I went to school in an area that ignored or delegitimized African History. I’m an adult now, and I want to learn and under what was kept from me (and distorted) It’s hard to go about looking for answers when I don’t even know what all I don’t know. What books, articles, documentaries, or even YouTube channels can you recommend? I know Africa is a huge continent, and it’s people and history are not a monolith. It’s genuinely hard to find information.
Check out the "Africa" section of our Recommended Reading List!
I don't know a ton about African history but, of the books in that list, I can say that John Illfe's Africans: The History of a Continent and Martin Meredith's The Fate of Africa seem to fit what you're looking for.
If you have to pick one or the other, this might help you choose: Iliffe's book is well-written and concise; Meredith's book is very well-written and long.