What will I learn about: Mainstream narratives often equate "European" with "white," overlooking the deep, centuries-old entanglement of African and European histories?

Mainstream narratives often equate "European" with "white," overlooking the deep, centuries-old entanglement of African and European histories.

What will I learn about: Many Afro-Europeans experience a profound sense of displacement, feeling pressured to choose between their European nationality and their Black heritage?

Many Afro-Europeans experience a profound sense of displacement, feeling pressured to choose between their European nationality and their Black heritage.

What will I learn about: Working-class neighborhoods like Sheffield's Firth Park once served as vibrant, multicultural hubs for underground Black cultural movements before falling victim to socioeconomic decline?

Working-class neighborhoods like Sheffield's Firth Park once served as vibrant, multicultural hubs for underground Black cultural movements before falling victim to socioeconomic decline.

What will I learn about: The illusion that "Black Europe" does not exist is largely maintained by marginalizing Black citizens into outskirt housing projects and invisible labor roles?

The illusion that "Black Europe" does not exist is largely maintained by marginalizing Black citizens into outskirt housing projects and invisible labor roles.

What will I learn about: European culture has been heavily shaped by Black history, from the Afropean heritage of classic author Alexandre Dumas to the introduction of jazz in Paris by the Harlem Hellfighters?

European culture has been heavily shaped by Black history, from the Afropean heritage of classic author Alexandre Dumas to the introduction of jazz in Paris by the Harlem Hellfighters.

Afropean

Notes From Black Europe

Johny Pitts

★ 4.5 / 5(36 ratings)

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Categories:

Society & Culture

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡How did Belgium's dark and brutal colonial history in the Congo inadvertently spark the creation of the modern 'Afropean' identity?
💡Why was 1930s Moscow considered a respectful haven for Black intellectuals like Paul Robeson, and what historical events caused the city to fracture into the hostile environment African students face today?
💡In what ways does Sweden’s reputation as a progressive, socialist utopia clash with its hidden realities regarding the global arms trade and the marginalization of its immigrant neighborhoods?

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Key Takeaways from Afropean

✓Mainstream narratives often equate "European" with "white," overlooking the deep, centuries-old entanglement of African and European histories.
✓Many Afro-Europeans experience a profound sense of displacement, feeling pressured to choose between their European nationality and their Black heritage.
✓Working-class neighborhoods like Sheffield's Firth Park once served as vibrant, multicultural hubs for underground Black cultural movements before falling victim to socioeconomic decline.
✓The illusion that "Black Europe" does not exist is largely maintained by marginalizing Black citizens into outskirt housing projects and invisible labor roles.
✓European culture has been heavily shaped by Black history, from the Afropean heritage of classic author Alexandre Dumas to the introduction of jazz in Paris by the Harlem Hellfighters.

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Mind Map

Afropean

Motivation & Context+

France+

Belgium (Brussels)+

The Netherlands (Amsterdam)+

Germany (Berlin)+

Sweden (Stockholm)+

Russia (Moscow)+

Portugal (Lisbon)+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10

What socioeconomic factor primarily led to the decline of the vibrant multicultural community in Firth Park, Sheffield, where the author grew up?

A. The aggressive gentrification of the neighborhood by multinational tech companies.
B. Globalization and free trade eroding the local industries that the community relied on.
C. A massive influx of wealthy expatriates displacing the working-class residents.
D. Strict government housing regulations that forced immigrants to relocate to the suburbs.

Question 2 of 10

How did the 1930s Negritude movement in Paris influence the concept of an Afropean identity?

A. It focused exclusively on assimilating African immigrants into traditional French culture.
B. It successfully lobbied the French government for financial reparations for the Haitian revolution.
C. It brought together Black American artists and intellectuals from French colonies to celebrate Blackness.
D. It initiated the first political party entirely dedicated to electing Black officials in Europe.

Question 3 of 10

According to the book, where did the specific term 'Afropean' originate?

A. From the writings of Alexandre Dumas in 19th-century France.
B. From a political manifesto written by the New Urban Collective in Amsterdam.
C. From the Belgian-Congolese singer Marie Daulne to describe her musical project.
D. From a speech given by James Baldwin during his time in southern France.

Question 4 of 10

In Amsterdam, what is one of the primary goals of the New Urban Collective and their Black Archives?

A. To preserve the forgotten legacy of Afro-Surinamese revolutionaries to mobilize modern Dutch Afropeans.
B. To petition the Dutch government to rename New York districts back to their original Dutch names.
C. To create a purely separatist society for Afro-Surinamese people outside of Amsterdam's red-light district.
D. To advocate for the return of Afro-Surinamese people to their ancestral lands in West Africa.

