Africa Quotes + Their Meanings/Explanations

One of the reasons why quotes about Africa are so important is that they help break down stereotypes and misconceptions that people may have. Many people around the world still view Africa as a place of poverty, war, and disease. However, when they read quotes from African writers or hear inspiring words from African leaders like Nelson Mandela or Desmond Tutu, it helps them see another side of this vast continent—a side full of hope and resilience.

Below are various Africa quotes with their meanings/explanations;

“If we deal with what we know to be historical, anthropological and scientific truths, that Africans were the first human beings on this planet, that Africans developed the first documented cultures and civilizations of this planet, we will find in the Nile Valley everything that constitutes greatness within the people.”-Dr. Anthony Browder

If we deal with what we know to be historical, anthropological, and scientific truths, that Africans were the first human beings on this planet, that Africans developed the first documented cultures, it is clear that there can be no justification for the centuries of racism and discrimination inflicted on black people around the world. It is time for all of us to face up to our history and work together to create a better future for all.

“Even the Sahara desert, it was not always a desert, number 1. Number 2, the Nile River goes from north Africa right into southern Africa, so if they wanted to go back and forth from north Africa to southern Africa they could just take the Nile river.” -Tareeq Nasheed

The Sahara desert is one of the most famous places in the world. It stretches across much of northern Africa, and it's a really big desert. But it wasn't always a desert. The Sahara desert used to be covered with water, and there were rivers and lakes in it. The Nile River goes from North Africa right into Southern Africa, so if they wanted to go back and forth from North Africa to South Africa, they would have had to go around the Sahara desert.

“When they attacked Africa they did not attack Africa physically, they did not attack Africa educationally, they attacked them spiritually.” -Dr. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene

When Europe began its colonization of the world in the late fifteenth century, Africa was one of the first lands to be exploited. The Europeans arrived with a set of values and beliefs that differed from those of the Africans, and this led to clashes and violence. The Europeans did not attack Africa physically; they did not attack Africa educationally. They attacked Africa's resources- primarily its land, gold, and oil.

“Every black person, please remember that you were Africans before you became anything else.” -Burna Boy

This quote shows how important it is to keep our identity intact while also being able to appreciate other people's identities as well.

“I can take on any theologian that you got, bring them down and I can show them. Give me your 12 tribes, give me your 12 disciples, give me your 99 pearls of faith in Islam, and I will show you that those are nothing but sets of qualities and attributes, and I can juxtapose them in a perpendiclar line besides the Orishas of the Yuruba, the Loas of the Voodoo, beside the Neters of Egypt and show you we are talking about the same system.”-Professor James Small

This quotes highlights the religions of African descent and the popular orthodox religions of today have the same value systems.

“Another myth about Africa is that it is very violent, but in reality out of the top ten countries around the world with the lowest violent crime rates, 6 of those 10 are in Africa like Senegal, Mali, and Cameroon.” -Tareeq Nasheed

In reality, Africa is one of the continents with the lowest levels of violent crime. Senegal, Mali, and Rwanda are all among the ten countries with the lowest rates of violent crime in the world. In fact, six of the ten countries with the lowest rates of violent crime are located on the African continent. This is in stark contrast to what many people believe - that Africa is a very violent place.

“If you look at images of King Kamehameha, who is considered by many to be the founder of Hawaii, he was clearly Africanoid.” -Runoku Rashidi

King Kamehameha was of African descent, as can be seen in many of the images of him that are still around today. While some people may think this makes him less of a "real" Hawaiian king, the truth is that he was instrumental in unifying all of the islands under one rule and contributed greatly to the development of Hawaii as a state.

“The answer lies in the structural adjustment program, the SAP that are imposed on African nations by the International Monetary Fund of Washington, DC, the World Bank of Washington, DC and the USAID, these three organizations come into Africa, loan money, and then charge an interest rate on that money that they know the African nations can never pay back, thus reenslaving the entire nation and the entire continent.”-Dr. Umar Johnson

Many African countries have been through a series of structural adjustment programs (SAPs) imposed by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and USAID since the early 1990s. The SAPs are designed to help these countries restore their balance sheets and achieve macroeconomic stability. They generally require governments to make tough cuts to public spending, reduce subsidies, and raise taxes in order to spur economic growth.

“People think that Africa and Asia were all jungle, the jungle came after years of invasion of European colonialism, jungles came in because nobody was manning the land anymore.” -KRS ONE

This quote refers to Africa and Asia's pillage due to European colonialism. It speaks about how jungles arose in the African and Asian continents as there was no one left to manage the land post-colonialism.

