Two Contrasting Events In Racism — Joy and Sadness
This week I read about two contrasting events, one that brought me joy and one that brought me deep sadness; but both that gave me reason for deeper reflection.
Who is this old Black man?
His name was Roy Hackett and at the age of 93 he went home, having faithfully served his Heavenly Father. He was brave, because in 1963 he and a number of others, took a stand against a system of oppression which at that time was considered normal. He initiated a bus boycott which forced the bus company in question to reverse its racist policy and permit the employment of Black and Asian drivers. What was even more significant, his actions triggered the creation of the UK Race Relations Act.
Why did I know nothing about him until the last 2 years? Why are you only hearing about him now? I know from my own upbringing that assimilation was all important, therefore it was important for many of my parent’s generation not to take a stand like this man. The reason, it would bring problems to their door and very likely affect their future and that of their children.
As Black people we have tended to limit our own successes for fear of retribution. At the same time the systemic racism inherent within media, government legislation, education policies and curricula, etc., does not recognise, amplify and celebrate the achievements of Black people and people of colour. Actually in Roy’s case, the credit was taken by the government departments that produced the legislation, so they could be seen as progressive rather than “knee jerk” responding to an inhuman situation being perpetrated in their land.
Roy and his colleagues actions benefited those of all ethnic minorities, and is an example that when Black Lives Matter, all lives matter. I don’t think Roy Hackett did this expecting recognition for his work, but he did it anyway. Along with other Black Kings and Queens of my parents generation, he is one of the giants on whose shoulders I stand.
To my Black brothers and sisters and to my fellow people of colour and allies, who of you are willing to act with boldness and courage to identify and stand for racial equity? Who of us will do this with the integrity which identifies that our actions might go unrecognised in our lifetime, but we will do it anyway.
The other contrasting example is the murder of Alika Ogorchukwu, a disabled Nigerian man in Italy
Three things struck me about this murder.
Firstly, this was a premeditated act of violence where the outcome ended in death. Did he mean to kill the man when he had his hands around his throat with his full weight on him for more than 4 minutes? Yes of course.
In the red mist of racism there is always the potential for those in positions of racial dominance to wilfully kill the career prospects and opportunities, earning potential, promotion and credibility of people of colour especially Black people and more especially Black women.
Secondly, where was the murderer’s partner in all of this? She must have seen what was happening and going to happen? Was she one of those recording? Was she egging him on? Was she subject to this man’s violence and therefore scared to intervene?
In this situation as a manager or peer of someone perpetrating acts of discrimination, you are culpable by association if you do nothing. You have no defence that says “it wasn’t me” or “I didn’t realise the consequences of this person’s actions”; when you are witness to or an enabler of the act.
Thirdly, what about the bystanders, those that recorded the incident and those who just stood by. Was it because it the victim was a disabled black man that made them feel that it was not worth going up against this powerful angry white Italian murderer?
Racism like all forms of discrimination is perpetrated by people with positions of power and authority over the victim. When we as a witness to these acts are in a subordinate position to the one perpetrating the act, we feel helpless because self preservation kicks in. It’s at this point that we must act with integrity, we must run towards the flames of this situation even if it means getting burnt ourselves. The only way to stop racism and all acts of discrimination is to take action at the point it is occurring.
If these bystanders had taken action they might have saved a life and reduced a lengthy jail sentence for the attacker.
If we take a stand, we can unwittingly become the instigator of a movement that initiates radical systemic change, to eliminate racism and all other forms of discrimination.
Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would be interested to hear your views on this post.
