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Key Issues Know your past, but march forward
Loss of scholar-activist, John La Rose, |
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John La Rose |
The ageing brotha man's words at the post-funeral reception were almost Dickensian. "Life so poor, wages too low, we need thinkers to help us on our way". This reaction is one extraordinary effect of the death of John La Rose, poet, publisher and activist, which so far seems to have attracted little attention. It highlights the challenge and special role of Black public intellectuals in racially divided Britain.
The problem, simply put, is this. Unlike every other racialised minority in Britain – Muslims, South East Asians, Chinese, even Jews and Poles -- it is solely Afro-Brits who show a serious lack of continuity with their cultural, creative and ideological antecedents.
Lack
of engagement
Hence, without a clear self-definition, they are overrun
by false experts, posers, political hacks, think-tankers and craven media personalities
who could care less about the future of Black people.
Educated Blacks, too, are part of this sad saga. Many work in the government, public authorities and the do-good race relations industry. The few collegiate staff safely graze in the olive groves of academe, tucked safely away from the cut and thrust of urban political discourse. This despite fewer rewards and esteem than their white colleagues. Self-advancement and self-enrichment, and just keeping their heads below the parapet of controversy, is all they know.
As a result, low status, low-wage and under-esteemed Black communities seldom get a reasoned expression of their needs and demands in an increasingly hostile urban environment.
Furthermore, their aspiring youth face a torrent of media messages dumbing down the mind and spirit to street level caricatures. Some have learned that playing up to stereotypes is a profitable game. Others, enthralled by trash consumerism, never look up to scale the heights of Black thought and positive action for collective advancement and equality.
Honoured
legends
Fortunately, in the past, we've had a measure of Black public intellectuals
who searched for truth on public issues.
They were social critics, of some education, who were independent in spirit and could take on all-comers on social issues
Olaudah Equiano and Ignatio Sancho were leading abolitionist spokesmen during the 1770s era of the slave trade. Their letters, journals and autobiographies chronicled a deep desire for liberty and freedom in Britain and their homelands.
The formidable minds of colonial Caribbeans in post-World War II Britain, Una Marson, Dr Harold Moody, Learie Constantine, CLR James and Claudia Jones, and other critics and social theorists, challenged widespread race-class bias.
Pause
and renaissance
With
the death of these noble persons, honoured legends, there was an ominous intellectual
pause.
Then along came John La Rose leading a small band of writers, artists and partisans against the racialised politics of Britain. They joined with grassroots activists to tackle impoverishment in schooling, housing and labour markets and the danger of race-haters in the streets.
Trinidad-born La Rose (1927-2006), a trade unionist at heart, explained to Black communities that they were more than mere actors on the stage of someone else's play.
This quintessential "West Indian gentleman" inspired other migrant intellectuals, and then young Blacks born in Britain, to study, to learn, and to excel in developing their minds. They, like him, called Britain home but carried a vibrant sense of the Caribbean.
Testament
One
of these, Devon Thomas of Brixton, London, a multi-racial district considered
the spiritual home of post-war West Indian settlers, has this to say in tribute:
"John La Rose, Founder of New Beacon Books, founding member of the Caribbean Artists' Movement, and Chair of the organising committee of the Radical Black Book fair, was indeed a beacon that lit the way in our struggles in the UK.
"He was also a man of immense international stature. He was renowned in the African Diaspora as a man of radical politics, culture and learning. His deep knowledge of our histories and struggles was always at the service of the community. He always sought productive alliances with other progressive forces who were in concert with his principles."
Scholarly
activism
Uniquely,
for his time, La Rose epitomised the Black British public intellectual -- shaping
thought to action. He was instrumental in organising many campaigns for justice
against police oppression, the criminalising of Black youth, and for better state
education and support for the Black working class, says long-time friend, dub
reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson in his obituary in the Guardian newpaper.
Moreover, La Rose founded a centre for educational and cultural activities dedicated to George Padmore, the Trinidadian socialist and PanAfricanist -- one of the talented West Indians who helped shape Black World events in the 20th century
Through his writings and speeches, La Rose defined "a radical history of anti-colonial struggle, working class politics and politically committed intellectual and artistic endeavours that span the Atlantic world system," according to Brian W Alleyne, a Trinidad-born sociologist at Goldsmiths College, London.