“Africans have always interacted with each other all over Africa. Africans have always moved all over Africa.” -Tareeq Nasheed

They have moved around the continent, trading and migrating. This has resulted in rich culture and diversity across the region. African languages, customs, and religions have all been influenced by interactions with other groups.

“The Dogon are a group of Africans from the west coast, who had in fact been able to achieve a degree of astrological superiority and dominance that we really don’t see a contemporary group or precedent for, other than what was achieved in the Nile Valley civilization.” -Dr. Umar Johnson

The Dogon people were able to develop an intricate system of celestial navigation which helped them thrive for centuries. They used this knowledge to trade with other tribes and even raid other villages. In addition, their belief system allowed them to create some of the most complex art in Africa.

“In the Nile Valley we will find records of the first examples of architecture, we find examples of human beings such as Imhotep who stands foremost in the annals of geniuses, as the world’s first multi genius, the first multi disciplinarian still standing in Africa today, still standing in the Nile Valley today.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

The area known as the Nile Valley has been inhabited by human beings for thousands of years. This region is home to some of the earliest examples of architecture, and it is here that we find records of the first examples of geniuses such as Imhotep. This man is considered to be the world's first genius, and his work in architecture set a high standard for future generations.

“African people have been coming to the Americas for thousands of years before the Europeans, this is why many Europeans knew how to get over to the Americas, based on maps that African people left for centuries.” -Tareeq Nasheed

Before the Europeans came over to the Americas, African people had been coming to the Americas for thousands of years. Many Europeans knew how to get over to the Americas based on maps that African people had left behind. These maps showed where different types of animals and plants were, which made it easier for Europeans to find their way across the ocean.

“I have found the physical evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the men who established the United States of America were literally attempting to recreate Egypt here on the Potomac River.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

In the early days of America, there was a lot of talk about how to create a new country. The men who established the United States were looking to Egypt for inspiration. They believed that if they could recreate Egypt here on the Potomac River, then America would be a success. The physical evidence is clear and indisputable- the men who founded America were indeed trying to create Egypt.

“If you want to win, cast aside your white god, embrace your African spirit, you are free.” -Dutty Boukman

Today, there is a growing movement of people around the world looking to abandon their white god and embrace their African spirit. The rationale for this shift is that the white god has failed them in the past and that it's time to look to someone or something else for guidance and salvation. Proponents of this belief system say that by rejecting white supremacy and embracing black culture, they can finally achieve peace, prosperity, and harmony in their lives.

“So if you understand African symbols and the mythology associated with those African symbols you can go anywhere in the world and reclaim your history and culture.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

If you understand African symbols and the mythology associated with those African symbols, you can go anywhere in the world and reclaim your history and culture. Symbols and stories from all over Africa can be found in various places around the world, from art to currency to traditional medicine. There is no one right way to do this, but learning about these symbols and their origins can help you connect with your heritage and explore new places.

“The earliest examples of castle building are found in an area that is now known as Nubia. If you were to go to the Nubian museum, in Aswan, Egypt, you will find a model of a castle, with a moat, draw bridge, fortifications, all of the architectural elements we would associate with castles of any part of Europe, existed in Africa as late as 1800 BC, before there was civilization in Europe.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

Nubia is a region in southern Egypt that once bordered the ancient kingdom of Kush. The area is now known for its archaeological sites, including the Nubian Museum, which has an exhibit on castle buildings. The earliest examples of castle buildings are found in Nubia. These castles were built by the people of Kush, who were a nomadic people who drove cattle and chariots across the region.

“Africa must revert to what it was before the imperialists divided it. These are artificial divisions which we, in our pan-African concept, will seek to remove.” -Robert Mugabe

Africa was once one continent, but it was divided by the imperialist powers into what are now known as African countries. The imperialists made these artificial divisions in order to control Africa and its people. We, in our pan-African concept, believe that Africa should be united again under one government. We will fight for this goal until it is achieved.

“What they do, the western media, they will take footage of a war torn area, they will even get old footage and show war torn areas of Africa. They did that with the KONY 2012 propaganda not too long ago. And they will try to pretend that this is what all of Africa looks like.” -Tareeq Nasheed

The Western media is a powerful tool that can be used for good or bad. Some people believe that the Western media is biased and that it often shows war-torn areas in a negative light. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, some journalists use their power to promote awareness of important issues. For example, journalists have documented the atrocities taking place in wars in Africa.

