Jeremiah’s Letter: Familiar Place and Yet it's Unfamiliar

Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

I would drive home or to a familiar area, that I know like the back of my hand. Every now and then I find myself in a familiar place but it’s different. Have you ever found yourself in a familiar and yet different place in life? Let’s talk about it.

“Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives…” (Jeremiah 29:1 KJV)

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Familiar and yet Unfamiliar

It’s story time and in the text it’s morning time. The sun is shining over the hills, you can hear the birds singing. You can see the dew on the leaves. We are approaching the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The man of God, Jeremiah is headed to town. Jeremiah was a priest or a small preacher from a small town named Anathoth.

As he’s making his way through the city. He noticed something different about the big city. There is something wrong about the Holy Land. There is something a little off, in the land that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Something is out of place in this place. Jeremiah looks around and a lot of people are missing.

The usual morning traffic jam by the city gates that’s usually occurs at this time is not there.

There’s usually singing.

Usually, some chatter

Usually movement

You will normally see people moving to and fro. Going in and out of the city. There’s normally a certain hustle and bustle at the city. As you look around in the streets of Jerusalem.

The lady that sells beautiful garments is missing

The fisherman that has fresh fish for sale is missing.

The children that are usually outside playing are missing.

A lot of people are missing…

Photo by Obi - @pixel8propix on Unsplash

Some of you know what I’m saying. Over the last few years some of us had to return to work, and it’s not the same. You went to school, and you looked around and the people that you are used to seeing were not there. The usual go to items, on your desk, or your table are not there. Better yet, the money that you are used to having in the bank isn’t there. Relationships are not the same. Well, I guess I’m the only one dealing with it. What do you do? How do I handle a familiar situation and yet it’s unfamiliar?

What do you do when a familiar place has become unfamiliar?

Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash

Familiar and yet reacquainted

Jeremiah heard the bad news, so he put pen to paper. He wrote a personal letter to the people he loved. In times like this, I learned to step back and reevaluate the situation. Get back to it and get reacquainted with what’s going on. I agree, it worked about five years ago, but this is a new time to get reacquainted. How do you do that? Here are three simple steps on how we can get reacquainted.

1. When you get reacquainted, get to know the people. In this new space find out who you are reconnecting with. Jeremiah’s letter was sent to prisoners. The people who were held captive in Babylon. In our case, it might be a family member that you grew up with, and now it’s time to catch up. No better time than the present. I’m just saying. It might be an old talent or gift that use used to have but, due to other obligations, you’re too busy. (I need to get back drawing again.)

2. Make time to get reacquainted, make the call, send the text or email. Go out for brunch or a Braums. Set time out to visit with them. When I was growing up, on a random Saturday, my mom used to take us visiting. We would go to her sister’s or an uncle’s house and visit them. All they did was talk, all we did was go outside and play. So, it was a win for all parties involved. It’s been a few years. Make time to get reacquainted with them. You can also take about 15–30 minutes out of the day and practice on your gifts. Draw a little, sing a little, or dance a little. The more you do it, the better you feel.

3. Rebuild your reacquaintance, time has weathered away at the bridge, patch it up. Share new ideas and make new memories. I know it has been years, an it has been years ago. It’s ok to reminisce, but it is not ok to be in a time warp. Reliving, rehearsing, and rehashing the same old experiences. Move forward, add on to it, and do something new.

This is your time, yes it’s true, the place is familiar, and now it’s unfamiliar! But go back, get reacquainted with the people or your gifts. Take time out to do it, and rebuild! Talk to you later.

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

· Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com

Here are some books and ideas that may help

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Look in the Mirror: I know me

Every morning I get up. I brush my teeth, wash my face, brush my, hair and pause to look in the mirror. I see the gray hair in my beard. Yep there’s one more. I look at myself. When it comes to self reflection people, or at least l would say. “I know me”, or “Can’t nobody tell me about me.” Well, that’s what we say. But do we really know and understand ourselves? Most of our external issues stem from internal conflicts. Let’s talk about looking in the mirror. Here’s a quick discussion on self reflection.

Photo by Kenzie Kraft on Unsplash

Self reflection is an ongoing process. It should not be a problem. It is designed to enhance personal growth. As an educator during our regular evaluations we would be prompted to ask, “How do we rate ourselves?” Even in other jobs they would ask that. Be honest, how l would you rate yourself? Is it good, is it flawless? Is there room for improvement? My mother would always say “There’s always room for improvement.”

