Africa has always been a place of bustling trade and vibrant cultures—its markets once echoed with the sounds of merchants haggling over salt, gold, textiles, and more. Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, an esteemed anthropologist, praises the scope of this history in The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade. She considers this scholarly work essential for anyone who wants to dive into Africa’s maritime contributions. Her words set the stage for an engaging journey through centuries of commerce and cultural exchange.
Shaping Economies Across Continents
Africa’s role in global trade isn’t a brief footnote. For centuries, African marketplaces formed the lifeblood of economies spanning continents. Many have heard about Ancient Egypt’s agriculture and the gold caravans of Mali, but there’s more to the story. The Swahili Coast evolved into a powerhouse of maritime routes, linking Africa with Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. These connections fostered a remarkable exchange of goods, ideas, and art—leaving a lasting impact on world trade.
The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade offers a clear overview of these vital connections. Developed by the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, this textbook introduces readers—especially middle school students—to forgotten or overlooked narratives of African influence. Its lessons invite critical thinking about Africa’s art, music, and architecture. Readers discover how African designs shaped global aesthetics and how trade routes cultivated cross-cultural ties. There are exercises and interactive questions designed to deepen comprehension. They spark discussions on how ancient commerce affects modern economic systems.
Dr. Kim Cliett Long also addresses the harsh realities of human enslavement in global trade networks. She acknowledges the historical complexity of these systems while stressing Africa’s enduring legacy as a dynamic force in commerce. Her focus on presenting multiple perspectives helps students grasp the interconnectedness of world civilizations. Readers come away with an appreciation for Africa’s relevance to economics, culture, and innovation.
Inside the Textbook’s Vision
At the heart of this project lies Dr. Kim Cliett Long’s passion for making history accessible. She’s an award-winning educator whose background spans K-12 schools, higher education, and distance learning leadership. She developed The First Marketplace to speak directly to young learners—arming them with knowledge they can carry for a lifetime.
This textbook isn’t only about facts—it offers an immersive experience. It shows how African empires shaped trade routes through their resource management, navigational expertise, and entrepreneurial systems. The author reveals that African art and music traveled these routes, influencing societies on multiple continents. Stories of bustling port cities stand alongside accounts of cultural practices that shaped collective identities. Students meet historical leaders who forged diplomatic bonds through commerce, transforming local economies into thriving global markets.
The First Marketplace features artwork by Jonathan Green, an internationally recognized artist known for celebrating African and Gullah culture. His cover design reflects the energy and resilience that fueled Africa’s trade networks across centuries. It’s a visual reminder that trade involves people, dreams, and creative expression as much as it involves profits or goods.
Behind the Author’s Journey
She has served as an educational consultant, guided institutions in policy innovation, and directed distance learning programs. Through this broad spectrum of roles, she witnessed how curriculum choices shape the way students perceive their world.
Her project at the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort aligns perfectly with her commitment to spotlight African and African American maritime history. She believes that understanding Africa’s role in forming the first global economy can change how learners see modern trade. By painting Africa as a crucial player, The First Marketplace inspires respect for cultural diversity and fosters a desire to explore more.
Dr. Long’s journey itself has been shaped by lifelong learning. She’s always sought fresh insights, valued collaboration, and stayed adaptable to new educational trends. She remains driven to highlight perspectives that challenge long-standing assumptions. She encourages readers—especially young ones—to look closer at every story. History, she says, can serve as a guide for today’s decisions and tomorrow’s ambitions.
A Resource for Every Learner
The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade stands as a valuable resource for anyone eager to see history through a broader lens. Educators, historians, and curious minds alike gain a fuller understanding of Africa’s transformative impact on worldwide commerce. The book’s pages highlight gold routes, textile trades, and vibrant port cities—traces of how Africa advanced cultural and economic systems that span centuries.
This textbook is now available for purchase online and in select bookstores. It stands to enrich social studies curricula, economic studies, and cultural discussions. Its engaging narrative, hands-on activities, and carefully curated imagery come together to form a comprehensive look at Africa’s monumental role in global trade.
For media inquiries or review copies, readers can reach out to Dr. Kim Cliett Long at klong@aamaritimehistory.org or call 843-790-3233. Everyone who reads this book walks away with a new perspective on the past—one that celebrates Africa’s marketplace traditions and shows how they continue to influence the world.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I’m Dr. Kim Cliett Long, an educator, historian, and author dedicated to uncovering and sharing narratives that have shaped world history. My work centers on African and African American contributions to trade, culture, and economic systems, particularly in maritime and port city histories. I am also the Project Administrator for the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where we explore the legacy of African-descended peoples in the development of colonial and modern port cities.
Please tell us about your book.
My book, The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade, is a middle school history book that introduces young readers to the concept of early world trade and economics. It highlights Africa as the cradle of civilization and explores how trade networks originating there influenced the development of economies, art, and culture across historic maritime routes. The book dispels misconceptions about Africa’s historical role in global commerce and emphasizes the lasting impact of African trade systems on modern economies.
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey has been one of discovery, education, and advocacy. As an educator and researcher, I have always been drawn to the untold stories that shape our understanding of the world. My work in higher education and cultural institutions has allowed me to explore and amplify the voices and histories that have been marginalized. Writing this book was a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to education—particularly in making complex histories accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
A few key strategies have guided me throughout my career:
• Lifelong Learning: I continuously seek knowledge and remain open to new perspectives.
• Collaboration: Building strong networks with historians, educators, and cultural institutions has enriched my work and expanded its reach.
• Purpose-Driven Work: I stay focused on my mission—to educate and illuminate hidden histories—which keeps me motivated even through challenges.
• Adaptability: The world of education, research, and publishing is ever-changing, so being flexible and innovative has been crucial.
Any message for our readers?
History is not just about the past—it is a guide for the present and the future. I encourage readers, especially young ones, to question, explore, and seek out diverse perspectives in history. Understanding the true scope of Africa’s contributions to world trade and civilization can reshape how we see global economies and cultural exchanges today. Never stop learning and challenging the narratives you’ve been taught!
Thank you so much, Dr. Kim Cliett Long, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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