Jenny Bourne of the Institute of Race Relations, a radical organisation that La Rose chaired in the early 1970s, has celebrated his far-reaching concerns. "They were not just Black, but also Asian, not just First World, but also Third. And the politics was never narrowly nationalist, but invariably incorporated a socialist perspective." she says.
What
happens now?
Now, that La Rose has passed, what
will happen to the historic legacy of Black public intellectuals to empower, promote
and mentor Black progress? The brotha man's lament needs further elaboration.
Who will challenge the abusive stereotypes of Blacks and their aspirations? Who will demolish the questionable research findings of insensitive administrators – that demean and criminalise Black people? Who will denounce the "afrophobia" that sours all Black-white social relations? Yes, who will have the courage and dedication to step outside academia and confront the discredited social structures that limit the freedoms of all disadvantaged peoples?
Who, indeed, is to speak with us, and for us, from the mountain top of ideas and liberating action?
Talented
actions
We live
in an age when bold, innovative and creative thinking is needed. Against all odds,
hope must come from a convergence of talents and tasks.
John La Rose's comrades -- Gus John, Roxie Harris, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Milverton Wallace, John's partner Sarah, and sons, Michael, Keith and Wole -- will be keen to extend the publishing activities of New Beacon Books, extend the networks of the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books, and continue the work of the George Padmore Institute.
In time, there will emerge a class of Afro-Brits with sufficient income, time and energy to counter the persistent social inequities and moralistic posturing about "good race relations". The most advanced elements among them will marshal Black public opinion, along with the Black media and political activists, towards the goal of equal citizenship in the wider society.
Youth will create a parallel universe of scorching political debate and critical commentary in their e-mails, CDs, cassettes and broadcast voting. A new "Black bloggeratti" will express themselves in everything from blogging and mobcasting, to citizen journalism and "video mashups".
Sections within the Black working class will recognise the need for imaginative action. They will create an agenda-shifting critical and theoretical discussion and analysis of the Black experience -- its politics, its economics, its social patterns, its history and cultures.
These efforts will be matched by the rise of a new generation of Black British Public intellectuals. They will be guided, as WEB Du Bois avowed, by "Reverence of the Truth, a hatred of Hypocrisy and Sham, and an absolute sincerity of purpose".
This corps of scholar activists, reared with rigorous application in the highest most demanding institutions, will have a special talent and set of tasks. They will be able to confront and deal perceptively with British race-class and societal realities. They will connect up cultural and political criticism with just demands and programmes for change. They will be commited to testing theories about Black people's behaviours and putting the positive results into practice.
Armed with the new information technologies -- computers, mobiles, the Internet and the world wide web -- the new Black Public Intellectuals will initiate global scholarly and radical discourses. They will raise questions in all discussions about the future of cyber-spacial democracy. Above all, they will be commited to carry on the historic intellectual defence of Black people in tandem with their quest for advancement, social justice and equality.
Copyright 2006. Thomas L Blair, editor and publisher of the Chronicleworld.org, a public service Internet news magazine. E-mail: tb@thechronicle.demon.co.uk For more on John La Rose and on the crisis of the Black British public intellectual see: www.chronicleworld.org, click Books - Go, then Books, Books 12, and scroll for "Partisans, writers and artists". See also Archive 01, items 2.301 and 2.302.
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Race
for Cyberspace - Readers
Offer
Free copies to first 20 who register to review this guide to radical Internet innovation, with practical advice on communities taking control and transforming their lives.
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Race for Cyberspace |
As many of you may know, I' m putting together a book of my articles on Internet innovation in Black communities in America, Britain, and sub-Saharan Africa.
It identifies the aims and leaders of the fight-back against "digital apartheid".
I want to offer valuable clues to the policies and best practices needed to ensure that today's information poor are not left behind.
But, frankly, I need a few more good case studies and commentaries from experienced
people who think the book will be right for them.
And that's why I am seeking pre-publication commentaries.
The first 20 Chronicleworld.org readers who register their interest in reviewing the manuscript will be sent a FREE DRAFT COPY of Race for Cyberspace.
