Gil Scott-Heron's song "Black History / The World" is a critique of the distortion and erasure of African history and the negative portrayal of African cultures by the Western world. The lyrics imply that history, as taught and interpreted by those in power, often presents a biased and unreliable perspective, hence the term "His story." The song begins with the narrator reflecting on the past and attempting to uncover the truth about African history by sifting through the remnants of information. They express that there has been a deliberate effort to ensure that the truth about Africa and its civilizations is obscured and misrepresented in order to maintain a narrative of Western superiority. The song then discusses how white colonizers claimed Africa as their own, dismissing the existence and achievements of native Africans. The notion of Africa being uncivilized is debunked, pointing out that Africans had developed their own forms of civilization, culture, and knowledge, including medicine, art, and communication methods like drumming. The lyrics also address the exploitation of Africa's resources, such as copper and gold, by colonizers who appointed people to legitimize the theft and deception. The response of native Africans, described as "guerrilla attack," is seen as a justified reaction to colonization and oppression. Throughout the song, the lyrics draw attention to the manipulation of language and the power of words. The renaming of places and the reclassification of regions as "under-developed" or "mineral-rich" reflect how the Western world continues to control and profit from Africa's resources while shaping the narrative to fit their interests. Overall, "Black History / The World" sheds light on the distorted representation of African history and challenges the dominant narrative imposed by Western powers. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history that recognizes and respects the contributions, achievements, and rich cultures of African peoples.
