Top 3 Reasons HBCU's Should Be Leading the Research Effort to Dismantle Systematic Racism (986 hits)
Following the death of George Floyd, a myriad of initiatives against systematic racism began to open at universities & colleges across the globe. This article explores the top 3 reasons why HBCU's should be leading the way with COUNTER-RACIST strategy.
1. Systematic racism attacks black folks the hardest: Statista.com reports that, “the rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 5.9 fatal shootings per million of the population per year between 2015 and January 2023.” Yes, black people are still more than twice as likely to be killed by police than any other people. This is probably one of the most visible reasons why Counter racism is most important. In counter racism, black people are taught how to avoid the snares of racism white supremacy although at times, no one is safe from the domestic terroristic acts of white supremacists. No other initiative focuses on empowerment of the oppressed. HBCU's are in a perfect and unique position to power future generations to end systematic racism.
2. Antiracism or antiracist strategy doesn't work: Many of the centers are built in the name of Antiracism. The goal of Antiracism is to affect racist policy and to inspire white people not to be racist. Maximilien Robespierre once said that "The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.“ The tyranny then of Antiracism is in ignoring the education of the oppressed. By doing so, they perpetuate the cycles of systematic abuse of non white people. The statistic from above is proof that it has been ineffective. The death of Mr. Floyd by the police sparked initiative’s to do something about racism however, black folks still get killed the most by police, by far. This is because trying to make policy and partnerships to dismantle racism has nothing at all to do with affecting the hearts and minds of white supremacists who commit acts of terror. Counter Racism does not beg the system or whites for help.
3. HBCU's cultivate Independent Black Thinkers: Regina Jennings (Ph.D), author of several books and articles in over 28 peer - reviewed journals wrote an article entitled, “Dr. Frances Cress Welsing: A Genius Shunned by Black Academicians”. If you've never heard of Dr. Welsing, please google the article but be prepared to feel insulted by the author. She issues a serious challenge to each and every HBCU in the country while questioning the legitimacy of them. It's a fair question... How can the research effort against systematic racism NOT be lead by Black Academicians? Our brightest minds should be improving on the blueprints that Dr. Welsing and other independent Black Thinkers like her have left behind.
There are at least 4 efforts at HBCU's with one of them named, "The Institute for the Elimination of White Supremacy in America". Although that effort is paused, I am encouraged that HBCU's are ready to honor the work of Dr. Welsing and establish counter racism centers across the nation to replace racism with justice for all people.
Dr. Welsing also coined the term, "Planetary Chess". See more about the system I've facilitated to end systematic racism here: linktr.ee/jangab
