Final answer:
Smart refers to the 'myths of the Negro Past' as narratives constructed by Europeans to portray Africa as primitive, thus justifying slavery and discrimination. These myths are debunked by historical evidence of advanced civilizations in Africa and the richness of African mythologies and philosophies, such as the stories of Anansi and scholarly works like Diop's and Tempels'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smart dismisses rich African mythologies as "myths of the Negro Past," a concept that encapsulates the derogatory narratives created by Europeans during the era of slavery and beyond. These myths were pushed forward, painting Africa as undeveloped and its people as inferior, to rationalize slavery and systemic discrimination. An example of such myths includes the perception of Africa as the 'Dark Continent' lacking in intellectual, technological, and economic sophistication. This narrative has been thoroughly debunked, showcasing that West Africa had developed highly advanced civilizations well before European contact.
A significant part of understanding African history is acknowledging the contributions and real history of African societies, such as in the case of Anansi, the spider, who is a central figure in West African mythology embodying wit and intelligence. Furthermore, works like Cheikh Anta Diop's 'The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality' and Placide Tempels' 'Bantu Philosophy' explore the depth and richness of African philosophy and intellectual traditions, helping to dismantle the misconceptions perpetuated by the 'Myths of the Negro Past.'