Dr. Marimba Ani (born Dona Richards) is an anthropologist whose work wrestles and concludes to de-center whiteness. Her philosophy is that it is revelatory to be able to develop theories, “definitions of reality”, and structure around one’s own culture. She is quoted as saying “You’re not an African because you’re born in Africa. You’re an African because Africa is born in you. It’s in your genes…your DNA…your entire biological make up. Whether you like it or not, that’s the way it is. However, if you were to embrace this truth with open arms…my, my, my…what a wonderful thing.” Her belief is that the African worldview is imperative to building institutions, both figuratively and literally. Centering whiteness has conditioned us off of this path to enlightenment. She is best known for her work Yurugu:An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior, a comprehensive critique of European thought and culture, and her coining of the term "Maafa" for the African holocaust. As an African Studies scholar Ani completed her BA degree at the University of Chicago, and holds MA and Ph.D. degrees in anthropology from the Graduate Faculty of the New School University. Highly advise you read her book(s) and/or sit back and check out her lecture(s). Thank you for your contributions!