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Africans Quote by John Henrik Clarke

“The people and the cultures of what is known as Africa are older than the word 'Africa.' According to most records, old and new, Africans are the oldest people on the face of the earth. The people now called Africans not only influenced the Greeks and the Romans, they influenced the early world…” quote by John Henrik Clarke
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“The people and the cultures of what is known as Africa are older than the word 'Africa.' According to most records, old and new, Africans are the oldest people on the face of the earth. The people now called Africans not only influenced the Greeks and the Romans, they influenced the early world before there was a place called Europe.”

John Henrik Clarke

About This Quote

Source Book: African History: An Introduction by John Henrik Clarke, 1975

Human cultures in Africa predate the name Africa and are among the world’s oldest, influencing early civilizations before Europe existed.

In simple terms: Africans are the oldest peoples and shaped early world cultures.

Key Takeaway

Recognize Africa’s deep historical contributions.

Themes

history culture identity influence

Mood

proud reflective

Type

historical educational

When to use this quote

  • education curricula
  • museum exhibits
  • public lectures
  • media documentaries

Key Concepts

anthropology civilization heritage

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recognizing Africa’s antiquity change modern identity?
  • What can we learn from early African influences on other cultures?
A Different Perspective

Historical narratives often marginalize African contributions.

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