Look in the Mirror

1. Create an oasis: Make a space for self reflection. It can be your room, an office, at the park. A place where you can sit down and think.

2. Create an idea: Take some notes and write your thoughts down. Write it in a journal. Write down your views, emotions, and even the things you are worried about. Because if we are honest with ourselves, we do get worried sometimes.

3. Create a time: It can be in the morning or late are night. I usually do a lot of my research and study. It’s late at night, when the entire house is asleep. This is when I can go through my thoughts and new ideas uninterrupted. Try it

4. Create an inquiry: Ask yourself questions, and try to be inquisitive about yourself. Ask yourself the hard questions. The ones you know other people may not ask but you are the brave one to do so. Why do you feel this way? What makes you feel uneasy or even unworthy?

Once you’re done set goals, get out of the mirror, and move forward. Be grateful for who you are and what you’ve accomplished so far. Keep going and be encouraged. Check back with your journal to see the growth and progress!! Talk to you later.

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

• Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com

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Drums for Healing: How music healed my broken spirit.

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Scientifically, music makes us feel good or sometimes bad. It stimulates the mind and body. All you have to do is try an instrument or at least listen. Growing up, I enjoyed music. You could hear it everywhere. I love the sound of music, the depth of music, and its emotional connection. But what does that have to do with drums and healing?

It’s story time.

My family was full of musicians. My father and uncle played trumpet. I had a cousin who played saxophone and another cousin who played guitar. Come to think about it, we should have been a band! But anyway, I didn’t ascribe to that path of musicality. I chose the drums!!!

The Drum

Discovering the right kind of music or instrument makes a world of difference. Why did I choose the drums? Or why did drums choose me? Here’s the thing. As mentioned before, music was everywhere. They played all of the hits from the 70s and 80s. But one group arrested my attention, and it was because of their drummer. The name of the group was Parliament/Funkadelic. It’s true, Dr. Funkenstein reigns supreme as the one in front. But drummer Jerome “Big Foot Brailey” was on the one!!!

Sign Me Up

Right before Middle School, I heard the track, “Hard Core Jollies” and it was a wrap!!! Lead guitarist Eddie “Smedly Smorginoff ” Hazel was at the helm, backed by Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton, and Jerome on the kit was epic!!! My mind was blown!!! After hearing that, I was beating on everything!!!

Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash

When school finally started, I got out of wood shop to join the band! Unfortunately, my bout with hearing issues would return. For many years up until then, I had hearing problems. Which resulted in having surgery. So, it came back. Due to loud headphones, my eardrums ruptured.

The Healing Begins

Dismayed at this set back, I would have to spend the first month or so of school not being able to play the drums. However it was during this process, my Dad taught me how to listen to music. This was a healing experience and an exercise I’ll never forget.

“Son, you hear the notes. But what about the other notes in the background.”

This changed my perspective on how to play music. So when I was able to play, I learned from my father and band director:

“Drummers should be felt and not heard.”

In this life, we should be felt by the ones around us and not just heard. Don’t rush it, this takes time and healing.

I would eventually go on to high school and play a little in college. I learned a lot, but it was the foundational lessons of drumming that healed my broken spirit. My hearing has gotten better. However, let Mrs. Cameron say something about it, “I still can’t hear.” She would call it “selective hearing”.

Thanks for coming. Talk to you later

Dedicated to: Mr. Alan Bables (Middle School Band Director and a great percussionist)

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Reveal the Land of Gold

Today in our night school session, we will continue our discussion of chapter 3 of Basil Davidson's work "The Lost Cities of Africa"

Topic:  What is the Land of Gold?

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Check out these books on Amazon!

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The Lost Cities of Africa:  https://amzn.to/3H7S0rD (Amazon)

Stolen Legacy  https://amzn.to/3H5eda3 (Amazon)

Introduction to African Civilization:  https://amzn.to/48nuPpe (Amazon)

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#History #Gold #Land Why African History Mansa Musa Where is the land of Gold

It’s about that Time: Compelling Ideas to Consider during Graduation Season

It’s the time of the year when young scholars are embarking on a new journey. Some are graduating from High School, a College, and others Kindergarten. What better way than to give them something they would be able to use in the coming years?  If you’re not sure what to give them. Here are three compelling ideas to consider during graduation season.  Let’s talk about it.

