Synopses & Reviews
From an author who adopted an African name as an adult, comes the most all-inclusive book of African names.
The African Book of Names: 5,000+ Common and Uncommon Names from the African Continent offers readers names organized by theme from 37 countries and at least 70 different ethnolinguistic groups. Destined to become a classic keepsake, The African Book of Names shares in depth insight about the spiritual, social, and political importance of names from Angola to Zimbabwe. The most far-reaching book on the subject, this timely, informative resource guide vibrates with the culture of Africa and encourages Blacks across the world to affirm their African origins by selecting African names. In addition to thousands of names from north, south, east, central and west Africa, the book shares:
• A checklist of dos and don'ts to consider when choosing a name
• A guide to conducting your own African-centered naming ceremony
• A 200-year naming calendar
Review
'One thing that sets this book apart from other name books is that it makes clear that it's not just for babies.'
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times
Review
'Most impressive is the way
The African Book of Names remarkably and ingeniously resonates the life, history, culture, and spirit of Africa from all corners of the continent. And the icing on the cake is the included two-hundred-year naming calendar. This book is a 'must-read' masterpiece.'
-Michele R. Wright, author of Dear Success Seeker Michele R. Wright
Review
'The African Book of Names addresses the complexity and cultural sensitivity of descendants of enslaved Africans in the western hemisphere. Since the 1960s, African descendants have renamed ourselves or given our children African designations. [Askhari Hodari's] work is a tremendous resource as it not only provides names but offers context for such decisions. Her book will contribute to reconnection and community-building throughout the African world.
-Akinyele Umoja, Associate Professor, Black Studies, Georgia State University Akinyele Umoja
Review
'There is a lot more to Dr. Askhari Johnson Hodari's book than its list of more than 5,000 African names. The book is also about the meaning of names, the power of names to change us, the role of names in connecting people to their histories, the expectations that names inspire, and the way names reflect the cultures that create them. On every level, this book succeeds.'
-Betty DeRamus, author of Freedom by Any Means and Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad Betty DeRamus
Review
'Askhari Johnson Hodari has put together an invaluable resource book. . . . Inspiring and informative, it is a fascinating glimpse into an important part of African cultural traditions.'
--Pearl Cleage, author of What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day
Pearl Cleage
Review
'Dr. Askhari Johnson Hodari captures the essence of African cultural identity and expressivity with this wonderfully rich treasure trove of African names that are at the root of African creativity and intellect.
The African Book of Names is a testament of affirmation, confirmation, and reclamation, both transformative and empowering, returning us to our ancestral home.'
-Tony Medina, author of My Old Man Was Always on the Lam and I and I, Bob Marley Tony Medina
Review
'We love to come up with unique names for our children--I even know a 'Uniquequa.' Dr. Hodari has now provided us with a book of unique names that have meaning. To name is to claim. Let's claim our future by giving our children meaningful names.'
-Kalamu ya Salaam, New Orleans, writer/educator/moviemaker Kalamu ya Salaam
Synopsis
From an author who adopted an African name as an adult comes the most inclusive book of African names. Obama, Iman, Kanye, Laila--authentic African names are appearing more often in nurseries, classrooms, and boardrooms. The African Book of Names offers readers more than 5,000 common and uncommon names organized by theme from 37 countries and at least 70 different ethnolinguistic groups. Destined to become a classic keepsake, The African Book of Names shares in-depth insight about the spiritual, social, and political importance of names from Angola to Zimbabwe. As the most far-reaching book on the subject, this timely and informative resource guide vibrates with the culture of Africa and encourages Blacks across the globe to affirm their African origins by selecting African names. In addition to thousands of names from north, south, east, central and west Africa, the book shares:
- A checklist of dos and don'ts to consider when choosing a name--from sound and rhythm to origin and meaning
- A guide to conducting your own African-centered naming ceremony
- A 200-year naming calendar
About the Author
Askhari Johnson Hodari, Ph.D., a practitioner of Black/Africana Studies, regularly studies and travels the African diaspora. She received her B.A. from Spelman College (where, in addition to psychology, she studied Kiswahili) and her doctorate from Howard University. She holds memberships in the National Council of Black Studies, the Association of Black Psychologists, the American Psychological Association; and the Society for the Study of Social Issues. She has written and reported for the Afro-Americannewspapers in Washington, D.C., and in Baltimore, MD. Her work has also appeared in Essence, Black Issues Book Reviews, Class, Catalyst, RapPages, and UrbanProfileMagazines.