“Judaism, Christianity and Islam are merely fragments from the periphery of the African spirtual system that you call Voodoo.” -Professor James Small

The spiritual system practiced in Africa known as Voodoo is a rich and diverse tradition that is rooted in the African diaspora. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are merely fragments from the periphery of the African spiritual system that you call Voodoo. These religions have had little impact on the Voodoo worldview and practices. Voodoo is a polytheistic religion that believes in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who are all connected to nature.

“The latest African symbol in DC is the exterior of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is home to one of the newest symbols in Washington DC- an exterior designed by Nigerian artist, Olusegun Obasanjo. The brightly colored mural, which covers an entire side of the museum, tells the story of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the present day. The piece, which was completed in 2016, has quickly become a popular spot for tourists and locals to take photos.

“In 1986 I created the ‘Egypt on the Potomac’ field trip, which I identify here in Washington DC, architectural symbols that are directly related to Kemet, ancient Egypt.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

This quote talks about how the author created an Egyptian (African) experience field trip right in Washington DC.

“How can Africa be so poor and yet materially be so rich? -Dr. Umar Johnson

Africa is one of the poorest continents on Earth, yet it is also home to some of the richest mineral resources. The continent has a vast array of natural resources like oil, gas, diamonds, and gold. Despite this wealth, Africa remains one of the poorest regions on the planet. What is holding Africa back from achieving true economic development? Some argue that Africa's poverty is due to its lack of human capital.

“We have been socialized to believe that monument honors George Washington, first president of the United States but that monument is not an obelisk, obelisk is a Greek word, that monument is a tekken. A tekken is an African word that identifies the resurrection of Ausar, who was Ausar? Ausar was a founding father, the first president of Kemet if you will.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

In the United States, we are taught that the monument dedicated to George Washington is an obelisk, not a tekken. The word "tekken" is a African word.

“We have to remember that not all of our ancestors were enslaved. Though every African who was brought to America was brought as a slave, roughly 10% of them were freed by the start of the civil war.” -Dr. Henry Louis Gates

Though every African who was brought to America was brought as a slave, roughly 10 percent of them were freed by the start of the civil war. This includes both those who escaped from slavery and those who were born into it. Despite this fact, many people in the United States are unaware that even more Africans were liberated before the Civil War than during it. This is due to the way that information about American slavery is typically presented.

“Everytime you see something great on the African continent, they attribute it to somebody else.” -Ashra Kwesi

This is usually followed by a proclamation that Africa is not capable of doing anything on its own or a lament about how everything on the continent is a disaster. While there are undoubtedly some amazing things happening on the African continent, the truth is that most progress has come from the hard work and ingenuity of its people.

“We have architectural symbols right here in the nation’s capital that mirror that African connection.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

Washington, D.C., is known for its monuments and architecture, but there's more to the city than just its impressive structures. The city also has a rich history that includes ties to Africa. This connection can be seen in the city's architectural symbols, which mirror African culture and tradition. Here are five examples of how the architecture of Washington, D.C.

“Jomo Kenyatta said when the Europeans first came to Africa, the white man had the bible and the black man had the land. The white man asked the African to close their eyes and pray. When they opened their eyes the white men had the land and the black man had the bible.” -Dr. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene

When the Europeans first arrived on African soil, they brought with them a new way of life. The white man had the bible and the black man had the land. The white man asked the African to close their eyes and pray. When they opened, the white man said that he had given them what was rightfully theirs. However, this story is not unique to Africa. It has been repeated throughout history by people of all races and backgrounds.

“I am in love with Mother Africa as a premise, and I encourage people of African descent to embrace their African heritage, notwithstanding all of its issues, to understand their connection. So culturally I think it’s critical to claim who we are. What happens to a child who doesn’t know its mother? And the richness here of that history.” -Donald Temple

The idea of reconnecting with one's ancestral homeland is something that resonates with many people around the world. For many African Americans, this ancestral connection is often overshadowed by negative experiences related to racism and colonialism. However, this disconnection does not have to be a permanent state. By embracing our African heritage, we can gain a better understanding of our connection to the continent and all of its inhabitants.

“Philosophy is a Kemetic word that really speaks to the knowledge of the soul.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

Kemetic philosophy is based on the belief that all things are connected, and that we are all one. This philosophy has many important lessons for us as individuals, and it can help us better understand our place in the world. Kemetic philosophy is also very peaceful, and it teaches us to be kind and gentle toward others.