Question 5 of 10

What striking contrast did Johny Pitts observe when participating in an Antifa march in Berlin?

A. The march was heavily policed, yet the protesters were entirely peaceful and silent.
B. The march protested racist violence against minorities, yet the participants were almost entirely young and white.
C. The march was organized by the Rastafarian community, but focused primarily on German economic policy.
D. The march aimed to celebrate multiculturalism, but openly excluded African immigrants from participating.

Question 6 of 10

According to the book, what 'dubious double consciousness' exists regarding racial justice and immigration in Sweden?

A. Sweden claims to welcome refugees, but secretly deports them to neighboring Scandinavian countries.
B. Sweden provides free education to immigrants, but legally bars them from holding public office.
C. Sweden prides itself on tolerance and aiding refugees, while being a massive exporter of weapons that fuel the wars displacing those refugees.
D. Sweden promotes a socialist philosophy of equality, but enforces strict racial segregation in its healthcare system.

Question 7 of 10

How has the experience of Black people in Moscow changed from the Soviet era to modern times?

A. During the Soviet era, Black people were banned from the country, but today Moscow is a sanctuary for African students.
B. The Soviet Union aligned with Black resistance movements and welcomed African students, whereas modern Russia has seen a sharp rise in overt racism and nationalism.
C. Black Americans were historically targeted by Soviet spies, but modern Russia offers them asylum and political power.
D. The Soviet Union exploited African laborers for industrial work, while modern Russia provides them with highly paid tech jobs.

Question 8 of 10

Why did Johny Pitts consider Marseille to be the 'Afropean bohemia' he had been looking for?

A. It is completely isolated from the rest of Europe, allowing a unique African micro-nation to form.
B. It is the only European city where Black politicians hold a majority in the local government.
C. It possesses an unpretentious, communal working-class spirit where North African immigrants and the white working-class successfully coexist.
D. It is a wealthy, gentrified enclave that exclusively funds African art and literature.

Question 9 of 10

What does the neighborhood of Cova de Moura in Lisbon demonstrate about the modern Afropean experience?

A. That Afropeans are rapidly assimilating into the upper-class neighborhoods of European capitals.
B. That despite being an impoverished, illegal settlement, Afropeans have built a vibrant, tight-knit, and self-sustaining cultural community.
C. That government-funded housing projects are the most successful way to integrate immigrants from former colonies.
D. That strict policing and gentrification have completely erased the Afro-Portuguese culture in the city.

Question 10 of 10

What overarching realization does Johny Pitts come to by the end of his journey across Europe?

A. Black Europeans must choose between identifying as European or identifying as Black, as the two cultures are inherently incompatible.
B. The only way to find a true sense of belonging is for Afro-Europeans to permanently relocate to the African continent.
C. Afropea is not just a historical concept, but a vibrant present with diverse, interconnected communities actively forging a new identity.
D. The legacy of European colonialism has completely eradicated any authentic African culture within Europe's borders.

Afropean — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
21 — In Sheffield, Johny saw his multicultural neighborhood erode under socioeconomic pressure.
32 — Paris uncovered the deep historical ties between Europe, Africa, and Black America.
43 — Brussels’ Black community helped pioneer the emerging Afropean identity.
54 — In Amsterdam, young Afro-Surinamese activists preserve the legacy of African American revolutionaries.
65 — Berlin is home to a whitewashed anti-fascist movement — and a vibrant Rastafarian community.
76 — Stockholm has many Afropean success stories — but can overlook the roots of racial injustice.
87 — Modern Moscow shows little trace of the Soviet Union’s former multicultural ideals.
98 — In Marseille, Johny discovered a small Afropean utopia.
109 — In Lisbon, Afropeans from former Portuguese colonies have created a world of their own.
1110 — Final summary

Afropean Summary & Overview

Afropean (2020) is a travelogue tracing the hidden history and culture of Black people in Europe. Exploring cities such as Paris, Berlin, and Moscow, author Johny Pitts reveals the diversity of African-descendent communities in Europe – and shows how they are forging new identities for themselves beyond the continent’s colonialist legacy.

Who Should Listen to Afropean?

Young Europeans navigating questions of nationality, identity, and community
Backpackers, wanderers, and other travel addicts
People interested in Europe’s hidden Black history and culture

About the Author: Johny Pitts

Johny Pitts is a British writer, photographer, and journalist. His online journal, Afropean, which highlights art, literature, and events from the Afro-European diaspora, has become a network for Black Europeans across the continent. Before the eponymous book, he collaborated with author Caryl Phillips on a photo essay about London's immigrant communities for the BBC.

Afropean

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Afropean — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Afropean

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Afropean — Full Chapter Overview

Afropean Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Afropean?

About the Author: Johny Pitts

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