How Did Literature Help The New African Movement

During the 1880s-1930’s a change took place among the African people, new ideas and encouragement for change was portrayed in the literature written by African intellectuals. These literary works was an important aspect of the New African Movement but did not start the movement, only encouraged it. These intellectuals considered the question every African wanted answered, and that is why the Europeans were able to overthrow the African people? The majority of African intellectuals argued that modernity is the key to develop the skills in order to access the same status and rights as the Europeans. Literature became the source in which African grievances and political views could be discussed in the people’s mother tongue. There were many outstanding
Firstly, Christianity played an important role in becoming a new modern African. This is evident in all three intellectuals, who either went to missionary schools, was baptised and or their father being a prayer leader. Secondly, education was very important, not only their own education but the education of others as well. Schools were built by Rubusana in which Xhosa children could go to school and learn in their own language, this was very important to Rubusana. Education through newspapers, books and poetry in the Xhosa language made it possible for individuals to share their opinions. Furthermore the historical research done by Mqhayi, gave them a background which in a sense established them as a long standing culture group. He was also against European history instead of African history being studied in schools. Lastly, Rubusana wrote to Smuts and offered men that could be trained in order to help them, unfortunately Smuts declined this offer stating that it was a white mans
But they also created a notion that Africans are allowed to have ideas and share them in their own languages, and to become modern without sacrificing your traditions and