric Robinson says in Black Marxism that "for the realization of new theory we require new history." Books like "The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 BC to 2000 AD" immediately jump to mind. Ever since I first read this, I've revisited it every year as a refresher on the rich and long history of Africa, pre-dating the so-called "cradles of civilization" like Ancient Greece and Rome. I'm always drawn to the first half of the book, in "pre-history" to the first dynasty of Egypt. In particular, Chapter 2, titled "Ethiopia's Oldest Daughter: Egypt." This book fully reclaims Africa and places in its rightful place in history. Where Walter Rodney would pick up the mantle in "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa", Chancellor Williams, to me, should be required reading in every history class.
December 29, 2012
you will learn more from reading this book than you will in your 20+ years of going to school
June 26, 2015
3.5 stars, I'd say. This was clearly an important work that paved the way for many other historians to discuss issues. World (and specifically African) historians owe a great debt to Chancellor Williams for challenging the dominate position of history and doing a lot of groundbreaking work to begin the hard process of setting some of the record straight. Of course, history is always a work in progress, but in Africa in particular, a lot of progress has been stymied by chance and by willful destruction and propaganda. Lots of good info here, but such a sweeping overview is hard to digest and keep straight. Chancellor Williams' goes into the rushed nature of the work, so I understand the reasons behind it, but it still makes for much less than this book could have been.
Terms such as Asian, White, Black, Semite, Coloured, Negro, and so on are used in ways that are confusing and hard to follow, because while obviously, it was written for 20th Century eyes, definitions have already changed in my lifetime. I found myself confused on historical context from Williams' day compared to historical record. It's amazing how quickly a work can become dated.
Book 2 is a call to action based on the hurried work of book 1. I did not expect it to be there. I think that Chancellor Williams has a lot to say here, that also could have justified its own book.
I'm glad I read it, but don't feel at all satisfied having read it. Like Williams, I hope to find more indepth, thorough scholarship on most of the topics discussed. It's an overview. Go into it knowing that there's no way 400 pages could remotely cover the destruction of Black Civilization.
Terms such as Asian, White, Black, Semite, Coloured, Negro, and so on are used in ways that are confusing and hard to follow, because while obviously, it was written for 20th Century eyes, definitions have already changed in my lifetime. I found myself confused on historical context from Williams' day compared to historical record. It's amazing how quickly a work can become dated.
Book 2 is a call to action based on the hurried work of book 1. I did not expect it to be there. I think that Chancellor Williams has a lot to say here, that also could have justified its own book.
I'm glad I read it, but don't feel at all satisfied having read it. Like Williams, I hope to find more indepth, thorough scholarship on most of the topics discussed. It's an overview. Go into it knowing that there's no way 400 pages could remotely cover the destruction of Black Civilization.
September 26, 2013
It took me a while to get through this wonderfully written work. I particularly like the story of Ann Nzinga and her stuggle against the Portuguese; very inspiring historical figure. I dont wanna say too much without spoiling the reading. The strategies used to conquer parts of the African nation by the europeans and the Arab invaders were interesting and diabolical; to be able to turn a people against themselves without ever having to step on the battlefield.
The book ends with a plan that includes economic and social remedies which I believe is a start. The constant theme throughout this book is the culture's lack of unity and the ability of other culture ability to use that against us.
For me I would have liked to see a plan to keep young black men out of prison. I would also like to see some type of program to educate and rehabilitate the lost and desparate criminal mind; this where I would start. A few other points for stronger unity would be to promote stronger marriages, early chilhood development and maybe better community centers that work with the school system and parents.
At any rate this book is a must read if one is interested in the history and improvement of the black/african american culture. In my opinion it was very thought provoking.
The book ends with a plan that includes economic and social remedies which I believe is a start. The constant theme throughout this book is the culture's lack of unity and the ability of other culture ability to use that against us.
For me I would have liked to see a plan to keep young black men out of prison. I would also like to see some type of program to educate and rehabilitate the lost and desparate criminal mind; this where I would start. A few other points for stronger unity would be to promote stronger marriages, early chilhood development and maybe better community centers that work with the school system and parents.
At any rate this book is a must read if one is interested in the history and improvement of the black/african american culture. In my opinion it was very thought provoking.
June 29, 2016
1/2 way through. I like this. I find myself doubting a lot, and hating myself and my white education for doubting. It makes me angry that we just destroyed something so wonderful. Why do we always destroy what we envy, or do not understand. When I was a child, I used to say to my mom, "The boys at school call me a sissy and are mean to me." She always said, "Ignore them, they're jealous."
I used to think, and still do to some degree, "What an idiot! The school quarterback jealous of me?!" Now, however, I have had time to contemplate those words, and although I'm not entirely certain that my mom fully understood the depth that she was wading through, I think that she was speaking great wisdom. We lash out at what we do not understand. We want to hurt it, destroy it.
Sad. Why are we so? People talk a lot about tolerance these days. However, somewhere, I heard someone say... AH! It was on "TED Talks" that we ought to think on acceptance and love and not tolerance. Tolerance means to tolerate someone, or something. Lord, I hope that I can do better than that. I hope that we can all do better than that.
Oh, too, I have noticed quite a few typos and mistakes. What a shame. Why was this wonderful book not given more attention?
I used to think, and still do to some degree, "What an idiot! The school quarterback jealous of me?!" Now, however, I have had time to contemplate those words, and although I'm not entirely certain that my mom fully understood the depth that she was wading through, I think that she was speaking great wisdom. We lash out at what we do not understand. We want to hurt it, destroy it.
Sad. Why are we so? People talk a lot about tolerance these days. However, somewhere, I heard someone say... AH! It was on "TED Talks" that we ought to think on acceptance and love and not tolerance. Tolerance means to tolerate someone, or something. Lord, I hope that I can do better than that. I hope that we can all do better than that.
Oh, too, I have noticed quite a few typos and mistakes. What a shame. Why was this wonderful book not given more attention?
May 28, 2020
This book is, in my opinion, one of the most important and significant books for Black peoples worldwide. The sheer amount of detail and historical facts is at times almost unbelievable. Black history, from ANCIENT times, told from a BLACK perspective and centering BLACK experience and civilization. I have never seen a book of this magnitude and, as with a lot of what I read, I’m sad it took this long for me to know about it (24 years). I send all my love, all my thanks to my ancestor Chancellor Williams for writing this incredible work.
July 29, 2012
this book is a powerful over view of what has happened. some parts are simplistic but the general idea is stunning. the blueprint at the end gives you resolve and really lets you see the political nature of everything.
March 9, 2014
A very good read. If you're interested in life before the enslavement of Africans, this is for you..you'll have to get past the author's angry voice though. There is presence of bias, however it's very informative.
June 25, 2012
This is a very good reference book!!! If you are studying black history this is a very good book to start off with.
March 15, 2013
keep an open mind and read to the end
August 10, 2022
“For the Black people of the world there is no bright tomorrow. The Blacks may continue to live in their dream world of singing, dancing, marching, praying, hoping, because of the deluding signs of what looks like victories—still trusting in the ultimate justice of the white man; but a thousand years hence their descendants will be substantially where the race was a thousand years before.” This profound assertion toward the end of the book perfectly sums up this classic work. In “The Destruction of Black Civilization,” the great scholar Chancellor Williams sets out to trace the tragic downfall of Black societies throughout recorded human history. He essentially identifies an unceasing—and perhaps permanent—race war, spanning 6-7 thousands years and continuing to the present, between African people and “whites.”
In grappling with this thesis one can’t help but to wonder whether it can be reconciled with the common contention—one that Williams himself asserts—that “racism as we know it was practically non-existent [in the ancient world]”. Further, his generalized references to “whites” lack definition and consistency necessary to adequately support the many sweeping assertions he makes. Despite these (and other) contradictions, this book is an astonishing analysis of the systematic destruction of Black societies throughout the continent of Africa. Williams’ basic premise is that outside settlement and incursion by foreign (non-African) peoples in African civilizations—beginning with Menes / Narmer’s unification of Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BC (allowing “Asiatics” to gain a steady foothold in Upper Egypt)—is the foundation of the destruction of Black civilizations. He identifies this process of gradual incursion throughout the various Nile Valley societies over the centuries, as well as in virtually every other region in Africa. In doing so, Williams’ hostility toward non-African people, as well as people with mixed African and non African ancestry (“Mulattoes”), is clear and ever-present.
Williams painstakingly details the mistakes Africans made that led to the downfall of their civilizations. From allowing minority non-African populations to marry into power, to trying to unite and integrate with these populations, Williams contrasts Africans with non-Africans by arguing that the latter had a long term vision for the future that the former lacked. Additionally, Williams identifies “the most tragic error” Black folks made in his detailing of the migratory consequences of Eurasian encroachments into African coastal areas. Williams contends that instead of maintaining highly concentrated African centers on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, Africans migrated further into the interior, allowing Eurasians to capture these coastal centers and control the terms and conditions of international trade and relations. This gave these foreigners the power base to eventually take over the entire continent.
