The University of Sierra Leone marked the founding of Fourah Bay College (FCB) by displaying an impressive list of alumni including Heads of States, Governors, Heads of industry, clergymen, etc. to underscore the university’s contributions to the making of modern West Africa. That history has been well explored in writings by Robert July, Ade-Ajayi, Adu Boahen, etc. and remains at the heart of much historical scholarship about modern West Africa. FCB and Sierra Leone were crucial parts of the transformations that West African societies began to experience from the 19th century. However, they were not the only forces of change. Other revolutionary forces resulted in new state building in the Sudan, in the demise or readjustments of states in the forest regions, in political and economic transformations in the Bights of Biafra, in increasing European imperialism leading to colonial conquest by the end of the century, and in the reconfiguration of gender and generational roles, all which cumulatively reference the mid-19th century onwards as a revolutionary era.
The new states, cities, movements, and ideas that were forged during the 19th century will be marking new centenaries. Among them, the founding of Abeokuta in 1830 represents such a response to Atlantic, Sudanic, regional, and internally generated ideas and forces. Abeokuta was not the only one; the era was marked by constitutional readjustments as West African societies responded to global, Sudanic and Atlantic induced ideas and forces.
What does 200 years of existence, bridging geographical and cultural milieus of life and society, mean for West African states and societies today? What stocktaking needs to be done? How might the historical process aid our knowledge of life and society in West Africa? How might this history contribute to promoting opportunity and resolving crises? How should centenaries and jubilees be celebrated?
This Roundtable/panel invites an exploration of the significance of centenary celebration to the culture and history of West Africa. Beyond historical account which may serve as necessary background, focus will be on ways of highlighting the historical significance and impacts of centenaries. Authors will explore the importance of programs, festivities, symbols and monuments, biographies, and social movements, and discuss what a befitting duo-centenary should be about.
Please indicate your interest by sending a title and abstract to ooduntan@towson.edu by March 14th.
