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Mansa Musa I, also known as Musa Keita I, was the tenth emperor of the Mali Empire, one of the largest empires in West Africa. And he is the richest man in history with estimated wealth of over $400bln. He ruled from 1312 to 1337 and is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in history. Mansa Musa I was born in 1280 in the town of Niani, located in present-day Guinea. He was the son of Faga Laye, a legendary leader of the Mandinka people who founded the Mali Empire and was also the brother of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire.

Mansa Musa I came to power after Abu-Bakr II, who reportedly went to explore the lands beyond waters of Atlantic Ocean. Mansa Musa I was appointed as his successor due to his vast wealth and military might. Mansa Musa I was known for his immense wealth and generosity. He was a devout Muslim who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 accompanied by a caravan of thousands of people and carrying a vast amount of gold, which he distributed along the way. This pilgrimage made him famous throughout the Middle East and Europe, where his wealth and power were widely noted.

During his reign, Mansa Musa I helped to expand the Mali Empire by annexing new territories and establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring states. He also encouraged the spread of Islam throughout the empire and built many mosques and Islamic schools. Mansa Musa I was also a patron of the arts and commissioned the construction of many impressive buildings, including the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, which is still standing today.

Mansa Musa I died in 1337 and was succeeded by his son, Maghan I. He is remembered as one of the most influential and powerful African rulers in history and his legacy lives on today in many ways. His pilgrimage to Mecca and the immense wealth he displayed during his journey inspired many leaders and traders across the world, and his legacy helped to establish the Mali Empire as one of the most prosperous and influential in the region. His patronage of the arts and architecture also helped to establish a rich cultural heritage in West Africa that continues to flourish today.

Phillis Wheatley was indeed a significant figure in American history, particularly for her accomplishments as a poet. Born in West Africa, likely in Senegal or Gambia, around 1753, Wheatley was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of seven. She was transported to Boston, Massachusetts, where she was purchased by John Wheatley as a domestic servant for his wife, Susanna Wheatley. Recognizing Phillis Wheatley’s intelligence and potential, the Wheatley family provided her with an education. Wheatley quickly learned to read and write English, and she also studied Latin, Greek, and various subjects including literature, history, and theology.

Wheatley’s remarkable talent for poetry became apparent at a young age, and she began composing her own verses. In 1770, when she was around 17 years old, Wheatley’s first published poem, “On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin,” appeared in the Newport Mercury newspaper. This marked the beginning of her journey as a published poet. Over the following years, Wheatley’s poems gained recognition and acclaim. In 1773, at the age of 20, Phillis Wheatley’s collection of poems titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” was published in London. This publication made her the first African American and the first enslaved African to have a book of poetry published.

The collection included elegies, odes, and other poetic forms, addressing themes of religion, morality, and the human condition. Wheatley’s poetry was widely celebrated and gained attention both in the American colonies and abroad. Her work attracted notable figures of the time, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who praised her talent and intellect. Wheatley’s poetry demonstrated her mastery of English verse, classical references, and her ability to engage with contemporary issues. Despite her literary success, Wheatley’s life continued to be challenging. She remained enslaved even after the publication of her book, and she faced ongoing discrimination and prejudice.

In an effort to gain her freedom, Wheatley petitioned the Wheatley family after the death of Susanna Wheatley in 1774. In 1778, Phillis Wheatley was emancipated, thanks in part to the support of abolitionists. Following her emancipation, Wheatley married John Peters, a free Black man, in 1778. The couple faced financial difficulties, and Wheatley struggled to continue her writing career. Phillis Wheatley’s legacy as the first published African American poet remains significant. Her poetry challenged racial stereotypes and demonstrated the intellectual capabilities and artistic talent of enslaved Africans.

Wheatley’s work opened doors for future African American writers and poets, paving the way for literary voices that would come to shape American literature in the centuries to follow.

The story of Benjamin Banneker and his wooden clock is an inspiring tale of ingenuity and accomplishment. Benjamin Banneker, an African American born on November 9, 1731, in Maryland, possessed an inherent curiosity and a strong aptitude for mathematics and mechanics. In 1752, Banneker garnered public acclaim by building a clock entirely out of wood. The clock, believed to be the first built in America, kept precise time for decades. In 1789, Banneker began making astronomical calculations that enabled him to successfully forecast a solar eclipse.

As a young man, Banneker became fascinated with the concept of timekeeping and was determined to build his own clock.Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited access to education and resources due to racial barriers, he was undeterred in his pursuit.Using his self-taught knowledge of clock mechanisms and his exceptional mathematical abilities, Banneker set out to construct a functional clock entirely out of wood. He meticulously crafted each component, from the gears to the pendulum, ensuring the precision necessary for accurate timekeeping.

Banneker’s wooden clock was not just an ordinary timepiece; it was a testament to his brilliance and perseverance. The clock showcased his exceptional craftsmanship and mechanical skills.News of Banneker’s remarkable achievement spread throughout the region, earning him recognition and respect from both white and black communities.His wooden clock became a symbol of African American ingenuity and intellectual prowess in a time when opportunities for African Americans were severely limited.

The clock’s legacy extends beyond its creation. It served as a testament to Banneker’s unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and pursue his passion for knowledge and invention.Banneker went on to become a respected mathematician, astronomer, and writer, making significant contributions to fields such as surveying and almanac publication.The story of Benjamin Banneker and his wooden clock continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary achievements that can arise from the intersection of passion, talent, and perseverance, even in the face of adversity.

The late Patrice Lumumba was the first legally elected prime minister of D.R Congo. He was assassinated in 1961 following a military coup supported by U.S.A & Belgian imperialism which was admitted by US State Dept in 2013 authorized by president Eisenhower. For 126 years, the US and Belgium have played key roles in shaping Congo's destiny. In April 1884, seven months before the Berlin Congress, the US became the first country in the world to recognise the claims of King Leopold II of the Belgians to the territories of the Congo.

In the few months prior to his assassination, Lumumba had been the first elected prime minister of the Republic of the Congo, newly founded on June 30, 1960. A revolutionary nationalist, he was a major leader in the country’s fight for independence from Belgian colonialism. He intended to use the country’s vast resources to improve the lives of the Congolese people. They had endured unspeakable suffering under Belgian rule, with literally millions having died on its plantations and in its mines.

His rise to power alarmed Belgium. While having been forced to grant the Congolese people formal independence, it had no intention of giving them real independence or surrendering its economic interests in the mineral-rich land rubber, ivory, and copper, diamonds, gold & more. Nor did U.S. imperialism. By 1960s, it too was exploiting the Congo’s resources & was determined to expand its economic, political & military influence in Africa. It wanted to establish a compliant, bought-off government that wouldn’t stand in its way & they saw him as a threat.