For seven days, Eritrea will host the greatest gathering ever of African and international writers, scholars and artists. They'll take a hard look at the economic challenges confronting most African countries, and they'll explore the importance of culture to a nation's sense of community. It won't be surprising if the conference produces a new generation of griots, eager to help recapture their past in order to claim their future. This week, WHAT'S IN THE NEWS takes a look at some of the challenges and triumphs in parts of Africa. Discussion Questions 1.
Most scientists believe that all humans trace their roots to the African continent.
Some prehistoric humans began to move out of Africa. The first big African migration took place about 4,000 years ago. Another migration of African people took place in the 1400s. This one, however, was a forced migration. Explain the significance of the island of Goree, which is located off the coast of Senegal in West Africa.