Chelle Shocked: African Royalty...Kings and Queens of Color

A few weeks back, I found an article in the Atlantic Black Star dated last year that named 10notable African Kings and Queens and I was determined to make this the first research of my cultural study. Where we all began is from Africa, and I would hate to think there was a total disconnect from that history granted I know nothing of my ancestors, my true name or tribe affiliation.

Mansa Musa, a 14^th century emperor of Mali whose wealth in today’s dollars exceeds $400 billion. While under the Mansa’s quarter of a century rule, peace and prosperity were at at an all-time high in Mali.

The first of any West African ruler, Mansa Musa’s documented 4000 mile pilgrimage to the holy Muslim city of Mecca in 1324 introduced him to rulers and civilizations in the Middle East and Europe. With 600,000 followers and servants and over 80 camels carrying vast amounts of gold, Musa delved out so much gold to charities and those in need that a brief decline in the market's value ensued only to recover in Cairo about 10 years later.

Upon his return, Arab scholars, government bureaucrats and architects brought a higher realm of Islamic education and cultural additions to the city. Libraries, universities and the

still existing Djinguereber Mosque [shown to the right], of Timbuktu were a few of the sights that brought inquisitive visitors to the city.
This increased the economy of Mali by becoming a most sought after location and gathering place of poets, scholars and artisans. For the times, Musa’s kingdom was regarded as the center of Islamic Sub-Saharan Africa.

Unfortunately after his rule, the kingdom suffered eras of separation and eventual befalling of conquering the once connected lands beyond recovery. This in turn removed the vast fortunes into other lands.

For a more detailed description of the history of Timbuktu and Mali, please
check out the video below from Muslim News Magazine TV.
It’s about a forty minute document but considering the accomplishments
and slight knowledge of the area by most, it is worth the listen.