During the final unit of our semester, we engaged with the vibrant theme of the "creative genius" of urban Africa. Rather than looking at urban areas as spaces of hardship or constraint, we explored them as grounds of innovation, transformation, and reimagining. This perspective propelled us into a dialogue about what historical lessons can inform those interested in the future of African cities.
For their culminating public-facing essays, students crafted medium-length pieces of around 1750 words that pondered the role of history in contemplating African Urban Futures. Their mission was to grapple with a complex query: What pivotal historical lesson must we understand when envisioning the future of African cities, and why is that lesson crucial?