Afrocentrism: Mythical Pasts and Imagined Homes (original) (raw)

This paper critically examines the concept of Afrocentrism, articulating its historical context and scholarly underpinnings through the works of notable figures such as Marcus Garvey, Franz Fanon, and Walter Rodney. It argues that while Garvey's advocacy for Black self-empowerment holds merit, the Afrocentric movement often misinterprets and misrepresents historical narratives, resulting in a disconnection from essential economic analyses integral to addressing Afro-American challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the dangers of extreme Afrocentrism, cautioning against its potential to perpetuate racial thinking rather than liberate black thought, and emphasizes the need to acknowledge the broader spectrum of Black Nationalism that extends beyond identity politics towards a common agenda for social and economic justice.