TED Talks are renowned for their diverse range of thought-provoking videos that really get you thinking – and there are a growing number that shed light on Black history.
Read on to discover three captivating TED Talks to watch this Black History Month.
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story
“By using a single story, we create stereotypes, and the problem is not that the stereotypes are untrue, but they are incomplete.”
Unforgettable words from award-winning Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice in her storytelling.
In the 19-minute TED Talk, Chimamanda cautions about the danger of only telling a single story about another person or country because it risks critical misunderstanding.
Her talk is insightful, inspiring, and informative – told with humour as she confesses her own ‘single story’-telling mishaps, and those told about her.
It’s a well-executed performance that is just as relevant today as it was when it aired in 2009.
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Camille A. Brown: The history of African-American social dance
This video differs from your usual TED Talk as it’s a visual demonstration of African-American art celebrating history through social dance.
Community dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of freedom.
They are not choreographed but are well known by communities, and are customised by individuals.
It’s a fun topic to explore the message behind various dances such as Juba – a dance enslaved Africans used as a language to express themselves on the plantations.
Or the ‘Cake Walk,’ which was performed by slaves for their masters, but unknown to them, their slaves were making fun of them.
Why not give the moves a go yourself?
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Jim Chuchu: Why are stolen African artefacts still in Western museums?
Around 90% of the historical material and culture of sub-Saharan Africa is housed outside of the continent.
As a result, African countries risk losing their history or are unable to trace back significant aspects of their historical roots, such as language, religion, and traditions.
This important watch sheds light on an issue that is not widely known. Thanks to Kenyan Artist Jim Chuchu, who uses his platform to advocate for the return of African historical artefacts, awareness has been growing.
If you know of any interesting TED Talks that celebrate Black History, leave a comment with a link below.
