Introduction to Black Studies

Introduction to Black Studies, which was first published in 1982 and subsequently revised, is a textbook written by noteworthy black scholar Maulana Karenga. The book is an Afrocentric investigation and validation of the social, intellectual, and sociological claims of historical relevance to Western civilization by people of African descent. The question in academic settings was always, “Can you prove that Black Studies is relevant for curriculum inclusion?” Introduction to Black Studies answers this question not only by proving the relevance of Black Studies but also by addressing many related questions with intellectual authority. This textbook is thought provoking and presented in a way that enables teachers at high school and college levels to begin an extended dialogue with their students that promotes racial pride. It helps teachers and students to understand that Black Studies as a discipline is important because it focuses on the black contribution to the social fabric of society.

Karenga understood that to close the historical gap created by years of denial and neglect of Africans' contribution to society, there had to be a model that identified and introduced the basic social, intellectual, and philosophical elements in the Black Studies curriculum. To rescue blacks' place in history and set the record straight on black thought and practice, and in answer to the demands of college students during the black social movement of the 1960s and 1970s, there had to be a fundamental process of information gathering and reporting. The voices of protest and challenge heard across the country from blacks of all ages were clamoring for affirmation of their African identity, and it was imperative that Afrocentric intellectuals respond. Karenga's Introduction to Black Studies answered that call with legitimate evidence that both delineated the territory of Black Studies and introduced a plan of action for extended research and inquiry.

The book is organized in order of historical relevance, with the events of black civilization accompanied by evidence of their historical, social, political, and intellectual credibility. It begins with a summary of black history that covers the basic definition of black studies, followed by its origins, relevance, and scope. Karenga describes seven basic areas of the black experience—history, religion, social organization, politics, economics, creative production, and psychology— and includes study questions and references for further exploration of each area. He also explores the challenges and possibilities inherent in the black experience.

Introduction to Black Studies is a fundamental textbook and a prerequisite for intercultural, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary curriculum design in many academic areas. Scholars may resist Black Studies as a separate discipline, but they can no longer deny the importance of black contributions not only to Western civilization but to civilization as a whole. Historically, blacks either were excluded from textbooks or represented in a way that was rooted in misinformation and prejudice. This book challenges such practices by providing evidence of significant black thought and practice. It is thus understandable that the chapter outlining black history is the largest chapter in Karenga's book. After an introduction that includes historical background and definitions, the book covers [Page 277]the vast sweep of Africans' history from 800 B.C.E. to the present, including sections such as “African Background,” “European Slave Trade,” “Africans in America,” and “Civil Rights of the 70s and 80s.” Areas of both Black Studies and Africana Studies are interwoven in the contents of this book. Maulana Karenga is to be applauded for his profound intellect, courage, and forethought, as his Introduction to Black Studies dispels all speculations about Black Studies as a relevant discipline of study.

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