The Africans: A Triple Heritage

Dr. Ali Mazrui explains how African geography has been the mother of its history, exploring the roles that water, desert, and equatorial climate have played in developing African culture and civilization.

Explores what constitutes "family" in African culture. Examines matrilineal, patrilineal, and polygamous traditions as well as the impact of modern cities on family ties.

The roles of Christian missionaries, Western secularism, Muslim sects, Egyptian pharaohs, and native religions are discussed in visits to Senegal, Zaire, and Egypt.

Traces the colonial economic legacy, the development of slavery, and European control of Africa's natural resources, paying special attention to the roles played by Belgium and Great Britain.

Outlines how urbanization, warrior traditions, European-created national boundaries, the Islamic jihad tradition, and nationalist movements have affected Africa's postcolonial period.

On a continent where more than 70 coups have taken place in the last 30 years, the need for a stable government is critical. Compares African military regimes, one-party states, Marxism in Mozambique, and the styles of the presidents of Tanzania and Zaire.

More than 70 million Africans suffer from malnutrition while their countries export food to Europe. Economic and agricultural failures and successes are examined in Algeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.

In every area of life-dress, behavior, law, worship, and language-the Africans' triple heritage often sends conflicting signals. The African struggle to evolve new and effective ways to live all while preserving African culture is the topic of this episode.

Focuses on Africa's role in international politics and economics. Reviews the country's U.N. participation, cobalt production, and its political crisis in South Africa. Other issues include the International Monetary Fund, food aid, and tourism.