Understanding the African Diaspora

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.

List 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.

Product details

• Authors: Henry M. Codjoe, Codjoe Henry M.
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 05.12.2025
• EAN: 9781032613987
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3261398-7
• No. of pages: 422
• Series: Routledge Global Africa Textbooks
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Geosciences > Geography; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Sociology, Popular Culture, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Human Geography, Law, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Emigration & Immigration, HISTORY / Africa / General, Africa, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / African, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Immigration, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Black Studies (Global), DRAMA / African, ART / African, International Relations, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Colonialism & imperialism, Migration, immigration & emigration, Regional Studies, Comparative Politics, Migration, immigration and emigration, Social and cultural anthropology, Colonialism and imperialism, Regional / International studies, Literary studies: post-colonial literature, African History, Human Geography, Development Studies, Development economics & emerging economies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Race & Ethnic Relations, Development economics and emerging economies, Black & Asian Studies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Biracial & Multiracial Studies, FICTION / African American & Black / General, HISTORY / African American & Black, ART / American / African American & Black, Literary studies: postcolonial literature, DRAMA / American / African American & Black, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / African American & Black, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Cultural & Ethnic Studies / African Studies, Ethnic studies / Ethnicity