Black Solidarity Across the Pan-African Diaspora

With last year’s BSU statement in regards to African students, we are faced yet again with the question of Blackness, the question of identity, the question of solidarity. People of color, specifically black people, have been systematically neglected economically, socially, and politically in the United States. This reality is very pertinent for black people living in the U.S., or born in the U.S. Moreover, the racially charged atmosphere marred by years of institutional slavery, racism, and separate but equal legislation in America may seem like a distant reality for those born in African nations. African nations, where racism, colorism, and economic neglect remain pertinent and systemic, have a different history in comparison to American-born blacks. But what exactly does this mean, and why does this even matter?

There remains an internal divide between Africans and African-Americans, not only on campus, but nationwide. One could argue that people gravitate towards those who are similar to them. One could also argue that Africans and African-Americans don’t have much in common besides their melanin composition. This tension between sects of the black community remains a question in which I myself do not have all the answers. One thing is for certain-- despite the variance between historical realities for Africans and African-Americans, when we are perceived in the world, especially in America, we are perceived as black. And because of that blackness, we may be stereotyped and treated differently despite the schism between Africans and African-Americans. This is the reality of the black existence in America, and the only way to combat this issue and promote the upward mobilization of blacks in the U.S., a strong sense of unity must be formed across sects of the black community. The truth is we are different. We have different realities, identities, challenges, and dreams. But these differences should not serve as a deterrent for unity-- but a catalyst for unity and solidarity. In a time like this, black solidarity within the pan-african diaspora is not only needed, but necessary.

Image: https://blackawakeningmovement.com/meetings/black-hands-together-2/