My Great-Great-Grandfather Was African - Georgina Martins and Teresa Silva Telles

My Great-Great-Grandfather Was African: A Memoir of Roots and Reckoning

In her powerful and moving memoir, Georgina Martins shares her journey of self-discovery and reconciliation as she uncovers the hidden African ancestry in her family's past. With evocative storytelling and unflinching honesty, Martins takes readers on a deeply personal exploration of identity, race, and the enduring legacy of colonialism.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Born and raised in Portugal, Martins grew up in a society where discussions about race and identity were often taboo. But when she stumbles upon a photograph of her great-great-grandfather, a Black man from Mozambique, her world is turned upside down. Determined to uncover the truth about her family's past, Martins embarks on a quest that takes her across continents and forces her to confront uncomfortable truths about her heritage.

Confronting the Legacy of Colonialism

As Martins delves deeper into her family history, she uncovers the devastating impact of Portuguese colonialism in Africa. She learns about the brutal exploitation, forced labor, and cultural erasure that her ancestors endured. Through her personal journey, Martins sheds light on the enduring consequences of colonialism and challenges readers to confront the legacies of oppression and racism that continue to shape our world today.

A Call for Reconciliation

My Great-Great-Grandfather Was African is not just a personal story; it is a call for reconciliation and understanding. Martins' powerful narrative invites readers to reflect on their own biases and prejudices and to work towards a more just and equitable society. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their own identities, confront the past, and build a better future for all.

A Must-Read for Our Time

My Great-Great-Grandfather Was African is a must-read for anyone interested in issues of race, identity, and social justice. Georgina Martins' poignant and thought-provoking memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our past in order to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Praise for My Great-Great-Grandfather Was African

"A powerful and moving account of one woman's journey to uncover the truth about her family's past. Georgina Martins' memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in issues of race, identity, and social justice." — Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

"A beautifully written and deeply personal exploration of the enduring legacy of colonialism. Martins' story is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our past in order to build a more just and equitable future." — Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist

"A powerful and important book that sheds light on the hidden histories of colonialism and its devastating impact on families and communities. Martins' memoir is a call for reconciliation and understanding that is essential reading for our time." — Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist