Keep Fighting the Fight Against Racism
Rev David Shosanya writes why African and Caribbean Christians must be at the forefront of the fight against racism – even when allies of other cultures enter the fray
Recent riots following the murder of three children in Stockport has reinvigorated discussions about race in the UK. Those of us whose daily lives are centred around navigating the fault lines of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B) are not surprised. To be Black and living in the United Kingdom is to exist in a contested space, where those who are perceived to be different are consistently required to assert what Stephen Biko, the South African freedom fighter, termed a “vision of their envisioned self”. This is against a backdrop of imposed identities – in short, a version of ourselves that is free from the pathology of historical and contemporary racism, rooted in an uncontested self-understanding.
However, despite assertions to the contrary, it sometimes feels like African and Caribbean communities are more overly dependent on white expressions of solidarity than is needed or healthy. The point should not be misunderstood. Solidarity across cultural groups that stand in opposition to racism should be celebrated wherever it is achieved. However, achieving solidarity should not displace the centre of gravity for agency from within African and Caribbean communities.
The fundamental importance of self-determination requires African and Caribbean communities to be discerning when evaluating actions that appear to be acts of solidarity, but may not be to the extent that we perceive them to be. We should remember that, following the murder of George Floyd, global protests took place to denounce racism. Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered to say racism must stop. Similar crowds gathered in opposition to far right activists following the murders referred to above.
While large crowds of anti-racist supporters sends a clear message to individuals and groups that think immigration policies and diversity are undermining the cultural fabric of the country, we must ask where those crowds have disappeared to immediately after the groundswell of protest subsides and life returns to ‘normal’. A repetitive pattern emerges of high visibility followed by steady withdrawal and silence. We should be more cautious than we are, investing as much hope as we do in sporadic expressions of solidarity from allies.
The point is not that African and Caribbean communities should not develop alliances. We should. And we must. The late historian CLR James reminded us there will be white allies who should be welcomed. I agree. I know some. However, no matter how numerous or committed our allies are, we must not relinquish agency and develop a dependency on others.
Motives matter. The story of Joseph provides a powerful illustration of this point. Having been sold to Egyptian traders by his jealous brothers years earlier, Joseph is reacquainted with them as a result of famine in the land of Canaan. His brothers travelled to Egypt to buy supplies. He recognises them but they are unaware of who he is.
He asks after their youngest brother Benjamin. They say he is at home with their father Jacob. Joseph refuses to accept their account and insists they return home and bring their brother to him. He needed assurance that his brothers were not performing in order to get their needs met. There is deep wisdom contained in this story and we do ourselves a disservice not to learn from Joseph’s example!
Our faith should inform and shape our perspectives on racial justice. As followers of Christ, the oppression or exploitation of any individual or group anywhere should be a serious concern. To be made ‘in the image and likeness of God’ (Genesis 1:26) is to be created free, and to be endowed with inalienable rights. Discrimination therefore fundamentally contradicts the nature of God; the tenets of the Christian Church; and the Gospel we proclaim. Scripture offers rich resources that equip us to enter the fray and let our voices be heard! Reticence to engage is, by definition, inadvertently contributing to the erosion of the very freedom that is at the epicentre of the Christian faith.
Alongside our faith we have the legacy of visionary African and Caribbean giants who have set out clear trajectories of freedom. The list includes celebrated luminaries, like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parkes, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman – individuals whose contributions we recognise and celebrate during Black History Month (BHM). We are invited to build on their legacy.
Whatever ground has been won is easily lost if due care and attention is not taken to maintain the momentum already set. Subsequent generations are depending on us to play our part, and we have a moral obligation to do so. Be inspired to redouble your efforts as we celebrate Black History Month (BHM) 2024.
Rev David Shosanya is Founder of Paideia Training and Consultancy
