Global Africa: Profiles in Courage, Creativity, and Cruelty

This book of 100 essays profiles pan-African figures from Africa and its diaspora, covering historical and political figures, technocrats, activists, writers, public intellectuals, musical and film artists, and sporting figures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 470 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive collection of 100 essays, spanning the three post-apartheid decades, offers insightful profiles of prominent figures from across the African continent, as well as from the African diaspora in the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean. It delves into the lives and legacies of key individuals who have played significant roles in shaping "Global Africa," encompassing a diverse range of historical and political figures, technocrats, activists, writers, public intellectuals, musical and film artists, and sporting icons. Among the notable figures featured in this book are:

Cecil Rhodes: A prominent British colonialist and statesman who played a significant role in the colonization of Africa.
Kwame Nkrumah: The first Prime Minister of Ghana and a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement.
Nelson Mandela: A South African anti-apartheid activist and former President who became a symbol of freedom and reconciliation.
Thabo Mbeki: The former President of South Africa who advocated for social justice and democracy.
Mobutu Sese Seko: The former President of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) who was known for his authoritarian rule.
Idi Amin: The former President of Uganda who was known for his brutal regime and human rights abuses.
Barack Obama: The 44th President of the United States, the first African American to hold the office.
Margaret Thatcher: A British politician who served as Prime Minister during the 1980s and was known for her conservative policies.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali: The former Secretary-General of the United Nations who played a key role in international diplomacy.
Kofi Annan: The former Secretary-General of the United Nations who advocated for global peace and development.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: The former Managing Director of the World Bank and a prominent economist.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: The current President of South Africa and a prominent feminist and anti-apartheid activist.
Adebayo Adedeji: A Nigerian economist and author who has written extensively on development and economics.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A American civil rights activist and leader who fought against racial discrimination and segregation.
Wangari Maathai: A Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who championed sustainable development and women's rights.
Ruth First: A South African anti-apartheid activist and political leader who was a key figure in the struggle against apartheid.
Chinua Achebe: A Nigerian author and critic who is widely regarded as one of the most important African writers of the 20th century.
Wole Soyinka: A Nigerian playwright, poet, and novelist who has explored themes of African culture and identity.
James Baldwin: An American writer and social critic who explored issues of race, sexuality, and identity in his writings.
Maya Angelou: A American poet, author, and civil rights activist who was known for her powerful and inspiring poetry.
Toni Morrison: An American novelist and essayist who is celebrated for her novels that explore African American culture and history.
Bell Hooks: A American feminist scholar and social critic who has written extensively on issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
Buchi Emecheta: A Nigerian author who is known for her novels that explore the experiences of African women and the African diaspora.
Ali Mazrui: A Kenyan scholar and author who has written on African politics, culture, and history.
Edward Said: A Palestinian-American academic and critic who has written extensively on the politics of the Middle East and the relationship between Western societies
Angela Davis: An American political activist, philosopher, and scholar who has been a prominent voice for social justice and human rights.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Nigerian musician, composer, and political activist who was known for his Afrobeat music and his political activism against Nigerian government corruption.
Bob Marley: A Jamaican musician and singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Michael Jackson: An American singer, dancer, and performer who was known for his iconic music and his groundbreaking dance moves.
Burna Boy: A Nigerian musician and songwriter who is known for his unique blend of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and R&B music.
Asa: A Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer who is known for her soulful and introspective lyrics.
Muhammad Ali: An American boxer and social activist who was known for his activism against racial discrimination and his outspokenness on social issues.
Pelé: A Brazilian soccer player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, with numerous records and achievements.
Eusébio: A Portuguese soccer player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, with numerous records and achievements.
Diego Maradona: An Argentine soccer player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, with numerous records and achievements.
Viv Richards: A West Indian cricketer who was known for his fast bowling and aggressive batting style.
Jonah Lomu: A New Zealand rugby player who was known for his speed, agility, and powerful running.
Hakeem Olajuwon: A Nigerian basketball player who was known for his dominant scoring and rebounding abilities.

These individuals, among many others, have left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the course of history and inspiring generations to come. While this book is not for sale in Sub-Saharan Africa, it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the diverse and remarkable individuals who have contributed to the rich tapestry of African and global culture.

Weight: 1052g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032667126