Afropean

Résumé du livre

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.

Brooklyn, Harlem, and Bedford-Stuyvesant in New York owe their names to Dutch cities, reflecting historical ties between the Netherlands and New York, particularly through Amsterdam's Black community. Afro-Surinamese activists in Amsterdam, descendants of enslaved West Africans, have upheld the legacy of African American revolutionaries, contributing to movements like the Harlem Renaissance, Surinamese independence, and global Marxism. As Johny traveled from Russia to Provence, he reflected on the colonial histories tied to luxurious villas, such as Villa Leopolda, built with wealth from Congo’s exploitation, and Villa del Mare, linked to Joseph Mobutu’s betrayal of Patrice Lumumba. Yet, James Baldwin’s villa stood as a symbol of resistance amidst these dark legacies. In Marseille, Johny found a vibrant Afropean spirit, echoed in Lisbon’s Cova de Moura, where African heritage thrived despite poverty. His journey reinforced the idea that Afropea is a living, dynamic reality, uniting African and European identities against racism and inequality.

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