                        

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1. It’s for encouragement:  Graduating from school at any level can be a challenge.  It can be high school, college, or even kindergarten.  Graduating at any level in this era can be a challenge.  Sometimes, it is overlooked with everything else such as sports, and other extracurricular activities.  As an educator, I believe those who are graduating be it Magna Cum Laude or a “Thank you lawdy”.  Scholars should be encouraged and applauded.  It seems that our AP scholars, dual credit, and others are neglected because some of them did not choose sports.  I understand that sports pay some of the bills, for a season.  However, encouraging our scholars to become Doctors, Lawyers, and Engineers would prove to pay long term dividends for the future of the community.  Therefore, a good gift can be a token of love and encouragement for our scholars.  It shows that their work was not in vain.  It shows that they too are seen, loved, and appreciated for their hard work.  Giving a gift, is sometimes all they need to get them to the next level. 
2. It’s for support:  At the beginning of the school year, I would tell my scholars, “June will soon come.”  For many years our scholars would matriculate through school, saying “I can’t wait to graduate!”  Now, here we are!  The finish line is close, and I would like to hear a retraction of those statements.  The reality is that, they are leaving home to go to a new place and they will need all the support they can get.  Home, no matter the size, has some of their items of comfort there.  So, when they embark on a new journey, it’s good to know that they can reach over and get something they need from the people that love them.  A gift, a thoughtful gift, can be the support they need.  It reminds them that they have people wanting the best for them as they go through lift meeting challenges along the way.  It can be a practical gift they can use for a class or something for their dorm.  I am sure they would appreciate it. 
3. It’s for Memories:  Once they cross that bridge into adulthood, they will never return this way.  So, the gifts can be given to remind them that they are loved.  It can be a memento, something that reminds them of their family and friends back home.  My grandmother made a delicious pound cake when I went to Prairie View, and that meant a lot to me.  These gifts can highlight lessons learned along the way, and friendships made.  It can be a keepsake, a scrap book, or even a journal. 

A graduation gift can help the scholar remember from whence they came, and where they are going! Remember this is a crucial time for all of you. Continue to love and pour kindness into your graduate. Encourage them because in the coming years, they will need it, more than you know. Thanks for coming.

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion, let me know.

Email: kingcamujumbe@gmail.com

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The Garden: A Brief Contemplation on Hope and Eternity

Today I was out looking for a gift for my mother. She loves to garden, so I found a pot of roses. As I looked closer at them. I recalled a line in a hymn that she and my grandmother used to sing a verse in a hymn written by William A. Golden, “A Rose is blooming there for me.” In times such as this we need hope. A hope that spans time into eternity.

The Old Garden:  To Canaan’s Land I’m on my way.

In the early 90s, in Rosston Arkansas, that is forty minutes outside of Hope Arkansas, where Former President Bill Clinton used to live. We were there to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday. It was springtime, and all of the cousins were there. However, this time was different. My mother’s family would visit her grandmother’s home for it seemed to be the last time. The old house was up the road from my grandmother’s. So, this was the home of my great-grandmother. Most of my mother’s family lived in the area for almost a century. Everybody was there to give one last walkthrough. I was too young to remember all the places and small spaces in the house. But I do remember the rose bush in the old garden. It was close to the old well that was in the front yard. My mother wanted the rose bush for herself. We would then carefully dig it up and take it home.

There are times in our lives when we must allow God to move us from an old place.  Move us from issues, confusion, habits, and maybe drama.  True, we’ve been there for years, but we were not growing to our fullest potential.  So, God moves us from the old garden of our lives.  The world is full of issues, trauma, and problems.  Hope is more than just thinking about it.  It is a firm belief that God can and will bring us out. 

Job 14:7 “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again…”

Hope is the thing that anchors our hearts, our minds, and even the soul.  In time and prayer, God will turn things around. 

Hebrews 6:19 "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil..."

God will eventually move us from the old garden.

The New Garden:  I’m on my way to that fair land…

We finally got back home.  We unpacked and the bush was replanted.  It was placed in the corner of the backyard, away from the basketball goal, and everything.  It was an open space where it could thrive and grow.  The only issue is we had a dog.  The dog was a Siberian husky.  He was a beautiful dog, with a black a white coat.  He had black circles around his eyes, his name was “Bandit”.  Bandit did not care too much about the new bush.  Over time, he destroyed the bush.  I still do not know how it was done, especially with the thorns in its stems.

Even when placed in the new garden of life.  Life can and will happen.  Things outside our control.  Circumstances may arise and destroy the things we were blessed with.  It may not be their fault, they are just doing what they are known to do, like Bandit.  However, like a bandit, the enemy can come in and try to “steal, kill and destroy.”  The good news is Jesus said, “I have come, that you might have life and that more abundantly.”  That didn’t help our plight, the old bush from the old garden was gone, and my mother was devastated.

