Afrocentrism

Noun. (The adjective is Afrocentric.)

A term first used in the 1960s, referring to an African-American inspired ideology, which also took root other Eurocentric-dominated societies, including Southern Africa. It evolved, and is often still used, as a counter-ideology to the perceived domination by Western or European values in the region - also known as Eurocentrism.

Proponents of Afrocentrism conceptualize an African heritage, often denying or minimizing Western or European cultural influences.

The concept gained academic stature in the 1980s and 1990s. See also for example such works as The Afrocentric Idea by Molefi Kete Asante, (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1998) and The Afrocentric Paradigm by Ama Mazama, (ed.). (Trenton: Africa World Press,, 2003.)

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