About Paul Joseph

Course Orientation

It’s time for orientation! Before we can dive head first into the curriculum, it’s important for us to establish norms, cover essential geography, and most importantly get aquatinted!

Rise of African Civilization

5 million — 10,000 B.C.E.

Time travel back to the dawn of humanity on the continent that gave us all life, Africa. From the first humanoid types in the forests of the east, to ancient gold mines deep in the southern savannah, we will investigate the first technology ever created, the black woman that gave birth to us all, and a mysterious astronomical calendar that could be the oldest in the world.

The Wet Period

10,000 B.C.E. — 3000 B.C.E.

Next stop, the Green Sahara! Although it may appear to be a giant box of sand, the largest in the world at that, the Sahara Desert in North Africa is far from dead! Not only are there still cultures and kingdoms that cut right across this heat haven, but it was once full of grassland, monsoon rains, and lush forests. With vegetation and water comes animals and people with their sophisticated astronomical technology, advanced mummification techniques, and dazzling rock art. All you have to do is dig deep enough and you’ll find an entire historic world hidden beneath the sand.

The Golden Glorious Age Part I

3,000 B.C.E. — 1,000 B.C.E.

Ah, the moment we've all been waiting for; Egypt. Or wait a minute, Kemet? Or is it Twi? She has many names, but her might is known all over the world. Lesser known, however, is her beautiful twin sister to the south, The Kingdom of Nubia. Egypt has long been viewed as the searchlight in Ancient Africa, illuminating an otherwise dark continent. Strap in because over the next three courses, we’re busting right through this myth. We’ll explore the many Kingdoms and Queendoms that existed in the Sahara Desert and along the Nile, from the mouth of Lake Nalubaale in Uganda to the emptying of the delta into the Mediterannean Sea.

The Golden Glorious Age Part II

3,000 B.C.E. — 1,000 B.C.E.

The first documented Woman Pharaoh, The Mystery of the Tichitt-Walata Ruins, Creation Myth Along the Nile

The Golden Glorious Age Part III

3,000 B.C.E. — 1,000 B.C.E.

The Rise and Fall of the New Kingdom, The significance of Pharaoh Hatshepsuts Reign, The Annexation and Liberation of Kush

The New Guard Part I

1,000 B.C.E. — 700 C.E.

The significance of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt, The rise and fall of Meroë and Axum, African entanglements in early Hebrew and Christian Theology

The New Guard Part II

1,000 B.C.E. — 700 C.E.

Why the Kushite capital switched from Napata to Meroë, The significance of the kentake warrior queens of Meroë, The development of Religion, indigenous script, and pyramid building in Meroë and Sedeinga

The New Guard Part III

1,000 B.C.E. — 700 C.E.

The mystery of Ancient D’mt in Eritrea , The rise and fall of the Axum Empire in Ethiopia , The mystery of the Somali “city states”, Opone and Malao, The mystery of Ancient Rhapta and Azania along the Swahili Coast (Tanzania and Kenya)

The New Guard IV

700 C.E. — 1791 C.E.

The rise of the Great Ghana in West Africa, The mystery of the Ikom Monoliths and Nok Civilization.

The Age of Mega Empires Part I

700 C.E. — 1791 C.E.

The fall of the Ghana Empire, The rise of the Mali Empire, The significance of Islam in Africa

The Age of Mega Empires Part II

700 C.E. — 1791 C.E.

The rise and fall of the Songhai Empire, The significance of the Trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean Slave Trade

The Age of Mega Empires Part III

700 C.E. — 1791 C.E.

8 of the most powerful warrior queens during the Age of Mega Empires, The significance of the Legion of Dahomey Women Warriors”

Age of Mega Empires Part IV

The Age of Mega Empires Part V

How and why the triangle trade worked as an economic system for over 400 years, The origin of race and racism.

The Era of Radical Resistance, Part I

1791 C.E. — 1865 C.E.

“Revolution is in our blood!” said every person of African descent ever. The truth is that slave rebellions began the moment the first Africans were captured by the Portuguese in 1441. Some were even successful like the early Maroon rebellions in Jamaica, Brazil, and Mexico. However this period (1791 — 1865) ushered in a new wave of emancipation by any means necessary, starting down in Haiti. In this class we will explore the blood soaked mirror of two hemispheres, one in the west with freedom fighters that brought a slave system to its knees, and one in the east with freedom fighters pushing to save a continent in peril.

The Era of Radical Resistance, Part II

Students will be able to explain The key role Afro-European intellects played in changing the radical narrative, The key role Maroon societies played in preserving African traditions, and inciting slave rebellions throughout the Western Hemisphere,The conundrum of African empires building alongside white encroachment and oppression, When the abolition of slavery occured throughout the Western Hemisphere and why

The Period of Gains and Losses Part I

1865 C.E. - 1921 C.E.

“We’re free, now what?” By the turn of the 20th century every nation in the Western Hemisphere had abolished descent-based slavery. But while liberation in one form was happening across the Americas, Africa was being carved up like a cake by European powers. This vociferous period is a kaleidoscope of dramatic highs and lows. Over the next two classes, we will explore this volatility. On one hand, a new, black, upper class of inventors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and public intellectuals was blazing new trails across the globe. On the other hand violence, discrimination, and anti-black policies threatened their very existence.

The Period of Gains and Losses Part II

1865 C.E. - 1921 C.E.

“We’re free, now what?” By the turn of the 20th century every nation in the Western Hemisphere had abolished descent-based slavery. But while liberation in one form was happening across the Americas, Africa was being carved up like a cake by European powers. This vociferous period is a kaleidoscope of dramatic highs and lows. Over the next two classes, we will explore this volatility. On one hand, a new, black, upper class of inventors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and public intellectuals was blazing new trails across the globe. On the other hand violence, discrimination, and anti-black policies threatened their very existence.

The Renaissance Period

1921 C.E. — 1939 C.E.

Fast, flashy, and fly, this era ushered in a new wave of black art, intellectualism, and most importantly, resistance! In this class we will explore two decades of unapologetic blackness. As the struggle for human rights continued, black people sought to create autonomous spaces of cultural expression free from the white gaze. Black organizations such as the UNIA created opportunities for repatriation back to Africa, the Communist Party opened its arms to black leaders, and the anti-colonial movement in Africa was gaining steam. Full of life, vibrance, and color, this period was truly unlike any other. The music was loud, the skirts were short, and the fish fries were jumpin’!

The Renaissance Period II

The Progressive Era

1939 C.E. — 2020 C.E.

Everyone thought “The Great War” was World War I, and then came World War II. The largest and most deadly war in human history, this conflict ushered in an era of unstoppable political change. New technology, mass media, and renewed ideals of democracy and freedom brought racial tension and social justice center stage post war. In this final course installment we will explore just how the recent Black Lives Matter Movement is directly linked to African Independence, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power struggle, and other post World War II fights for freedom.

The Progressive Era II