Agbo AKOMOLAFE
When asked to do a write up on “Africanism”, initial thoughts were about where to begin regarding this hot, passionately debated and somewhat contentious area of Black or African Pride. As we know, recent events in the USA has sparked worldwide protests as well as widespread fierce discussion. Particularly with regards to the human value ascribed to Africans and people of African descent (hereafter jointly referred to as ‘Black people’).
Africanism, much like the popular phrase, Pan-Africanism is essentially a notion that all Africans and descendants of Africans everywhere should be UNITED, because they all share common interests.
Notwithstanding the enduring burdens of recent history, Africanism appears to be a right, true and noble pursuit. Even as many Black people are still in genuine need of healing from prejudice, pain, racial profiling, hurt, shame, trauma, (past/modern) slavery, victimisation and conflict.
More than anything, the ideal purpose of Africanism or Pan-Africanism is to gear ‘Everyone’ up to choose Pride over Prejudice against the Black Race, whether you are Black or not. It should mean an outright rejection of ‘Racism’ in all its forms: direct, indirect, systemic or by association.
Amongst Black people, it should also mean that they cannot afford to be tribalistic or promote inter-ethnic hate, which in my view equates to ‘Black-on-Black Racism’ or, as I label it ‘Ethno-Racism’.
As long as there is widespread Ethno-Racism, Africanism simply cannot take hold.
Both racism and ethno-racism (tribalism) have their extreme and subtle forms. Their outcomes or results are essentially the same. Historically, both have led to unlawful discrimination, disregard for merit, murder, genocide, stereotyping and dehumanising other whole groups, and so on.
With the exception of a single factor of physical skin colour, it is reasonable to conclude that racism and ethno-racism (tribalism) are from one and the same crime family. Failure to address either appropriately carries the same risks and potential outcomes.
Therefore, Black people in particular cannot address one (racism) without the other (tribalism). Both are unacceptable, backward practices which should be rejected in favour of a fair and merit-based society. This is Africanism.
Now, in the midst of all the #BlackLivesMatter protests, let’s ask ourselves, how did the Human race get here? The issues and fallout of the slavery era, plus unlawful discrimination, to this day, are probably the most hurtful and negative areas of recent history for Black people. The injustice remains a sore point even resulting in an affliction of self-loathing by some victims.
It is always sad to see what may be described as ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ afflicting some Black people. As we know, this is what happens when a ‘victim’ starts to rationalise on behalf of their ‘abuser’ and somehow blame themselves for everything they have suffered or continue to suffer. They find themselves perversely defending the evil that they have suffered. It is a strange but well recognised condition of the mind of victims in denial.
So, let’s ask pertinent questions, Should Black people be prejudicial or ashamed of their own heritage or Blackness? In fact, are they at fault and do they deserve to be victims of racial abuse anywhere? In other words, is there any acceptable rationale or justification whatsoever for racial abuse, subjugation, slavery, systemic racism, dehumanisation or discrimination of any kind, on grounds of race?
Before going any further, let’s first make it absolutely clear that the emphatic answer to all of the above questions is NO! Definitely NO!
In line with the concept of Africanism; Black people should be Proud. They should wake up, rise up and embrace their ancient heritage with a clear knowledge of their history and humanity. They must understand and trust in their Equal human ability and quality. Especially, under similarly enabling conditions or circumstances.
They should take up their heritage with Pride and pursue enabling conditions, creating environments where there is justice, accountability, security, peace and stability. This is Africanism.
For Africanism to thrive, sufficient Legislation must be put in place and enforced. Where sufficient legislation already exists, systemic roadblocks or subtle forms of exclusion, glass ceilings and indirect discrimination through unreasonable policies must be identified and abolished.
For Africanism to thrive, there must be honesty, acknowledgement and engagement amongst all stakeholders, in reality, this must involve all sections of the Human race.
For Africanism to thrive, systemic discriminatory roadblocks and practices disproportionately targeted at hindering progressing Black people, progressing Black institutions and progressing Black nations must all be removed.
For Africanism to thrive, there must be recognition and loud praise for the masses of non-Black people, particularly White, Asian and Hispanic people who are actively are out there, jointly protesting and making their voices heard in the public movement towards the true practice of Equality as well as the calling-out or exposure of slave traders, who were previously whitewashed as heroes.
It is truly refreshing to see the multiracial worldwide movement acknowledging and recognising that #BlackLivesMatter.
In closing, for Africanism to thrive, Black people and nations must themselves acknowledge and recognise that the lives of all their own citizens and fellow Africans’ lives matter and are equally valuable by establishing a thriving, merit-driven society.
Unless persons are actively engaged in delivering Africanism solutions, their inactivity or docility makes them a part of the problem.
Agbo Akomolafe
Employment Law Consultant
LLB (Hons), BL, Chartered MCIPD
20 June 2020