The Greater Garden:  A Rose is blooming there for me. Where the soul never dies…

Years later, I would be on the hunt for a Mother’s Day gift.  My father gave us an idea, it was to either get a tomato plant or a rose bush.  My mind immediately went back to when I was younger, and how Bandit tore up that old bush.  I went to the store, and I saw some rose bushes.  As I looked at it, I remembered the story and the song.  I remembered what that bush meant to my mother.  I remembered the old house from when it came, and the family that was there.  I then bought the rose bush and gave it to my mother for a greater garden.

One day, God will take us to a greater garden.  Flowers purchased by Jesus, to be planted up there.  This is the hope that we have in times like these.  Eternity is confusing and comforting at the same time.  If our hope is founded, we will be alright. 

Momma loved the rose bush, by the way.  She told me to take a better picture of it, so I did.

Family, as we go through life, lets hold to God’s unchanging hand. Thanks for coming.

For more books on faith check these out.

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

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A Mother’s Intercession

Today we celebrate our mothers, Grandmother’s, Aunts, Big Sisters, and the many mother figures we’ve had over the years. The ones that took us to church gave us a quarter to put in the collection plate. The one who prayed for us, got us together, and even laid hands on us and yet encouraged us to do better. And if Momma didn’t, Granny would. Thank God for praying Mothers, Grandmothers, mother figures and if you didn’t have one some woman at one time or another called your name in prayer. To this day, my mother would gently remind me of all the tree branches that are in the yard. Or give me a knuckle sandwich. As kind as she is. I can still get that spare the rod spoil the child work. It is my desire to encourage you to pray and intercede for others. Happy Mother’s Day.

A Mother’s Desperation

Text: Matthew 15: 22 (NLT) “22 A Gentile[a] (Canaanite) woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” This is a familiar passage of scripture This is a mother who is coming to the Lord on the behalf of her child. According to the story, the child is one who is demon possessed. The mother is desperate. We have a woman who’s coming to the Lord to intercede for someone else. To pray for someone who doesn’t have the mind to pray for themselves. We have to pause and thank God for those who stood up, to kneel down, and pray for us. Thank God for the ones who intercede for us. We did not get here alone, we needed some help, and sometimes that help comes by way of prayer. Yes our fathers, grandfathers, our uncles, and many others can pray. But there is something about a mother’s prayers. Way in the midnight hour, Momma is praying for her family, her child, and even her grandchild. Do you believe prayer still works? I do. In times like these Mother’s may be celebrated but they find themselves in a desperate situation. 

A Mother’s Location

In the text, we are between two cities, Tyre and Sidon. For the bible scholars, they were coastal cities 100 miles northwest of Israel. Along the seacoast of the Mediterranean. This is a place that was under Greco-Roman rule. Jesus and his disciples came in from out of town. They were beyond the gates of Jerusalem. The people were already out and about fishing, making money, and trying to make it the best way they know how. Jesus, his disciples, the entourage is making their way through the town. However, the people of Tyre and Sidon aren’t like the people of Jerusalem. They are in Tyre and Sidon which is seen as gentile territory. They are in the hood, the outskirts, the southside. Remember, Jesus is not at the temple. He’s not in the Holy City. He came to gentile territory. Do you know that Christ can meet you exactly where you are? He will meet you in your personal gentile territory. It may not have to be on a traditional Sunday morning in a sanctuary, it may be on a random Tuesday, at home, on your job, at school, or wherever. He will meet you where you are.

Then comes the mother of our story. An unnamed but not unnecessary woman emerges from the crowd. If you look at the text, you will see who’s there and who’s not. She came to him alone. The bible didn’t mention anyone coming along or accompanying her. Because if she was married, the bible would have mentioned it. Just like the story of the man who was born blind

“They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind.” John 9:18–21

This verse tells us that both mother and father were present. Because according to the laws of the land, women did not come and converse with men. The men came and discussed the matters with other men. So, give us the impression that this sister was single. Marriage has its ups and downs. However, this is different when you are dealing with life and all its struggles alone. There is someone reading this just like the Syro-Phoenician woman came to him alone in between cities of Tyre and Sidom

A Mother with a Confession

There’s one thing to have faith and it’s another thing to do something with it. There are a few things that I’ve noticed about the text and that is. This woman with great faith had a confession. This woman is saying: “I have a real problem. I came out with a deep, dark confession. My daughter is demon possessed.” That’s a real confession, to expose your family issues in front of everybody. This shows bravery and courage. She cried out “Lord have mercy on me!” A single parent, I work two jobs just to make it. I need help. She’s saying my child is going through Lord have mercy on me. I raised him better than that. She came from a decent home. They are having issues at school, and is doing the wrong things. She cried out Lord have mercy on me! Have you ever been to that point?

