Black Women In History - Dr. John Henrik Clarke

Black women, just like other women have been ignored in historical study. Black women were pivotal contributors to African history. Every freedom struggle, war, or challenge Black women were a part of. African societies although still male dominated, did accept women in power. Europeans when they colonized different parts of the globe, brought their cultural values in regards to women. When Christianity became a dominant religion in Europe, women's status lowered. Women's status in Africa was higher compared to Europe. Women in ancient Egypt could own property and inherit land . Ancient Greek civilization sought to control women by force of law. Dr. John Henrik Clarke eloquently articulates "that men oppress women because they fear them in authority." The fact that matrilineal inheritance was a major foundation of African society, proves that women were valued. Social studies must work to incorporate women's history into a standard curriculum for students. A society that degrades women will only create circumstances that will lead to its destruction.