Frequently referred to as the "Berber" people the true name which they call themselves is Imazighen, which translates to the free people. The Imazighen are the indigenous people of North Africa. From Moh's web site,
www.flagoffreedom.com

 here are some more details: "The origin of Imazighen (first known inhabitants of North Africa) is a mystery. Research has produced an abundance of educational speculation, but no definitive solution. Paintings of over 5000 years old are the most complete existing record of prehistoric North Africa (Tamazgha). Imazighen were invaded by, among others, Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantine, Arabs, Turks, and French. It was recorded once only in history, that in the 7th century, when they invaded the Iberian Peninsula, where they stayed for almost eight centuries. There, they were known as the Moorish.

Richard Fletcher, author of "Moorish Spain" wrote in his book"

"Who were these conquerors, who so quickly and so completely overturned the strongest Western European Monarchy of their day? It is customary to
refer to these stirring events as the 'Arab' or the 'Islamic' invasion and conquest of Spain. But only in a very limited sense was it either Arab or Islamic.
It was mainly Berber."

Imazighen are found throughout North Africa. They are spread from Western Egypt in the East till the Canary Islands in the West,  encompassing Libya, Tunisia,  Algeria and Morocco, including sub-Saharan regions, such as Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. They are  the majority in Algeria (40%?)and in Morocco, (65%?), and verymuch less in other countries. Imazighen, wherever they live, continue to struggle to maintain their identity.  Today We believe that there are about 25 million people in North Africa and in the diaspora who speak this ancient 'Tamazight' language.
  
  Imazighen have NO one from the world stage on their side.

Some fine folks showed up on Friday to learn fancy footwork from Amy. If you missed the first session, don't dismay, you can still drop in for $10 a class! Keep in mind the classes are progressive so don't wait too long...