In many African cultures, the Griot is more than a storyteller.
The Griot is the living archive of the community — a guardian of memory, a historian, a teacher. With rhythm, wisdom and truth, the Griot carries the soul of the village forward with a voice that ensures that future generations never forget where they come from.
Through my platform, GriotSpeaks, I step into that tradition — not as a performer, but as a custodian of truth.
Truth that has been silenced, twisted or buried beneath centuries of colonization, enslavement, and cultural erasure. For far too long, the dominant narrative about Africa and African-descended people has been one of lack — lack of civilization, culture or achievement. Additionally, the African American story has often been framed as one of suffering that began with enslavement. But accurate history tells a deeper truth.
The truth is that Africa is the cradle of civilization and was home to advanced societies long before European contact. Africa’s legacy is vast and sophisticated. Ancient African empires such as Mali, Songhai and Kemet (ancient Egypt) birthed systems of mathematics, science, governance, medicine, astronomy and philosophy that predate European concepts.
Africa’s greatness lives on in her descendants. Her Diaspora includes brilliant scientists, writers, artists and activists who have shaped nations — often against unimaginable odds. In the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond — African people have resisted, built, created and led in ways that continue to shape the modern world. Understanding this truth is not just about correcting the record; it is about restoring pride, shifting identity and healing generations.
GriotSpeaks is rooted in truth-telling, cultural restoration and historical clarity. It is a platform committed to illuminating the often-overlooked brilliance of Africa before colonization, and the enduring genius of her descendants throughout the Diaspora, particularly African-Americans.
It was born from a simple but profound conviction: when people — especially Black people, know our true history, we walk taller with a renewed sense of self and a confidence that propels us to live in excellence. We live with greater clarity, purpose and pride. I created this brand to be a voice that challenges dominant narratives and reclaims historical accuracy because the world cannot afford to continue building on incomplete or false narratives.
We live in a time when history is being questioned, revised, and, in some cases, outright erased. But truth remains and matters more than ever.
It matters that Africa is the origin of some of the world’s oldest civilizations, rich with art, architecture, science, philosophy and governance. It matters that Black excellence didn’t begin in chains and didn’t end with civil rights. It matters that we tell these stories accurately, consistently and unapologetically.
Who am I?
I come to this work not just with passion, but with preparation and purpose.
My preparation began in the city of Indianapolis as a child growing up. It continued throughout my academic accomplishments and my professional career. Preparation positioned me for my purpose. I recently retired from my positions with Georgia Southern University as a professor, the director of the Center for Africana Studies, and the founding director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center. My work has always focused on cultural education, community empowerment and historical truth. This column is the newest extension of my work.
The purpose of this column
This column is for the students asking questions their textbooks don’t answer. For the elders who want their grandchildren to know accurate truth. For allies seeking to understand and support. And for anyone ready to rediscover the power in our collective past.
My goal is to provide context, correct misconceptions and reconnect us to a legacy far richer than the narratives many of us were taught. While I want to share a history that informs, educates, inspires and empowers, I also aim to challenge — to push us all to think more critically, dig more deeply and recognize that history is not just about the past. It’s about understanding the present and shaping the future.
So each month, I will bring you one story, one insight, one truth at a time. And my hope is that it not only educates but also ignites something within you.
Maxine Bryant, Ph.D., is the founder of GriotSpeaks, an author and a keeper of African-American culture. She replaces mythology with truth about Africa and the African Diaspora experience. She can be reached by email at mlb@drmaxinebryant.com. For more information, check her website at www.drmaxinebryant.com.