Registrants should be specifically concerned with and/or working with computers and the Web in or behalf of African peoples and Afro-Caribbean Diaspora communities in America and Britain.
E-mail requests to: tb@thechronicle.demon.co.uk
And while I am on this subject, I am also seeking inspirational examples and quotes that give vital clues to the spirit of Internet grassroots creativity.
To whet your interest and participation, Please read my article on “Taming the Internet” for clues to the book's themes and topics; it can be found in the Archive 06 folder on our website www.chronicleworld.org
LOVE YOUR GENES, LADIES
"Black don't Crack"
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| Naomi
Campbell |
Naomi Campbell, the celebrated icon
of supermodels, is a woman comfortable in her own skin. The London-born
lady of Jamaican heritage, admits she has dieted and worked out, and keeps the
face and body that earns her millions looking good. But, she says, she stays clear
of the Botox wrinkle-free facial treatment that is attracting women across Europe
and America. To protect her reputation, the world class celebrity is challenging
Botox promoters for suggesting otherwise."I don't need it, because 'Black
don't crack' ", says the gorgeous first Black model to be warmly welcomed by the
fashion and advertising world. "My grandmother has fantastic genes and only about
one wrinkle," she reportedly said.Black women, skin care specialists and
beauticians will greet her words with a chorus of hallelujahs: 'We've known it
all along. Thanks, sistah!'
Should Blacks mix business with idealism?
London-Joburg business meeting raises key social issues
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| Soweto
- joint case for change |
Black Londoners and South African entrepreneurs have launched a joint initiative for "Unlocking business opportunities for the next generation".
But managing a marriage between the world's two dominant discourses -- Business and social responsibility – will require them to apply innovative ideas from a catalogue of "good practices".
A spokesman, Devon Thomas of the Brixton Business Forum, announced the joint London-Joburg Initiative during the visit to London of a 29-strong delegation from the Soweto Business Executive Council (SOBEC) of Johannesburg, headed by Jerry Moloi.
Promoting
cooperation
Thomas and his colleague, Rudi Page of Statecraft consultants,
hosted networking meetings with potential partners, community leaders, and educators.
The delegates also visited the Angell Town Housing & Regeneration Scheme in
Brixton, the spiritual home of early West Indian settlers, and met the Mayors
of Lambeth, Harrow, and Brent.
"SOBEC is seeking a major boost for small businesses through international trade development", said Moloi. The group expects to open an office in the capital to promote London-Joburg cooperation and opportunities for business growth.
The joint Initiative's activities will expand into a learning and skills fair in Johannesburg and a Soweto International Business Expo (SIBEX) in Brixton during 2006-2007, said Thomas. "We hope to reach South African readers with The Voice newspaper and Young Voices magazine," adds Yvonne Wilks, of the participating ethnic minority press, GV Media Group.
The London-Joburg Initiative appears to have the backing of the UK and South African governments, the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), and the African Union of nations. Lead UK governmental agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for International Development.
Recognising
real threats and need
But top-level collaboration will not be enough,
however. The significance of the London-Joburg Initiative must be gauged against
the need to resolve the severe social problems faced by their respective communities.
Sowetans, in the sprawling township of 3.5m in Johannesburg, are a long-time symbol of neglect and exploitation. They need help to overcome the poverty of apartheid and the grim prospects of today's youth, as President Thabo Mbeki acknowledges. Black Londoners need relief from institutional racism and the problems that affect their life chances, according to sources at the Office of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. Both communities could be left behind as their cities gear up to meet the challenges of the information age.
Investment
needed +social capital = people empowerment
Hence, the joint London-Joburg
Initiative and its leaders, their associates and partners have a special task.
It must be based on social responsibility. Investment must assist communities
to create social capital and lead to their empowerment.
Fortunately, there are some models available from which lessons can be drawn. In the UK, more than 700 companies in the Business in the Community (BITC) association are promoting business involvement in social action. They insist the only way to demonstrate seriousness about this task is to draw upon a catalogue of good practices and policies.
Companies can offer invaluable experience in work related activities and create training schemes for disadvantaged young people. They can sponsor community activities, provide volunteer mentors, and support effective governance and sustainable micro-environmental policies.
