Black authors: More history, please.

Actor Will Smith is producing a movie titled, “The Last Pharaoh.” He is set to play the leading role in the motion picture slated for release in 2013. Who is the last pharaoh? Tirhakah – He ruled both Egypt (Kham) and Nubia (Cush) during the 8th century BC. Tirhakah was the last black African to rule Egypt, known in the Bible as “the land of Ham.” – See Psalms 78:51, 105:23, 106: 21-22.

This production is a major step forward in the motion picture industry. A significant episode in African history will be portrayed by a person of African descent. But, will the audience know enough about Egypt’s 25th dynasty to empathize with the hero? And who, black or white, would believe an African king fighting to save his lands against a white aggressor (Assyria) plausible? In the starring role as King Tirhakah, would Smith be seen as just “playing a role” or truly re-enacting the life of an ancient African king?

After my first, rather pathetic novel was released back in 2001, I explained the book’s premise to a white co-worker. Her reply to the storyline stunned me. She said, “I didn’t know the ancient Egyptians were black. I always thought they were white.” Huh? Then again, why should she think otherwise? Movies and books featuring Africans in history are hardly ever depicted as being black.
Ancient historical fiction is sorely lacking in Black literature. Why is that? I mean, we have a rich history. From ancient Egypt (Kham) – Narmer-Menes war to unite the Two Lands, to Nubia (Cush) and the rise of the 25th dynasty. What about the Axumite King Ezana’s invasion of Cush? Now there’s a topic for a novel. Any takers?

The most popular historical novels are the ones set during slavery. For sure, our history in the West begins here, but what about before our ancestors were enslaved? It is as if our history as a people began during the Middle Passage.

I admit there are challenges to writing fiction set in ancient Africa. The number one hurdle is the research. Many history books gloss over African contributions. The books that should be used to write historically accurate fiction are often riddled with errors, or worse racism. Since my fiction is based upon Scripture, I find it easier to sift out error from fact. The Bible records that Cush (Nubia) and Mizraim (Kham/Egypt) were brothers, both sons of Ham. End of story, for me.
There are those who find non-fiction books too stuffy and boring to read. Especially young people still attending school, reading a history book is like doing homework. But with fiction…you can craft a compelling story and add in some of our history.

Here is my latest attempt: “The Scepter and Diadem.” The novel was released on June 1st, and is now available at Amazon.com. My favorite kind of novel is one with a story that connects ancient events to the present. The Scepter and Diadem opens in ancient Egypt, relating the history of the scepter and diadem, and closes in modern times, telling the story of an aspiring archaeologist named Cher Madison. When Cher purchases the scepter, she learns that the Egyptian relic has a connection to her family’s distant past.
For the first time, I did the formatting for the book’s interior (uh-oh). I used Book Design Wizard 2.0, a software program recommended by author K.L. Brady (cheapindieauthor.blogspot.com). The software can be purchased at Self-pub.net. My book’s cover was designed by Tyora Moody at Tywebbin Designs. She did a great job at a reasonable price.

C’mon, I know you’re out there. You love novels set in ancient Egypt. You know hard facts about the rise and fall of Ghana, Songhay, and Mali. And you yearn to read more novels about it. Maybe even write one. Now you can. The “revolution” in the publishing industry now makes it possible. Black writers no longer have to write for the market. We can now write for the readers. Let’s add more historical fiction to Black literature. So by the time Mr. Smith’s movie is released, people would know that this motion picture is not the work of an artist taking “creative license,” but based on a historical fact.

A Biblical one at that – See 2 Kings 19:9.