The Rise of African Queens & Warriors with Paula Akpan

This episode of our Resisting Empire series tells the story of Eduardo Mondlane: scholar, activist, and founding president of Mozambique’s liberation movement, FRELIMO. Born under Portuguese rule, Mondlane’s early encounters with colonial oppression shaped his lifelong beliefs. He used every opportunity to challenge the systems of empire that sought to define him. As FRELIMO’s leader, Mondlane blended intellect with strategy, urging that true freedom meant building a fair and inclusive society. His assassination in 1969 cut short his vision, but his words, a luta continua “the struggle continues” became a rallying cry for Mozambique’s fight for independence and for liberation movements across Africa. https://culturecustodian.com SOURCES: Africa Today Vol. 26, No. 1 (1st Qtr., 1979), pp. 19-24 (6 pages)Published By: Indiana University Press Review of African Political Economy, Vol. 32, No. 104/105, Oiling the Wheels of Imperialism (Jun. - Sep., 2005), pp. 309-315 FRELIMO (Britannica article) Sansone, L.  (2023, December 13). Eduardo Mondlane. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History.  Mozambique's Eduardo Mondlane: From professor to freedom fighter (BBC Witness History) Eduardo Mondlane: The man behind Mozambique’s unity The Struggle for Mozambique (Eduardo Mondlane) Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of our Resisting Empire series tells the story of Eduardo Mondlane: scholar, activist, and founding president of Mozambique’s liberation movement, FRELIMO. Born under Portuguese rule, Mondlane’s early encounters with colonial oppression shaped his lifelong beliefs. He used every opportunity to challenge the systems of empire that sought to define him. As FRELIMO’s leader, Mondlane blended intellect with strategy, urging that true freedom meant building a fair and inclusive society. His assassination in 1969 cut short his vision, but his words, a luta continua “the struggle continues” became a rallying cry for Mozambique’s fight for independence and for liberation movements across Africa. https://culturecustodian.com SOURCES: Africa Today Vol. 26, No. 1 (1st Qtr., 1979), pp. 19-24 (6 pages)Published By: Indiana University Press Review of African Political Economy, Vol. 32, No. 104/105, Oiling the Wheels of Imperialism (Jun. - Sep., 2005), pp. 309-315 FRELIMO (Britannica article) Sansone, L.  (2023, December 13). Eduardo Mondlane. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History.  Mozambique's Eduardo Mondlane: From professor to freedom fighter (BBC Witness History) Eduardo Mondlane: The man behind Mozambique’s unity The Struggle for Mozambique (Eduardo Mondlane) Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of our Resisting Empire series explores the life of Samory Touré, the 19th-century West African leader who built an empire across Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. Known as the “Napoleon of Africa,” he modernised his armies, outmanoeuvred the French for over sixteen years, and used scorched-earth tactics to hold back European expansion. But Samory was more than a military strategist. He united diverse groups under Islam, pursued bold ambitions, and ruled with authoritarian discipline that left deep divides. Captured in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, his legacy remains complex — both celebrated as a symbol of resistance and remembered as a ruthless conqueror. PSA: You Are African First Before Anything REFERENCES Samory - African History (journal article) Samori Touré (1830-1900) Quand les empires se faisaient et se défaisaient en Afrique de l’Ouest : le cas Samory Touré (in French) West Africa the fight for survival Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of our Resisting Empire series explores the life of Samory Touré, the 19th-century West African leader who built an empire across Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. Known as the “Napoleon of Africa,” he modernised his armies, outmanoeuvred the French for over sixteen years, and used scorched-earth tactics to hold back European expansion. But Samory was more than a military strategist. He united diverse groups under Islam, pursued bold ambitions, and ruled with authoritarian discipline that left deep divides. Captured in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, his legacy remains complex — both celebrated as a symbol of resistance and remembered as a ruthless conqueror. PSA: You Are African First Before Anything REFERENCES Samory - African History (journal article) Samori Touré (1830-1900) Quand les empires se faisaient et se défaisaient en Afrique de l’Ouest : le cas Samory Touré (in French) West Africa the fight for survival Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We travel back to the ancient world to spotlight Queen Amanirenas of the Kushite Empire. Known as one of the most powerful Kandake (queen mothers) of Kush, Amanirenas led her people in defiance of Rome after the conquest of Egypt. From fierce battles and guerrilla tactics to symbolic acts, her story reveals how Kush resisted Rome’s expansion and secured a peace treaty on their own terms. We also explore the rich history of the Kushite civilisation, where women held rare political and military power, and Meroe thrived as a hub of trade, culture, and iron production. ⁠A Day at Haset's House - Helen Demlew ⁠ ⁠Agojie: Dahmomey's Warrior Women (2022)⁠ Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We travel back to the ancient world to spotlight Queen Amanirenas of the Kushite Empire. Known as one of the most powerful Kandake (queen mothers) of Kush, Amanirenas led her people in defiance of Rome after the conquest of Egypt. From fierce battles and guerrilla tactics to symbolic acts, her story reveals how Kush resisted Rome’s expansion and secured a peace treaty on their own terms. We also explore the rich history of the Kushite civilisation, where women held rare political and military power, and Meroe thrived as a hub of trade, culture, and iron production. ⁠A Day at Haset's House - Helen Demlew ⁠ ⁠Agojie: Dahmomey's Warrior Women (2022)⁠ Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s a great episode from the archives of the wonderful Trapped History podcast – where hosts, Oswin and Carla, share hidden stories of unsung heroes.In this episode, they introduce us to one of the most important – and most overlooked – cultural icons of the last 60 years: John La Rose. Helping to forge a Black British identity, John set up dozens of political, cultural and community organisations and campaigned for justice for the victims of police brutality and of the New Cross Fire. So it seemed obvious – and right – to name a street in his honour. But the backlash over the renaming of Black Boy Lane threw John and everything he stood for back into the cultural and political spotlight.So tune in for this celebration of John’s life as Oswin and Carla — joined by their very special guest the magnificent Joris Lechene — try to understand how a simple street renaming can ignite intolerance and expose racism.And as a bonus, you also get to hear Joris's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here’s a great episode from the archives of the wonderful Trapped History podcast – where hosts, Oswin and Carla, share hidden stories of unsung heroes. In this episode, they introduce us to one of the most important – and most overlooked – cultural icons of the last 60 years: John La Rose. Helping to forge a Black British identity, John set up dozens of political, cultural and community organisations and campaigned for justice for the victims of police brutality and of the New Cross Fire.  So it seemed obvious – and right – to name a street in his honour. But the backlash over the renaming of Black Boy Lane threw John and everything he stood for back into the cultural and political spotlight. So tune in for this celebration of John’s life as Oswin and Carla — joined by their very special guest the magnificent Joris Lechene — try to understand how a simple street renaming can ignite intolerance and expose racism. And as a bonus, you also get to hear Joris's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with journalist, historian and speaker Paula Akpan to explore her debut book When We Ruled—an illuminating retelling of twelve pre-colonial African queens and warriors whose reigns spanned Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, South Africa and beyond. Driven by a passion to fill the silences of mainstream history, Paula takes us through her research journey—navigating fragmentary archives, oral traditions and the toughest chapters to untangle. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We sit down with journalist, historian and speaker Paula Akpan to explore her debut book When We Ruled—an illuminating retelling of twelve pre-colonial African queens and warriors whose reigns spanned Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, South Africa and beyond. Driven by a passion to fill the silences of mainstream history, Paula takes us through her research journey—navigating fragmentary archives, oral traditions and the toughest chapters to untangle. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book   We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices