Black sheep of Africa’ that is the way he addresses me whenever we are chatting on facebook" said a 22-year-old Nigerian girl, Yemi, whose friend is from England. Of course, we are not unaware that there are Arab Africans in the northern part of Africa as well as European Africans in the central and southern parts of Africa. What we don’t know is if it is proper, right or correct to refer to these parts of Africa as "white Africa" and the other parts of the continent as "Black Africa."

Come to think of it, "Black Africa" is a derogatory term. Just as we talk of the black sheep of the family or the black spot. It may also interest the reader to note that black is used to describe negative objects or things. For example, when a person is referred to as the "black sheep" of the family, he is perceived as being "a good-for-nothing" member of the family. "Black magic" means a magic used for evil purposes, while "black act" means bad conduct or failure. Similarly, "black market" refers to unlawful buying and selling. A person said to have been on a "black list" is considered dangerous. But "white collar job" means a non-manual labour, "White House" refers to the official residence of the U.S president and white paper" refers to a goverment report.

Have we ever heard of a "Black House"? If we have, it may not mean anything other than the official residence of criminals, the jail. We have heard of "Black Maria" and it is a vehicle used for conveying arrested criminals on trial.

In fact, human beings, whether Africans, Asians or Europeans cannot exactly be described by one colour as no  colour, particularly black and white, can exactly be used to refer to the colour of the skin. For example, if an African man wears a gown of black colour, the colour of the skin of that African is not the same or even similar to the colour of his garment. Likewise, if  European puts on a suit made of white materials, the colour of the skin of that European is not the same or similar to the colour of his suit. So, then, why the name black Africans and white people?

Assuming the name "Black" is good, why do supposed white people sue themselves to court when they refer to another as a "negro". We could remember the case of famous Uruguay footballer, Luis Suarez when he called Patrice Evra of France ‘negro’, the matter was tried in court. So, then, why black Africa? We see Africa as a continent and it will remain one. There is no Black Africa, but Africa!

Saka, Kehinde Maruff,
Zoology (300 Level),
Unilorin, Ilorin, 
Kwara State.