“In an attempt for western powers and European historians to distance Africa from Egypt, they try to pretend that Egypt and the rest of Africa is totally different.” -Tareeq Nasheed

Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Egypt is often viewed by Western powers and European historians as a completely separate entity from Africa. This is largely due to the large influence that Egyptian culture has had on the rest of the continent. However, this view is beginning to change as researchers are starting to recognize that Egyptian and African cultures are actually quite similar.

“It’s one straight line that is related to African history, African mythology, African culture, African symbolism, that connects African people with African American people.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

The slave trade was one of the most horrific chapters in African history. It played a significant role in shaping African American culture and heritage. One of the most visible traces of this legacy is the link between African people and African American people. This connection is often traced back to the slave trade, which brought many Africans to America and forced them into slavery. Over time, this connection has become a source of strength and unity for both groups.

“What we call the African and the communities that person lived in, is where the concept of religion comes from.” -KRS ONE

The African concept of religion is vastly different from the one practiced in the Western world. There are numerous gods and goddesses, each with their own personality and agenda. Belief in these deities is essential to the way of life in many African communities. The origins of this unique religious tradition are difficult to pinpoint, but it is likely that it developed over centuries as people came into contact with different cultures.

“There is no evidence of cannibalism in Africa.”-Dr. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene

Inuit accounts of cannibalism involve eating the flesh of someone who has died, but this behavior is not found in any other cultures in the region. There are a few reports of isolated cases of people engaging in cannibalism, but they are almost always the result of extreme starvation or desperation.

“When we can reposition these fragmented pieces in a coherent manner they become the solution to the problems that plague not just African people in America but African people all over the world.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

African Americans are scattered throughout the United States, but they share a common history and culture. The challenge for African Americans is to build a common identity and strengthen relationships among themselves. There are many ways to do this, including creating community organizations, celebrating African American heritage and culture, and engaging in political activism. One way to strengthen relationships among African Americans is to create a shared understanding of their history.

“This shows that the African/Asian connection is still there, they still carry on some of the African cultures and traditions in certain parts of Asia.” -Tareeq Nasheed

The African Asian connection is still there, they still carry on some of the African cultures and traditions in certain parts of Asia. One such example is the way that the African and Asian cultures intersect in food. There are many different types of food that come from both continents and share some commonalities. For example, both cultures are big on rice and noodles, and they often combine these staple dishes with different flavors and spices to create unique dishes.

“They created something called the ‘Subsaharan African’ meaning that the Africans below the Sahara desert were somehow disconnected from the Africans in the north. -Tareeq Nasheed

The Subsaharan African meaning that the Africans below the Sahara desert were somehow disconnected from the Africans in the north is a controversial topic. The idea has been around for centuries, but there is no concrete evidence to support it. Some say that this meaning comes from the physical geography of the area, while others argue that it has more to do with cultural differences. Regardless of its origins, the Subsaharan African meaning remains an important part of African history and identity.

“And the reason why the west keeps emphasizing them as Moors, they don’t want you to see these are the same Africans that we got enslaved, that have given us the wealth of knowledge that has allowed us to enslave you.” -Professor James Small

 The term has been used by the West to refer to those who were enslaved and taken to America, and it has also been used as a reference for the wealth that America has acquired because of this slave trade. It is argued that these same people are the same Africans who have given America knowledge and culture

“ It is clear to anybody with eyes to see, that the most prominent African symbol in America is the so-called Washington Monument.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

The monument, which was built in honor of George Washington, is a towering tribute to American black history and culture. The monument is located in Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the White House. The iconic structure has also become a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

“If you want to convince a group of people that everything about them is negative, what you have to do is tell them that where they are from is a negative place. This is what they have done to black people. They say to black people, you are negative, you are bad because Africa is negative and Africa is bad, so the images that we have of Africa are the underbelly, we always see the propaganda, the warfare, but we never see the other side.”-Tariq Nasheed

No matter where you go in the world, people will tell you that your home country is a negative place. For black people, this is especially true. Southern Africa is no exception. Despite the fact that South Africa has made progress since the end of apartheid, many blacks view it as a racist and oppressive society. This attitude is reinforced by popular media, which frequently portrays black South Africans as criminals or victims. Yet despite these negative perceptions, there are also pockets of hope.

