Why Africans must document lives of leaders, intellectuals, and everyday heroes – Scholars

Leading historians, literary scholars, and writers have called for increased efforts in documenting the lives of African leaders, intellectuals, and unsung heroes, emphasising that biography writing is crucial for preserving history, inspiring future generations, and shaping the continent’s identity.

They argue that while global history is replete with detailed accounts of renowned figures from the Western world, many African stories remain untold, leading to historical erasure and a loss of cultural heritage.

Speaking at the recently organised Toyin Falola Interviews, renowned historian and scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, underscored the importance of biography writing as a tool for historical preservation and cultural identity. He lamented that Africa’s rich history of influential figures—from political leaders to thinkers, scientists, and social activists—often remains undocumented.

“We often celebrate foreign leaders and thinkers, yet our own intellectuals, innovators, and everyday heroes are not sufficiently documented,” Falola noted. “If we do not take charge of telling our own stories, they will either be forgotten or misrepresented. It is the duty of African writers and historians to capture these narratives to counter historical erasure and ensure that our legacies are told from an African perspective.”

The event, streamed across various social media platforms, brought together a distinguished panel of writers, scholars, and legal experts. Panelists included Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA); celebrated Egyptian writer Mansoura Ez-Eldin; Nigerian lawyer and policy analyst Douglas Ogbankwa, who also served as the immediate past Director of Communications of the African Bar Association; and writer Reinette Mulonda.

Addressing the theme ‘Biography Writing: Promises and Perils’, Falola further emphasized that biographies are essential historical windows.

“Biographies are windows to history. You cannot write biographies outside the context of history. You cannot write the biography of an Edo man outside the context of Edo culture. It is impossible. When you do that, you are providing education,” he said.

Okediran echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of biographies in national development. He stressed that the legacies of great leaders and ordinary citizens who have shaped African societies must be preserved not only for posterity but also for national and continental progress.

“The legacies of great leaders and ordinary citizens who have shaped our societies must be preserved. These stories not only educate but also serve as blueprints for progress,” Okediran remarked. “Our youth need to see and learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them.”

Egyptian writer, Mansoura Ez-Eldin, provided insights into the art of biography writing, stressing that every biographer faces the challenge of balancing objectivity with interpretation. She explained that while biography writing requires rigorous research, it also involves a degree of creative interpretation to construct a compelling narrative.

“Each biographer has to figure out a way to reach a balance between being able to be one with the subject and also maintain a distance that allows for a clearer vision and a deeper understanding of the subject,” Ez-Eldin noted. “When I refer to imagination in the context of biography writing, I mean the art of interpretation and the ability to make an educated guess. A biography is a journey into a person’s life. We must not forget that it is, after all, the biographer’s perspective and interpretation of a life. No matter how hard the biographer tries to be objective, personal views and biases will speak out within the lines of the book.”

Douglas Ogbankwa addressed the legal complexities of biography writing, cautioning that authors must be mindful of distinguishing between factual accuracy and personal interpretations. He warned against potential legal challenges that could arise from misrepresentation or subjective narratives.

“When it comes to biography writing, we must be able to distinguish between what is fact and what is true,” Ogbankwa stated. “Truth is what you know the story to be, but fact is the proven set of an event or circumstance backed up by evidence. It is very possible for something to be true and not to be a fact. When writing about people, you dare not say you are writing the truth unless you have evidence to back it up. Truth is subjective because what is true to one person may be false to another. If you are writing about a person, the first question you must ask yourself is: how do I defend myself if the person comes forward to challenge my work?”

Panelists also discussed the economic potential of biography writing, emphasising that beyond its cultural significance, the genre can serve as a viable industry in Africa. With growing interest in African literature and history, well-researched biographies can create employment opportunities for researchers, writers, and publishers, while also contributing to the academic and literary landscape of the continent.

Additionally, the speakers pointed out that biographical works provide critical insights into governance, resilience, and cultural evolution, offering valuable lessons for policymakers and young Africans seeking role models. They urged African writers to broaden their focus beyond conventional figures and document the lives of everyday heroes whose contributions, though often unrecognised, have played a significant role in shaping their communities.

“By telling the stories of the marginalised and the forgotten, we contribute to a more complete and accurate understanding of history,” Ez-Eldin concluded. “It is time for us to broaden our scope and ensure that these voices are heard.”

The call to action from these scholars and writers underscores the urgent need for Africans to take control of their historical narratives. As more biographers take up the challenge of documenting the lives of leaders, intellectuals, and everyday heroes, Africa stands to gain a richer, more comprehensive record of its past and present for future generations.