Little-known ancient history can be empowering, uplifting for our children

The archaeological sites of the Island of Meroe in the Sudan, and formerly the heartland of the powerful Kingdom of Kush, was recently awarded world heritage status by UNESCO.

In ancient times, there were two very rich civilizations located on the banks of the river Nile. One was ancient Egypt, but what was the other one?

A desire to show that Black people have made valuable contributions to the world and history, prompted Barbadian author Kandace Chimbiri to pen a children’s book.

“There is a sad lack of diversity in children’s books today,” Kandace said. I find that I struggle to find good-quality, accurate books about Black history for my god-children. Outside of slavery or the heroic civil rights personalities, there is very little available. I’d long been interested in early African history – i.e. before slavery and colonialism – and I wanted to impart that to the children.”

Along with helping children to see positive role models, Kandace wanted them to know the richness of their history.
“I wanted them to know that Black history is more than just slavery,” she said. I wanted them to realize that Black people do not enter world history as slaves, but in fact have a long history before that which includes kingdoms and empires and contributions to world history.”

After spending more than a year researching, in 2009 Kandace set up her own publishing house, Golden Destiny Ltd. to specialize in non-fiction books for children. She has always been drawn to the classical eras of African history.

“I feel that doing a book for children carries even more responsibility than a book for adults. I had to make sure that everything was correct. Scholars and knowledgeable readers will question facts, especially current beliefs. There is still a widespread perception that African societies only had writing from contact with the Arabs and Europeans. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.”

What Kandace eventually produced was an activity book called Step Back in Time to Ancient Kush.

“I wanted to create an activity book that would reveal the architecture, dress, arts, trade and religion of the ancient Kushites in a fun and interactive manner.”

Kandace admits that the book, while targeted to children ages seven and up, is designed to be used by the child and their parent, guardian or teacher.
“I often have adults of all ages buying the book for themselves. They say “I never learnt this history and I want it for myself!”, she revealed.

Jewellery belonging to Kushite Queen Amanishakheto (10-1 BC) can now be found in Germany. Photo: Copyright © Kunst Museum, Munich.

According to Kandace, Step Back in Time to Ancient Kush, which is available at several bookstores and museums, has garnered some positive feedback from parents and children.
“That makes me feel really happy – it was a big step doing a first project like this, I did not know how people would respond especially as, unfortunately, not many people know about this ancient civilization, she said.

(Taken from a recent interview with K.N. Chimbiri in The Sunday Sun newspaper.)