Recapturing the African Mind
By Bruce Bridges
By Bruce Bridges
Over the years, his interactions with persons of African decent from all walks of life - the degreed and the un-degreed, the affluent and the impoverished, the conscious and the unconscious- led to his inescapable and often quoted conclusion “we are out of our african minds!”
It is a commonly accepted truism that one of the first steps to recovery from an addiction is recognition by the individuals that s/he indeed has an addiction. Therein lies the premise of Recapturing the African Mind. Bridges understands that in order for us to recapture our African minds, we must first recognize that we are out of our minds.
He begins the book by taking the reader back into antiquity in order to appreciate the genius of the natural African mind. He then delves deeply into researching the methodologies employed by Europeans in their scheme to divest Africans of their minds in order to rob them of their land, labor and natural resources. The only manner in which such a massive and incredible undertaking could be effectuated by a minority of people against a majority of people was through psychological warfare under the guise of Christianity. In Recapturing the African Mind, Bridge examines how the utilization of this methodology led to the saying, “When Europeans arrives in Africa, Africans had the land and Europeans had the Bible. When Europeans left, Europeans had the land and Africans had the Bible. - Forward excerpt by Mary Wright, October 2005
Amazon Reviews:
- Dr. Bruce Bridges has written a great history book here, but in an easy to read and condensed manner. This book is a necessity in progressive high schools and college campuses throughout the U.S.--particularly now, when so many African American males are failing in the education system and being imprisoned. With a "renewing of their minds", and them learning WHO they are and of their proud history, perhaps the tide of negative headlines can be turned around. - Pamela R. Purifoy
- Brother Bruce Bridges in thought, had giving birth to this project titled, "Recapturing the African Mind" published 2006, long before it actually became a published work; thus as an idea, it had its inception some twelve years ago. Bridges through a tedious process and long hours of revisions and transcriptions, is now prepared to give birth to a work that will rank beside the works, authored by some of the most well respected African centered thinkers and intellectuals in America. This book thoroughly investigates the affects Christianity had on the social and psychological development of African people. It is a must read for all the serious minded African-centered scholars and lay persons. Brother Bridges has picked up the torch left by our African elders John G. Jackson and John Henrik Clarke two of our greatest African intellectual warriors. This article will give the reader a behind the scene look at the author and my journey with him. Moreover, I accompanied Bridges on numerous trips to North Carolina State University perhaps in the early 1990's at the invitation of Dr. Thomas Hammonds who was a professor of French language and Culture in the North Carolina State University Foreign Languages and Communications Department. Dr. Hammonds was attempting to establish and develop a Black Studies program and curriculum, in which students could receive major and minor degrees in this discipline. - Sylvia B. Knight
- Knowledge is healthy and benefits the whole of humanity. Keep knowledge flowing and transparent.This book is an open tapestry of a very important segment of history, showing the manifestations and results of fear, greed, and hope. Hope, love,education, and knowledge should always be a welcome tool in humanities journey. - Essence
