Identity and the African Renaissance: A Reading in Ali A. Mazrui’s Thought

Abstract:
    Identity and the African Renaissance is one of the key issues in modern and contemporary African thought, particularly in post-colonial Africa, due to its significance in defining what Africa means. African thought has presented diverse and varied perspectives on the meaning of African identity and the African Renaissance. Among these perspectives, Ali A. Mazrui's vision stands out as a noteworthy approach, as it seeks to reconcile the different cultural influences that shape African identity. This study examines Mazrui's perspective on identity and the African Renaissance by highlighting his interpretation of the cultural heritage of Black Africa and the necessity of harmonizing the three major influences that have shaped African identity. Additionally, the study explores Mazrui's views on the African Renaissance and his proposed strategies for Africa to break free from Western dependency. Furthermore, the research discusses the issue of African unity alongside Afro-Arab unity as a means of confronting Western threats to both the African and Arab nations.