While the woman came out with her confession. Here come the disciples. Here comes the saints, the ivory tower theologians, and those who have done nothing wrong. Saying “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” In other words, this woman is bothering us embarrassing us making us uncomfortable. 

Is there someone that will be real on this Mother’s Day and testify I have a confession! I don’t care what they say. Don’t care about what they think! My family is going through problems, and I need help from the Lord. She was a Mother with a Confession.

A Mother’s Conversation

As we progress through the verse, we notice the mother is having a conversation. However, Jesus is not saying anything. The bible says Jesus is to “Seek and save that which is lost.” (Luke 19:10) Or he “only came for the lost sheep of Israel” Matthew 10:6. The whole time in the text, Jesus said nothing. How do you handle the silence of God? Be encouraged, a deferral is not a denial. “she came and worshiped him…” Matthew 15: 25. The mother continues with the conversation and she continued to worship.

However, when Jesus finally said something, he compared her to a “dog.” Let’s go further, how do you handle discouragement? Can you be faithful, steadfast, and resolute in the middle of discouragement. Discouragement is a bad place to be. Because discouragement can lead to depression. The woman with great faith interceded pushed the conversation further went beyond the veil (if you will). Be the one to pursue him, to persist in prayer. To keep coming back and seeking his face. I’ve learned, when God is silent, that is when he’s listening. 

A Mother’s Divine Confirmation

The praying mother persisted the conversation further by saying, “yes Lord even the dog get the crumbs off the masters table.” (Matthew 15:27). And here’s the Lord’s response, Matthew 15:28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” Mother because of your great faith. Because you believed and prayed for somebody else your daughter is healed instantly! This is just for you because you believe, trust, and rely on God. Things will turn around!!! 

Thanks for coming, and Happy Mother’s Day

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

• Email: kingcamujumbe@gmail.com
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• AI concept art created by me.

Unlock the Mysteries of Meroe

 

Unlock the Mysteries of Meroe Today we are discussing chapter 2 of Basil Davidson's work "The Lost Cities of Africa" Please use my Amazon Affiliates Link ➜ https://amzn.to/4aLUmKA Thanks! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I get a small commission for each purchase you make after you click on my link and you shop, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thanks

King Cam Fall 2023 Night School Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A01ZVQ82Q0M&list=PL6VotoEf1imno3jQ2lMMxtViMS0UqnkqL&index=

Check out these books on Amazon! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Lost Cities of Africa: https://amzn.to/3H7S0rD (Amazon) Stolen Legacy https://amzn.to/3H5eda3 (Amazon) Introduction to African Civilization: https://amzn.to/48nuPpe (Amazon) The Black Man of the Nile: https://amzn.to/41OiWGt (Amazon) For Ujumbe Books and Journals:  https://www.amazon.com/author/marquesdcameron King Cam Ujumbe Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kingcamsujumbepodcast

A Man from Moresheth-Gath: A Journey with Micah

Have you ever found yourself in a place you felt like you did not belong there? Or in a situation that you cannot overcome. There have been many times when I felt like I could not make it. As well as times when I felt alone. Somebody else felt the same way, and his name is Micah.  

The Importance of a Name

Micah 1:1 (KJV) “The word of the Lord that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.” Micah was from the city of Moresheth-Gath. He was a small-time preacher from a very small town on the outskirts of Judah. We must understand, that names in the Bible mean something. Did you know that Micah is a spirit-filled name? It is an anointed name and a powerful name. His mother gave him that name.

However, if we study the name of Micah. Micah was the type of name that posed a question and provided an answer at the same time. It was a sort of name that gave a call, and a response at the same time. The name means “Who is like God?” That name has praise, worship, and testimony all at the same time. The question is who is like God? The elders would sing a hymn saying, “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one!”  

