Introduction

The Trans-Atlantic slave trade is a dark but essential chapter in the history of humanity, often filled with misconceptions and biases. African historians play a crucial role in untangling the web of truths and falsehoods surrounding this period, yet their efforts are sometimes met with skepticism and even obstruction. This article explores the perspectives of African historians on the role of the slave trade and dispels some common myths.

The Role of African Kings in Slave Trade

African historians argue that African kings sold their enemies into slavery. This practice was a known and legitimate custom in many African societies and is well-recorded in African history. However, this fact is often ignored or downplayed by certain segments of American society, particularly on the political left.

One notable example is the pilgrimage made by Mathieu Kérékou, the former president of Benin, to the Church of the Great Commission in Baltimore in 1999. Kérékou apologized on his knees to African-Americans for the role of African nations in the slave trade. This event highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical role of Africa in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Misconceptions About African Historians

There is a widespread belief that African historians cannot tell the truth due to potential sanctions from big money. This notion is fundamentally misguided. The truth surrounding the slave trade must be scrutinized and debated, and it is the responsibility of historians to uncover the complete picture, regardless of the consequences.

The idea that African nations had a "monopoly" on the slave trade is a significant misconception. Throughout history, slavery existed in various forms across the globe, including within African societies. The Trans-Saharan slave trade and the robust trade in slaves from the southern part of the Sahara across the Mediterranean Sea to the Middle East was well-established long before the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The Nature of Slavery in Africa

Slavery in Africa was not the same as the chattel slavery that defined the New World. Slaves in many African societies were often treated as indentured servants. They could be rehabilitated into full members of their society over time, a stark contrast to the lifelong conditions of chattel slavery in the Americas.

A notable example is the character of Ikemefuna in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Ikemefuna, though technically a slave, was treated as a member of the family and even saw himself as part of the community. This reflects the complexity of slavery in Africa, where the institution was not as rigidly defined as in the New World.

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: A Mercantile Enterprise

The Trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic slave trades can be seen as mercantile enterprises. African tribal leaders had the option of keeping their captives or selling them for Western goods. The decision often came down to the better deal offered by the buyers, whether European or Arab.

African tribes that participated in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, such as the Asantes, Mandinka, and Bakongo, were not aware of the nature of chattel slavery in the New World. For them, slavery was often synonymous with indentured servitude, with the hope of eventual rehabilitation into society.

Historical Context and Legacy

Today, discussions about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade often center around the role played by African nations in selling their citizens to the Americas. While understandable, this perspective might overshadow the broader context of generational chattel slavery. The longevity of slavery in places like North America and Brazil was due more to the brutality of plantation owners and the economic needs of the colonies than the practices of African societies.

Historians must focus on educating the public about the complex and nuanced nature of slavery across different cultures and time periods. This includes acknowledging the historical facts and dispelling the myths that perpetuate misunderstandings.

Conclusion

The historical legacy of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade is a subject of ongoing debate and research. African historians play a critical role in providing a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of this dark period in human history. By doing so, they help to dispel misconceptions and foster a more nuanced dialogue about the interconnectedness of global history.