Her book’s main strength resides in how it reminds of us of this highly consequential neglect. Otele’s remedy is to help fill these gaps by exploring how Africans experienced life in Europe, from the third century to the present. “African European” shares with “African American” a chronologically and geographically muddled meaning. Otele’s book broadens out as it reaches the Renaissance, offering commentary on racism, social mobility, and assimilation during the period. In particular, she points to the lamentable omission of the important role that Black women played in the history of Africans in Europe.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 10, 2021 16:47 UTC