About the Book
Understanding the African Diaspora offers a clear and engaging introduction to the global movements, histories, and cultural experiences of African and African-descended peoples, from ancient times to the present.
The book traces the wide-reaching impact of the African diaspora, shaped by both forced and voluntary migrations, including the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and more recent waves of movement. It explores how African-descended communities have contributed to and reshaped societies across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, while maintaining enduring ties to the African continent. Each chapter presents key historical developments, cultural expressions, and political struggles, supported by maps, timelines, and infographics that help bring complex topics into focus. Students are introduced to major debates in the field and regional case studies that highlight the diversity and resilience of African diasporic life.
Designed especially for courses in African Diaspora Studies, this textbook is also well-suited for African and African American history and related programmes. Its accessible structure and interdisciplinary approach make it ideal for undergraduate students, educators, and general readers seeking a strong foundation in one of the most significant and far-reaching movements in global history.
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
PART I: General Background
Introduction
1. Foundations of the African Diaspora
PART II: The Global African Diaspora
2. The African Diaspora in North America
3. The African Diaspora in the Caribbean
4. The African Diaspora in Latin America
5. The African Diaspora in Brazil
6. The African Diaspora in Europe
7. The African Diaspora in Asia Pacific
8. The African Diaspora in Arabia and the Mediterranean
PART III: The African Diaspora Experience
9. Resilience and Resistance
10. Rebellion and Liberation
11. Homeward Bound
12. The New African Diaspora
13. Reparations and Repair
14. Global Anti-black Racism
PART IV: Footprints and Accomplishments
15. Conclusion: The Global Historical Impact and Contributions
INDEX
About the Author :
Henry M. Codjoe is Director Emeritus of Institutional Research and Adjunct Professor at Dalton State College, USA.
Review :
"This book provides a comprehensive overview on the major themes and perspectives about the study of the African diaspora and makes an excellent contribution to a range of related disciplines: Diaspora studies, cultural studies, history, political science, African studies, Afro-Hispanic studies, and Luso-Brazilian Studies. Henry Codjoe here undertakes the crucial task of providing a much-needed specificity to the category of diasporic writing."
Yaw Agawu-Kakraba, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
"The histories of African people in the diaspora have often been overlooked and under-documented in global scholarship. This book offers a groundbreaking and comprehensive exploration of high-quality literature that informs scholars, administrators, and educators about the intricate legacies, lived experiences, sufferings, and contributions of Black people in the diaspora. By addressing foundational issues and illuminating forgotten narratives, the author provides a vital agenda to advance understanding and recognition of the African diaspora, shaping a deeper appreciation for the enduring impact of Black contributions on the world."
Alex Kumi-Yeboah, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education, University at Albany, State University of New York
"In a world marked by constant migration and resettlement, understanding various diasporas—their identities, origins, motivations, dreams, aspirations, achievements, and vulnerabilities—requires careful examination. Henry Codjoe’s Understanding the African Diaspora serves as a valuable introductory resource for such an inquiry. He provides compelling insights into the historical impact of slavery on Black African diasporas across the Americas, Europe, and beyond, while also exploring their paradoxical role in shaping the wealth, social structures, and cultural landscapes of these regions. This work is a significant contribution to Black African studies and global literature on the transformative power and potential of modern diasporas."
Annette Isaac, former Adjunct Research Professor and Instructor, Department of Political Science, Carleton University
"Henry Codjoe brings to bear decades of experience in this comprehensive study of the African diaspora from its foundations to its impact on the world today. By bringing together a global perspective and interdisciplinary approach, Codjoe's clear and well-researched survey will provide a valuable textbook for any course on the subject."
Jeff Stanley, Associate Professor of History, Dalton State College
"Dr. Codjoe has conducted a comprehensive study of the African diaspora, going beyond the transatlantic slave trade to provide a global perspective. His work explores various aspects of the diaspora, including rebellion, resistance, and resilience, as well as its profound influence on cuisine, religion, and the arts. This study serves as an invaluable resource for both scholars and students."
Judy Cornett, Emeritus Professor of American History, Dalton State College
"Henry Codjoe’s massive and well needed undertaking, Understanding the African Diaspora sheds light on a growing field of study, one that has been underappreciated until recently. Codjoe is a compelling storyteller who invites the reader into the story through his captivating words which act as a guide to the African Diaspora. Codjoe’s work is essential as the study of Black history has been placed under a microscope, and he provides a valuable introduction into the field for the student and novice alike."
Seth A. Weitz, Professor of African American History, Dalton State College
