Kirjahaku

Robert Johnson Ghartey saw no limits to what he could achieve. As a young man, he rejected traditional paths of fishing and farming, and learned a different trade. Through this, he became an influential business entrepreneur. In addition, Ghartey played an important role in local politics and found ways to improve the lives of those in his community. There is no doubt Ghartey left his mark in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), as a nineteenth century leader and agent of change. In telling Ghartey's story, the author hopes to encourage children with different dreams to pursue their destinies past challenges that they may face.

Phillis Wheatley was about seven years old when kidnapped and sold to slave traders. She endured the horrifying journey to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761. In her owners' home, she learned to read and write English and began to compose poetry. Due to racism in the North American colonies at the time, an English agent published her book in Great Britain. Wheatley became the first Black poet in America. She proved that Africans or Black people have creative abilities and opened the door for the acceptance of literary works by people of African descent. Today, buildings, societies, and clubs are named in Wheatley's honor.

Taytu Betul became the Empress of Ethiopia in 1889 and believed in putting the interests of her country above European expansion plans. As a result, she willingly went to war against Italy preserving Ethiopia's independence, leading her own contingent of soldiers. Empress Taytu prevented Ethiopia from being colonized. The Ethiopian victory over Italy was an important event in the Pan-African movement, inspiring other African countries to fight for independence in the 1900s.

Who was King John Aggery of the Gold Coast? He always caused good trouble, becoming the first traditional leader to fight against British authority. He set a precedent for sending petitioners to Britain as a form of protest. Aggery was deposed and exiled, but he established a critical foundation for bringing together different sections of society to work on common interests. Aggery believed in self-determination and lost his kingship and liberty in the pursuit of his ideals. Aggery's civil liberties activism serves as a reminder to all that no matter the challenging conditions, an individual's desire for change can make a difference across generations.

Labotsibeni Mdluli began the journey for the Kingdom of Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) independence when she became Ndlovukazi, or queen mother, in 1890. For thirty-two years, she fiercely fought for the rights of the Swati. Labotsibeni stood up against colonial oppression, restored dignity to the kingdom's monarchy, and established a western-style education system in her country. Some historians write that the Kingdom of Eswatini exists today because of Labotsibeni's courage and determination to protect her people. Labotsibeni truly lived up to the meaning of her middle name, indomitable or unshakeable.

Throughout Africa, communities respect the baobab tree as central to life. As a result, its giant trunk, unusual shape, and long life have given rise to folklore, such as an ability to "swallow up" maidens. Ghana's well-known proverb, Knowledge is like the trunk of a baobab tree; no one's arms are long enough to wrap around it, refers to the limitless boundaries of wisdom. Wisdom that, in this proverb, is likened to the African baobab's usefulness. The baobab serves people from birth to death, providing food, water, clothing, rope, shelter, feed for animals, and a tomb for burial. Read about the rich contribution of this majestic giant of the African bush to the life of the communities to which they belong.

Kandake Amanirenas was an African queen from Nubia who defeated the Roman Empire, winning several battles and capturing Roman cities. Even after she was blinded in one eye, when her wound healed, she returned to the war front to defend Kush. Her courage, bravery, and determination to maintain Kush's independence from Rome earned her a place in history. She is known as the "fierce and one-eyed queen Candace," who, rather than give in to the Romans after years of battle, negotiated a favorable peace treaty that endured long after her death.

The Kingdom of Mwene Mutapa, also known as Monomotapa, existed in southern Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers for over one hundred years. Mwene Mutapa flourished under its kings through structured government systems and trade across the Indian Ocean. It is believed that the people of Mwene Mutapa discovered all the gold in present-day Zimbabwe and developed effective mining techniques. Mwene Mutapa began to fall for many reasons, including conflict caused by different groups claiming rights to the throne, intrusion from Portuguese traders, and threats from a new, growing state to the southwest of Mwene Mutapa. The history of Mutapa is important because it is an example of a wealthy and organized state in southern Africa that existed before the advent of European traders.

Awura Abena Pokua, a royal from the Kingdom of Asante, who became known by other names including Abraha Pokou and Abla Pokou, embodied wisdom and grace. This Asante noblewoman left her home in present-day Ghana with many others after a succession dispute. Historians write that this dispute occurred after the death of Osei Tutu I, King of Asante, in 1717. Awura Abena Pokua led the migrant group through thick forests in West Africa, evading warriors sent by Osei Tutu I's successor. Awura Abena Pokua made a heartbreaking sacrifice to ensure the group's survival on the banks of the Como River. Awura Abena Pokua and the migrants then traveled inland and founded the Baule Kingdom in what is now the R publique de C te d'Ivoire (Republic of Ivory Coast). Awura Abena Pokua tells the story of her journey from Asante to Baule.

Empress El ni of Ethiopia was born a noblewoman in Hadiya. In 1445, El ni became the wife of Emperor Zara Yaqob. El ni guided the reign of her husband and four other emperors and fearlessly challenged the leading role men played in society as an empress, queen mother, and regent. Empress El ni was an author, diplomat, and leader who cared deeply about her subjects. Empress El ni remained active at the Ethiopian court until her eighties. Empress El ni's story will inspire girls and women everywhere to rise above difficult circumstances and fulfill their destinies.

Rose Amankwaah was born in Kumasi, Ghana. Very early in her life, she showed signs of having "swift feet." However, it never dawned on Rose that she had a gift until secondary school when she won events at the Inter-Houses and Inter-Colleges games. Rose Asiedua, as she was then known, would go on to win international championships, hailed as the "fastest woman in Africa." Rose moved to the United Kingdom in her early twenties and continued to train while she attended nursing school. After her dream of becoming an Olympian was shattered, Rose shifted to building a career at the Central Middlesex Hospital, rising from staff nurse to theater matron. Rose retired in 2024 after almost half a century of service. She believes in giving every endeavor one hundred percent commitment, a mantra that served her well. Now a retiree, Rose shares with younger generations tips on how to live a life of dedication.