In the social sciences, sociology is almost unique in its silence on Africa. Political science, economics and anthropology have a much better developed interest in the continent. In this article the authors first try to explain why American sociology has excluded Africa from its vision; second, they discuss what sociology as a discipline could gain from turning its gaze to Africa; and third, they suggest how sociology can facilitate a conversation about Africa both with the American public and among ourselves. A caveat for readers: the authors admit they are biased in their discussion in the direction of the literatures they know best, those concerning gender, sexuality and reproduction.