When I was in school I got told my ancestors were enslaved and before that they were swinging from trees. Then I learned that my African ancestors created the first civilisations, while in Europe they were still living in caves.
Now I teach in schools and I tell young black men about Ancient Egypt, Kush, Timbuktu, Sudan and the Congo. I educate them about the noble Nubians and how they brought Egypt to new heights. I tell them about the Moors and their integral involvement in the renaissance, how they brought hygiene to Europe. If it wasn't for their ancestors fighting themselves free, slavery would have continued. I teach them about Mansa Musa I of Mali – the 14th century African king who was named the richest person in all history.
I just want you to know that African history did not start with slavery.
Slavery interrupted African history.