Along with detailing the missteps and occurrences that led to the dismantling of several Black civilizations, Williams essentially provided a comparative case-study of African Constitutionalism versus Euro-Asian Constitutionalism. Williams noted the highly democratic and communal nature of traditional African sociopolitical organization, and contrasted it with the aggressive individualism of Europe and Western Asia. This contrast can be seen in how rulers are checked and controlled by the masses of people in African societies, as opposed to their apparent unchecked power in non-African societies. Another important difference was how African societies went about “conquering” one another, as opposed to how European and Asian societies did. The former did not reduce entire conquered populations into slavery, did not destroy Indigenous political, cultural and social institutions, and did not upset the basic mode of land ownership among the people. Further, African empires preferred to expand on the basis of shared cultural values, rather than force and brutality. In detailing and evaluating the merits of African constitutionalism, Williams demonstrates (especially through the telling of the history of the Kingdom of Kuba) how the erosion of traditional African democracy and devolution into autocracy helped speed up the destruction of African civilizations. The point here is that this erosion was something that Africans themselves caused, and could have prevented. I absolutely loved the analysis of the history of the Mossi Kingdoms. More needs to be said about this great collection of states, including how they resisted foreign imposition by centering African systems and essentially prohibiting non-African presence and influence (including the religions of Islam and Christianity).
Overall, Williams primary contention is that African people have largely been unable to prevent their subjugation by non-African people because of one principal reason: disunity. African imperialism, notwithstanding its successes and great achievements, could not solve the disunity problem because, according to Williams, African constitutionalism is inherently anti-empire. Thus, many strong African states collapsed from within on their own, and non-African invaders took advantage of the situation. Ultimately, while this book sometimes loses its focus in an effort to prove that “race” and “color” preoccupation was the same 6,000 years ago as it is today, it is an invaluable piece of historical scholarship for Black people around the world.
In grappling with this thesis one can’t help but to wonder whether it can be reconciled with the common contention—one that Williams himself asserts—that “racism as we know it was practically non-existent [in the ancient world]”. Further, his generalized references to “whites” lack definition and consistency necessary to adequately support the many sweeping assertions he makes. Despite these (and other) contradictions, this book is an astonishing analysis of the systematic destruction of Black societies throughout the continent of Africa. Williams’ basic premise is that outside settlement and incursion by foreign (non-African) peoples in African civilizations—beginning with Menes / Narmer’s unification of Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BC (allowing “Asiatics” to gain a steady foothold in Upper Egypt)—is the foundation of the destruction of Black civilizations. He identifies this process of gradual incursion throughout the various Nile Valley societies over the centuries, as well as in virtually every other region in Africa. In doing so, Williams’ hostility toward non-African people, as well as people with mixed African and non African ancestry (“Mulattoes”), is clear and ever-present.
Williams painstakingly details the mistakes Africans made that led to the downfall of their civilizations. From allowing minority non-African populations to marry into power, to trying to unite and integrate with these populations, Williams contrasts Africans with non-Africans by arguing that the latter had a long term vision for the future that the former lacked. Additionally, Williams identifies “the most tragic error” Black folks made in his detailing of the migratory consequences of Eurasian encroachments into African coastal areas. Williams contends that instead of maintaining highly concentrated African centers on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, Africans migrated further into the interior, allowing Eurasians to capture these coastal centers and control the terms and conditions of international trade and relations. This gave these foreigners the power base to eventually take over the entire continent.
Along with detailing the missteps and occurrences that led to the dismantling of several Black civilizations, Williams essentially provided a comparative case-study of African Constitutionalism versus Euro-Asian Constitutionalism. Williams noted the highly democratic and communal nature of traditional African sociopolitical organization, and contrasted it with the aggressive individualism of Europe and Western Asia. This contrast can be seen in how rulers are checked and controlled by the masses of people in African societies, as opposed to their apparent unchecked power in non-African societies. Another important difference was how African societies went about “conquering” one another, as opposed to how European and Asian societies did. The former did not reduce entire conquered populations into slavery, did not destroy Indigenous political, cultural and social institutions, and did not upset the basic mode of land ownership among the people. Further, African empires preferred to expand on the basis of shared cultural values, rather than force and brutality. In detailing and evaluating the merits of African constitutionalism, Williams demonstrates (especially through the telling of the history of the Kingdom of Kuba) how the erosion of traditional African democracy and devolution into autocracy helped speed up the destruction of African civilizations. The point here is that this erosion was something that Africans themselves caused, and could have prevented. I absolutely loved the analysis of the history of the Mossi Kingdoms. More needs to be said about this great collection of states, including how they resisted foreign imposition by centering African systems and essentially prohibiting non-African presence and influence (including the religions of Islam and Christianity).
Overall, Williams primary contention is that African people have largely been unable to prevent their subjugation by non-African people because of one principal reason: disunity. African imperialism, notwithstanding its successes and great achievements, could not solve the disunity problem because, according to Williams, African constitutionalism is inherently anti-empire. Thus, many strong African states collapsed from within on their own, and non-African invaders took advantage of the situation. Ultimately, while this book sometimes loses its focus in an effort to prove that “race” and “color” preoccupation was the same 6,000 years ago as it is today, it is an invaluable piece of historical scholarship for Black people around the world.
October 31, 2011
Another treasure trove of information about the history of West Africa this time. Informative, enlightening mind-blowing even if this info is new to you and even if it's not. Might want to read it over and over so that you can keep the information in your head.
March 15, 2017
I first learned of this book in the early 1990s. It was part of the reading list for an organization I had joined named the Eye of Ra African Sorority and Fraternity.
I had never heard of the book or Dr. Chancellor Williams before. It's a page turner. I remember reading it like I was eating food...for the mind, body and spirit. Everything it talks about from the history of Africa to how Dr. Williams came to write the book and how it was written after he began losing his eyesight shows that it will continue to stand the test of time.
The three pieces of the puzzle that he put together for me were the existence of Meroe, Kush and Napata. Those three and how they interconnect show how much we still need to learn about African history.
I felt I needed to write this review today because today I learned that this book, The Destruction of Black Civilization, is currently the #1 bestseller in African History on Amazon.com...twenty years after Dr. Williams joined the ancestors!!!!
I personally see that as proof of what I call Keyamsha, the awakening. For centuries African people, at home and abroad, have been told they have no history, no culture, no civilization, etc. We are awakening to the truth about who we are and our place on the planet known as earth, and Dr. Chancellor Williams is a significant part of that of Mchakato Wa Uponyaji, or the process of healing.
I had never heard of the book or Dr. Chancellor Williams before. It's a page turner. I remember reading it like I was eating food...for the mind, body and spirit. Everything it talks about from the history of Africa to how Dr. Williams came to write the book and how it was written after he began losing his eyesight shows that it will continue to stand the test of time.
The three pieces of the puzzle that he put together for me were the existence of Meroe, Kush and Napata. Those three and how they interconnect show how much we still need to learn about African history.
I felt I needed to write this review today because today I learned that this book, The Destruction of Black Civilization, is currently the #1 bestseller in African History on Amazon.com...twenty years after Dr. Williams joined the ancestors!!!!
I personally see that as proof of what I call Keyamsha, the awakening. For centuries African people, at home and abroad, have been told they have no history, no culture, no civilization, etc. We are awakening to the truth about who we are and our place on the planet known as earth, and Dr. Chancellor Williams is a significant part of that of Mchakato Wa Uponyaji, or the process of healing.
January 22, 2019
Williams details the history of Blacks on the African continent from pre-history (a term he hates) to, very briefly, the early 20th Century. He describes how Blacks were once a preeminent society, the first to write, study, trade, and build on a scale comparable or even surpassing the ‘great’ European, Asian, and Arab cultures. He argues that the Blacks of Africa were the builders of the great pyramids, and their history destroyed and appropriated by invading white Europeans, Arabs, and Asians. He also details how the autonomy and natural tendencies of Africans were their downfall; prior to invasion, Africans lived under a similar or same language, and operated in collective diplomatic organization. Over many thousands of years, and after invasions and the slave trade, the splintering off of groups (“tribes”), only wanting to survive, caused breaks in language, disintegration of technology and craftsmanship, and a fomented learned helplessness. He argues if Blacks only understood the true history of their greatness, and came together once again, they could be great once again.
August 1, 2020
I had no idea so much African history was recorded. This book includes a very good description of the slavery system and vindicates (imho) Africans who's slavery system was not multi-generational.
This is a book that all should read.
This is a book that all should read.
February 23, 2009
A very good place to begin ones study of Black History.
January 6, 2013
This is an important book. Not an easy read at all but answers the question as to why those that are of African descent are such in a fragmented state.
Currently reading
August 20, 2012This book for me marks the beginning of a journey towards self-realisation,emancipation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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