The Importance of a Place  

We know who he is but we also have to understand where he is. a. I’m a history teacher so, I have to give a little geography lesson. Bishop Rudolph McKissick said, “There’s a little theology in geography…” Why is his location important? Remember, Micah was a small-time preacher from a small town. And this small town is named Moresheth-Gath located on the outskirts of Judah. This is the place where the giant Goliath used to live, and it was captured by Old King David. Moresheth-Gath meant the possession of Gath. Until King David slew the giant and took the land and now Micah is here. But things are the same in his hometown. To be honest, the church hasn’t always been in this much trouble. We’ve had some good people and great leaders in the Body of Christ. All the saints ain’t fake and phony, as social media would like to portray. At one time great leaders were at the helm. Men like King David, although flawed, he was a man after God’s own heart. So should we. Pursuing God through worship and praise is essential for our growth. King David was of the Tribe of Judah, and according to the scholar’s Hebrew means, “Praise”. Therefore, praise took the land or praise possessed the land. Have you ever been in a situation that was overwhelming, until praise took over? A place where insurmountable odds were against you, but praise took over? This is where Micah lived.

Importance of Purpose

The good news in the text is the word of the Lord came to Micah. There is an idea or new concept that only you can do. A great vision that only you can bring to reality. You my friend are called to a greater purpose, be it at home, on your job, or in the community. God put you in this place to be a Micah to declare his goodness and to share his lovingkindness. You are important. You have a message to give to the people around you.

Thanks for coming.

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

·        Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com

·        King James Version of the Bible: https://amzn.to/3JAigfL (Amazon)

·        Best Commentaries on the Book of Micah: https://amzn.to/4boPPNC (Amazon)

·        Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan: https://amzn.to/3UOF69I (Amazon)

·        Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Where to Begin?

Alright, so you decided to look into studying African History and Culture. However, when it comes to studying African History sometimes you don’t know when or where to begin. You don’t know if you should start during the Antebellum South or Pre-Dynastic Kemet. It’s like being at a family gathering and you see all the delicious food, and all you have is a flimsy paper plate. Where to begin?

Here are a few suggested readings from some of our Black authors to begin your journey.

3 Books to Start Your Journey into African History

• Stolen Legacy by George G.M. James
• Introduction to African Civilization by John G. Jackson
• Black Man of the Nile and His Family by Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan

Stolen Legacy by George G.M. James is a classic. This is the first book that I would advise my High School students to read. If you are interested in studying African History, this is a great start. It is a light read, small book, and easy to understand. It doesn’t delve into esoteric symbolisms, and the liberal arts and sciences. However, it provides solid foundational information, as to how Greek and Roman culture took many concepts from Kemet and made it their own. James in his book touches on the Kemetic Mystery schools, which provided a means of developing men and women to become Khari Heb or a Priest. Stolen Legacy https://amzn.to/3H5eda3 (Amazon)

Introduction to African Civilization by John G. Jackson is a book that I was introduced to while I was attending Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. My Professor Mrs. Matthews used this book as a reference in her African History Course. By the way, that was an amazing class. It covers various cultures and civilizations on the continent. It is amazing how he uses sources that can sometimes be unobtainable to most people and use it in his book so you can get an understanding of it. Without going to a museum or paying an astronomically high price for a text. Introduction to African Civilization: https://amzn.to/48nuPpe (Amazon)

Black Man of the Nile and His Family by Dr. Ben, is a classic! It is an excellent piece of work written by one of the most profound African History Scholars of the 20th Century. In reading the book over time, I learned that you cannot just read it once, skim through it, and put it down. It is designed for you to take your time, and gradually read it. It may take some time, but it’s worth it. There are a lot of scholars today that speed read through things. Some might be on Social Media platforms, they read to respond to a post and not to understand. The same thing goes for reading our scholars. They read for the sake of reading, or to say they’ve read it. Yet they do not understand what they’ve read. The Black Man of the Nile and His Family, once read, can and should be used as a workbook. A book that you should refer to multiple times as you conduct your research. Another magnum opus is Africa: Mother of Western Civilization you should check out. It is a gem that every scholar should have in their library.

These are my suggestions, to begin with these three books in mind. Begin by taking your time, and take notes. Remember, studying African History is a journey, a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the view.

Thanks for coming

If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.

• Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com

Check out these books, disclaimer, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stolen Legacy https://amzn.to/3H5eda3 (Amazon)

Introduction to African Civilization: https://amzn.to/48nuPpe (Amazon)

The Black Man of the Nile: https://amzn.to/41OiWGt (Amazon)

Africa: Mother of Western Civilization: https://amzn.to/4do6DGr (Amazon)

Ujumbe Means Message Journal: https://amzn.to/3Qm1ODF (Amazon)