The 1400s were a pivotal time in the history of Africans. The Songhai Empire rose to prominence and new city-states arose in Hausaland, Yorubaland and Benin. One of the most significant developments, however, was European and Asian exploration of the continent and the rapid expansion of the slave trade. By the end of the century, African slaves could be found from India to the Indies, and the foundation was laid for a peculiar institution that would last for over 400 years.

From the time of the first European expeditions to Africa to the end of slavery in the United States, this work chronicles the most significant events in African, Pan-African and African American history. Many of the entries (e.g., Columbus' "discovery" of America and the death of Toussaint L'Ouverture) are supplemented by brief historical accounts that set the event in context. There are extensive see references to related happenings.