Did you know that ancient Nubians, thousands of years ago, performed sophisticated eye surgery, including cataract removal, centuries before similar practices emerged in Europe?

Did you know that Afrofuturism, a cultural aesthetic and philosophy, explores the intersection of African diaspora culture with science, technology, and speculative fiction, envisioning alternative futures rooted in Black experiences?

Did you know that the Gelede masquerade of the Yoruba people in Nigeria and Benin Republic celebrates female power and honors the role of women, particularly elder women, in society?

Did you know that Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (modern-day Angola) fiercely resisted Portuguese colonization for nearly 40 years through strategic alliances and military leadership?

Did you know that Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, was so wealthy from gold resources that his pilgrimage to Mecca caused hyperinflation in Cairo due to the sheer amount of gold he distributed?

Did you know that ancient Nubia, particularly the Kingdom of Kush, was a major iron producer as early as the 8th century BCE, predating widespread iron production in other parts of the world?

Did you know that Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic and philosophy that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, history, and Afrocentricity to explore the experiences of the African diaspora and envision alternative futures?

Did you know that the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Nigeria) developed sophisticated bronze casting techniques as early as the 13th century, producing intricate sculptures that are considered masterpieces of African art?

Did you know that the Ishango Bone, discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a prehistoric tool dating back over 20,000 years that suggests early understanding of mathematical concepts like prime numbers and multiplication?

Did you know that Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, was so wealthy that his pilgrimage to Mecca caused economic disruption due to the devaluation of gold in the regions he visited?

Did you know that the Oromo Gadaa system, a traditional democratic system in Ethiopia, is a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage?