African Presence in Ancient America

by Ivan Van Sertima

a review by Jansen Estrup

Outstanding - well documented tracings of voyages, migrations and trading secrets which go far toward solving mysteries in the Old and New World - of cultural similarities which had heretofore seemed impossible to reconcile with Euro-centric versions of history. Centuries before Columbus or even Eric the Red, commerce and exploration between Africa and the Americas blossomed, and an entire African kingdom seems to have migrated across the Atlantic to South America.

It was also exciting to read Van Sertma's discussion the plotting and avarice by Columbus against his Queen (the ultimate reason for the adventurer's downfall), and soul-crushing to see the consequence of his 'conquest' and enslavement of the native populations which fell under his sword, diseases and domination.

Although decidedly patri-linear in tone, I highly recommend this book as a starting point for anyone looking to understanding the place in 'our world' of 'people of color' ...