When reflecting on the role of religion and leadership in African-American society, one would probably not look for an explanation in African history more than 500 years ago.

But a specialist in African history in N.C. Central University’s history department, Sylvia Jacobs told listeners at the Alfonso Elder Student Union Feb. 10 that understanding the role of religion and leadership in pre-colonial Africa can help people comprehend how African-American leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and others relied on religion as a basis for their political leadership.

In her lecture, “Religion and Kingship in Africa Before the Sixteenth Century,” which was part of the University’s black history month events, Jacobs argued that the spheres of “religious leadership and political leadership were often intertwined” in Africa before the 16th century. And this connection played a critical role in the African-American experience, especially in the civil rights struggle.

Jacobs said during the 16th century, “religion and leadership worked hand in hand” in Africa. Kings and other political figures in the savannah, south of the Zaire forest, traced their origins of authority to some religious practices or the possession of superior religious knowledge, which set them apart from the masses.

“They usually justified their right to rule through their role as mediators in traditional religion or their ancestral links with the spirit world,” said Jacobs.

Nationally acclaimed civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is a typical example of religion playing a vital role in leadership. King and other political leaders emerged from diverse religious backgrounds and took active political roles in African-American society.

“Religion is so important in African-American community,” Jacobs said. “It was the only way of escape from intolerable suffering and served as a training ground for African-American leaders.”

It was the foundation of African-American tenacity, which led to the opposition of slavery and the fight for liberty in 1950.

Jacobs’ fascination about the history of Africa grew when she decided to pursue a doctorate in African history at Howard University. She has been teaching African history for 29 years at NCCU.

“It enlightened me about the historical relationship that Africans shared with African-Americans,” said Jacobs.