“Many times when people speak of Africa, they exclude Egypt. I think, and many of my colleagues think, that excluding Egypt from Africa would be like taking Greece and Rome out of Europe, it would be just a huge void.” -Runoku Rashidi

Egypt is one of the most ancient and powerful countries in Africa. It is also one of the most diverse, with a population of over 90 million people. Egypt is home to some of the world's great archaeological sites, including the pyramids of Giza and Karnak. It is also an important economic and political center, with a thriving tourism industry. Egypt is often forgotten when people speak of Africa, but it deserves to be included in any discussion of the continent.

“So it tells me that it’s a signature of our ancestors. That they are here, and if we understand that they are here, and if we align ourselves spiritually and mentally with their presence, we become the vessels in which they can work through. By them working through us, guiding us, and protecting us, it lays the foundation for us to rebuild Africa right here in the United States of America.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

It seems that everywhere we look, there are reminders of our ancestors. From the architecture and landscapes, we see to the customs and traditions that still persist, it's clear that they left their mark on the world. But what does this mean for us? How can we connect with them and harness their power? There is no one answer to this question, as each person must find their own way of connecting with ancestors.

“I shall continue to insist that our sovereign countries work to achieve the United States of Africa.” -Muamar el Gadafi

There are a few things that we take for granted when it comes to our ancestors. For example, we inherit their physical characteristics, like hair and eye color. But what about the aspects of their personality and behavior that we share? It turns out that many of these signature traits can be traced back to our genetic makeup. This is something that recent research has shown through studying the DNA of ancient people.

“Africans brought their cargo of knowledge into Europe, helped to influence and start civilization there, and Europeans began to travel to the source of that knowledge to get more knowledge for themselves.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

African knowledge and wisdom have always been a large part of European culture. This is especially evident in the way that Europeans have traveled to Africa in search of knowledge. Africans had a large impact on European civilization, and Europeans were often able to learn from them before traveling to the source of African knowledge. Africans also helped to spread Christianity throughout Europe. This mixture of cultures has led to a rich history for both Africa and Europe.

“All of the major universities in Europe, where the physicians, and scientists and the teachers were all studying were in Spain and Portugal, run by Africans that the west called Moors.” -Professor James Small

These universities had a tremendous impact on European culture and society. They contributed to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the Scientific Revolution.

“Only when the enslavement of Africans started to produce wealth for Europe did this notion of color racism become a reality, most of the great saints of Europe are black, almost every church in Europe has a black Madonna and child.” -Professor James Small

The African enslavement of Europeans is often seen as the root cause of color racism in Europe. This is not entirely accurate, however. The reality is that color racism did not begin to take hold until the wealth started to come from the African enslavement of Europeans. This wealth allowed Europeans to start building great churches and institutes of learning. Almost all of the great saints of Europe are black, and almost every church in Europe is affiliated with a black church.

“There is more jungle in Europe and Asia than there is in Africa.” -Dr. Umar Johnson

This is a metaphorical quote indicating that Europe and Asia tend to have more jungle-like ways of life than can be found in Africa.

“Without a doubt Africa has its wetland and its greenery, some of the most beautiful animal and animal kingdoms in the world. But most of Africa is not jungle, there is more jungle in the other continents.” -Dr. Umar Johnson

Africa has many natural habitats, but the great majority of it is desert or grassland. This is not unusual for continents. The Americas have a similar situation. Nonetheless, Africa has more than its share of wetlands and other moist environments. These habitats support an extraordinary variety of animals and plant life. One of the most significant concentrations of these habitats is in the Congo Basin, which is also one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.

“Ausar was an African who was resurrected, and the symbol of his resurrection is the tekken. So the tekken is the oldest symbol of resurrection known to mankind, it is the symbol that represents the resurrection of an African man. And inside the so-called Washington Monument is the symbol, above the elevator and plaque of George Washington that makes that direct cultural reference.” -Dr. Anthony Browder

Ausar's resurrection is significant because it is the first known mythical occurrence of a person being resurrected after death. The tekken is the oldest symbol of resurrection known to mankind, and it is the symbol that represents the resurrection of an African man. Ausar's resurrection is significant because it demonstrates that there is a possibility for life after death.

“Africa was not a primitive place at all, the people there were very advanced.”-Runoku Rashidi

They had their own form of writing, religion, and way of life. They were able to build big cities and have complex societies. The people in Africa were very skilled in many areas of life and were very advanced for their time.

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