Furthermore, businesses in communities can arrange pro bono social services with local authorities, football clubs and schools. Company professionals can help with basic numeracy, literacy programs and Information Technology workshops.
Responsible
business in society
One
practical example stands out here. 3M and its associated technology companies
won awards for excellence in community relations in 2005. "They have truly demonstrated
outstanding corporate responsibility and proven that their actions are having
a positive impact on society and on the business itself. I strongly recommend
others follow their lead,” said BITC North East Regional Director Marion Schooler.
A leading practitioner in the field, Geoff Moore, Professor of Business Ethics at Durham Business School, is convinced that the concept of "responsible business practice" is here to stay.
Applying good
practice
So what are the lessons to be learned by the London-Joburg Initiative?
For a start, their strategies must take into account the trans-national reach
and activities of their potential big business partners. For example, the award-winning
3M company operates in the UK and in South Africa, the prime locations of the
Initiative. Furthermore, the analysis and rigorous application of some aspects
of the 3M model could do wonders for unlocking opportunities for the next generation.
Of course, not every programme will be able to follow this lead. But what this analysis has unearthed is a valuable proposition about the mix of business and idealism. Business has a powerful potential for social progress. Ultimately, the fitness of the joint Initiative, in the eyes of Black Londoners and Sowetans, will be judged by the way business invests in the communities, and the way it supports their creativity, enterprise, and ability to participate in urban affairs.
keep scrolling
The Prophet Cartoons - Is there nothing holy?
Bashy Quraishy, a Danish Muslim asks: "Whose political agenda does this provocation serve?"
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| Bashy
Quraishy with Rev Jesse Jackson |
I have lived in Denmark over 35 years. During most part of this period, I have enjoyed all the great traditions of this lovely country, I used to call my second home.
I have always appreciated values which have made Denmark famous all over the globe; like, democracy, humanism, solidarity with the under privileged, human rights, respectful dialogue and non-violent protests. On top of all this, one quality which, I have most benefited from, without fear or harassment, is Freedom of Expression.
While talking about Freedom of Expression, it must be remembered that it has never been unlimited or unrestricted nor was it intended to give a license to the media to insult, degrade and make fun of others. It is governed by the law and is used under responsibility. It is basically to protect the little man in the street that wishes to raise her/his voice against the power elite. Article 29 of UN declaration of human rights clearly states that too.
In any democratic society, it is the duty of the State to safeguard the rights of minorities, ethnic or religious. Here Denmark is failing. Of course J.Posten can print whatever they like, but then Muslims should be able to drag the paper in the courts. But those of you, who do not know the Danish Courts, it is next to impossible to win a case of such nature. The Danish system values Freedom of Speech over religious or ethnic rights of Muslims.
On
the other hand, if a cartoonist made fun of Dalai Lama, Holocaust or praised Hitler
or even attacked the gay community, he/she would be dealt with by the Danish authorities
and legal system in an express manner. And I would be very happy when such persons
would be dealt with and punished. By focusing and attacking only Islam, the Danish
media has proven its enmity towards Muslims, which is historically based.
To those who think that the Muslim communities should shut
up and not raise their voice against insulting remarks or caricatures of their
Holy Prophet, I have a News Flash for you. Imperialism and Slavery times are over.
Muslims are 20% of the world population and are sitting on 75 % of the oil/gas
reserves. It is in the economic interest of the West to be on friendly terms with
the Muslim world. West has tasted the oil embargo in 1973 and being a trading
nation Denmark can ill afford the wrath of a trade boycott.
.
Having said that, I propose that we all step back and ask ourselves;
Did this cartoon series help the integration of minorities, did it make radicals
more mature, did it give the ignorant Danes more knowledge of Islam or did it
bring people together? If the answer is YES, then, I welcome these cartoons. If
the answer is NO, then we should ask ourselves; whose political agenda did this
provocation serve?
Excerpts from a message to the Chronicleworld.org from Bashy Quraishy, President - ENAR (European Network Against Racism) – Belgium and Member - EU Commission’s High Level Group on Integration – Belgium. Quraishy is also author of "Islam in the Western Media", published by Media Watch 2001.
Your comments are welcome on ways to address these vital issues.
E-mail: editor@thechronicle.demon.co.uk
