There is a term we hear today
When applied to certain people, that is meant to describe them relative to their personal and internal stance against various forms of social oppression in combination with specific attributes of their behavior: evident external actions and the unique risks they take in solidarity with those who are principle targets of oppression.
No, it's not Abolitionist. It's Ally.
I follow a few brilliant people out on the interwebs. I am regularly interested in what this intelligent brother Ernest Crim III (below) says regarding Black history and its direct application to everyday life and struggle- for everyone.
For example, this conversation he sparked on Linkedin regarding notable white Abolitionist and (so-called) anti-racist activists. Plus, he drops an Ann Braden reference, too?! Check him out!
Most Americans know as little about the history of white abolitionism and allyship as they do about Black American history. And Mr. Crim is correct to point out this information gap while asking: Why is that?
Black Love Transcends Race
I'm a black historian who studies Africa-centered transatlantic slavery and slave trade, focusing on North American slavery in particular. I also have a wife who is white, whom I deeply love and who sincerely loves me. This is important beyond being cute, but it is adorable- If I say so myself. Just look at us! Remember totes adorbs? #totesadorbs
Black Love is Inclusive
But seriously...
My point is that black love is abundant, inclusive, and uncontainable to one race. This idea will sound trite to anyone who assumes that black skin = a passion for black people and culture. I wish it were true, but it just isn't. And for those needing a thought exercise for proof, think about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas; read what he rights and answer this question: Does Clarence love black culture?
Cornell West does, and he shared an eloquent description of Black love in a segment in Masterclass: Black History, Freedom, and Love, where among many brilliant things he says, he makes this point:
Anytime you talk about Black love, Black freedom, Black history. It will always include those who have been willing to immerse themselves in Black love, Black freedom, Black History, and there have always been Vanilla brothers and sisters who thoroughly immersed themselves into Black history, black sensibilities and so forth.
But like my man, Ernest asked: Who are they? And what are the consequences of erasing their histories and advocacy from the historical record of the struggle for Black justice and liberty for all?
One result is Black emotional and intellectual labor expended to support our white fiends' woke journey. Wouldn't it be great if everyone learned about the history of the white struggle for black freedom in mainstream public education?
Too many hopeful allies feel they have no historical shoulders to stand on or legacy to build upon, but there is one to be sure.
It was great to talk with Dr. Tracy K'Meyer, Professor of History at the University of Louisville, who specializes in modern U.S. social movements, particularly interracial social justice movements.
Dr. K'Meyer has published several books, including Civil Rights in the Gateway to the South: Louisville, Kentucky, 1945-1980, and Freedom on the Border: An Oral History of the Civil Rights Movement in Kentucky.
Dr. K'Meyer's historical analysis of the Civil Rights movement in Kentucky and Louisville reveals how regional betweenness played a role in civil rights protest, politics, and posturing played out among various individuals, leaders, and organizations.
Please enjoy the conversation and be sure to check out Dr. K'Meyer's latest publication,
To Live Peaceably Together: The American Friends Service Committee's Campaign for Open Housing
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