The Negro In Ancient History

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Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. In 1869, Blyden published a brief work aiming to enlighten Black individuals about their true mission and destiny, encouraging them to escape bondage and return to their ancestral home to help build a Christian African empire. He asserts that descendants of Ham played significant roles in establishing cities and governments, suggesting that they will also be crucial in the closing of history's great drama. Drawing parallels between the slavery of the Israelites and that of African Americans, Blyden reflects on the disdainful attitudes of certain American politicians towards Black people, likening it to the indifference shown by Pharaoh and the Egyptians towards the Jews. He imagines a council of magicians responding with indignation to Moses, echoing contemporary anti-Negro sentiments. Blyden viewed Zionism as a model for Ethiopianism, advocating for African Americans to return to Africa and aid in its redemption. He emphasized that political independence is essential for economic freedom and urged Africans to resist the neo-colonial strategies of former colonial powers.