CLASS OVERVIEW

Before Europe had castles, Ghana had kings, gold, and game-changing greatness—learn the truth they never taught us in school.

Class 19: Ghana Empire – The Original Gold Standard

Before the world even knew what “rich” looked like, the Ghana Empire was already making it happen. In this eye-opening class, we peel back the lies of the miseducation system and dive into how Africans built wealth, power, and purpose—centuries before Europe could catch up. Dr. Aden breaks it down—how gold and salt made Ghana the envy of the world, how Black leadership ran sophisticated governments, and how our stories were passed down not in books—but in rhythm, in song, and in truth.

This ain’t just history—it’s a reminder of who we already were before they tried to tell us who we’re not.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.
• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.
• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.
• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #19 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UxIMhc02aEtxZZ04bAlMlDc0q4UFCBgDNh5y3KKMMXQ/edit?slide=id.g349286b23de_0_5#slide=id.g349286b23de_0_5

These Google Slides contain the slide for two classes, Class 19: History of the Ghana Empire (Part 1) – Dr. Aden and Class 20: History of the Ghana Empire (Part 2) – Dr. Aden.

CLASS OVERVIEW

Focusing on labor systems and enslavement in pre-colonial West Africa. It explores the Mande social hierarchy, different forms of servitude, and the cultural, legal, and moral frameworks that shaped these systems before European colonization.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #18 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-KJPcEXo5zveT6CkykaDVSJGP7lbwHvYho0mYyoebeY/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

These Google Slides contain the slides for two classes, Class 17: West African History: Social Structures Part II – Dr. Aden and Class 18: West African History: Social Structures Part III – Dr. Aden.

CLASS OVERVIEW

Discusses topics such as social structures, blacksmith and griot traditions, oral epics like the Sunjata Epic, the influence of West African music, and the historical role of artisans, potters, and leatherworkers. The lecture connects ancient cultural practices to modern African and African American heritage, illustrating the continuity of linguistic, artistic, and spiritual traditions across the African diaspora.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.
• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.
• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.
• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #17 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-KJPcEXo5zveT6CkykaDVSJGP7lbwHvYho0mYyoebeY/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

These Google Slides contain the slides for two classes, Class 17: West African History: Social Structures Part II – Dr. Aden and Class 18: West African History: Social Structures Part III – Dr. Aden.

CLASS OVERVIEW

Discusses geography, social systems, and cultural traditions of West Africa—covering topics like the tripartite caste system (nobles, artisans, and enslaved persons), blacksmithing, griot oral traditions, and the Sunjata Epic. The session also touches on colonial influence, Islamic expansion, and modern geopolitical issues in the Sahel, blending historical insight with contemporary relevance.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.
• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.
• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.
• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #16 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1egi3IpjFXpvn20gT8pDazFe2gVJGJfgVaY__o5BHJ_0/edit#slide=id.p

CLASS OVERVIEW

Topics include the Mali and Ghana Empires, the Bantu migration, trade routes, the Sahara’s ecological history, Islamic influence, and the role of horses, salt, and rivers in shaping societies. The lecture emphasizes Africa’s historical sophistication, challenging Eurocentric narratives and highlighting the continent’s cultural, linguistic, and intellectual depth.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.
• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.
• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.
• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #15 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13rn2KbAnqtk6fgzQf4PCMqBZ0eli1CxNOLYxVb8IsDY/edit#slide=id.p

CLASS OVERVIEW

It explores the early kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, emphasizing their political systems, trade networks, and cultural developments. The lecturer discusses topics such as Islamic influence, oral traditions, art, and social hierarchies, alongside the region’s role in global history.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.
• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.
• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.
• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #14 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aisk7Tc4wUViQgIYq3VfcQX4vKGDla1zPfreZgWN3TE/edit#slide=id.p