191 SHARES Share Tweet

Black liberation has always been a topic of diverse opinion in the Black community. Living in America where racism is rooted in almost all entities in America. Causing many Black people to wonder will Black people ever reach liberation? Black liberation is a complex subject because first, you have to define it. According to The Audiopedia Black liberation means “theological perspective which originated in some black congregations in the United States and later in other parts of the world, which contextualizes Christianity in an attempt to help those of African descent overcome oppression.” Now this definition can differ because of Christianity, but the main premise is to help Black people overcome oppression.

However, history has shown us Black liberation can look very different depending on who or what organization you speak to. In history, it’s easy to remember the NAACP, Nation of Islam, Congress of Racial Equality, the Black Panther Party and many other organizations involved in the Black liberation movement. One commonality all these groups had was their belief of how to go about actually achieving said liberation was completely different down to the ideologies of each group.

With that being said many people who’re concerned about the current and future state of Black America are wondering will Black liberation ever happen and how will we (Black people) go about getting it. Here are five concepts that are often mentioned by Black thought-leaders and commentators to guide us towards liberation.

1. Increase Participation in Politics, Law Enforcement & Voting

More representation in local politics and law enforcement which would allow us to lobby for better policies, laws and police reform. Many commentators often cite “you can’t change a system from the outside…you have to go into the system and try to fix it from the inside.” Also an increased turnout to the voting polls for not just national but local and state elections. Subsequently, causing laws and policies to change that would liberate the Black community from all the various issues we face.

2. Radical Approach

Instead of following the ideology “protesting and praying” of some civil rights leaders from the 1960’s. Many radicals or revolutionaries believe the only way Black people will ever be liberated is by taking radical action. This could include but not limited to; arming Black people with weapons, teaching them how to farm and grow their own food, take any means necessary approach to end Black oppression, moving back to Africa, demand monetary reparations for slavery, stop relying on government programs i.e. welfare, section 8 etc. The overall message of this method is to stop assimilate into American society and create your own. With the belief that America will never ever truly treat Black people as they do whites no matter how hard we try to.

3. Building Black Wall Street/Black Wealth

The concept of building a new Black Wall Street or Black wealth has become quite popular over the past few years. With many Black scholars using the Black communities 1.1 trillion dollars buying power as a talking point. Insisting that many of the Black communities problems can be solved with group economics and re-purposing the Black dollar into Black businesses. This would consist of building a “New Black Wall Street” often referring to Greenwood, Oklahoma where Black people were thriving in the early 1900’s until the riots of May 31, 1921, destroyed the community. This method believes that if Black people had their own communities with business and schools they would be able to live a better life without the worry of racism and white supremacy.

4. Protesting & Boycotting

This ideology goes back to the Civil Rights Movement under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. where he made non-violent protesting popular in the late 50’s and throughout the 60’s. This belief in protesting and boycotting seem to be successful as laws and policies were changed as a result of protesting and boycotting. This concept is similar to Black Lives Matter and other social activist groups today. While protesting brings attention to the problem hurting the oppressive system economic base can often cause change.

5. Education & Relearning history to teach to the youth

Many educational advocates believe the only way for Black people to truly be liberated is to liberate their mind first and foremost. As they believe many Black people are still enslaved mentally causing them to be unable to fight for liberation. Therefore, before we can even think about fighting for liberation we have to learn and reeducate ourselves of our history beyond slavery. Also, teaching the kids and young adults the importance of being liberated and fighting for Black empowerment.

Now out of all these 5 methods which one should we follow to actually see Black liberation? If I knew the answer to this question I would implemented it tomorrow. However, in all honestly no one really knows the answer to this question, because if so we would already be liberated. Nonetheless in my estimation I believe it will have to be a combination of all five methods combining together in a group effort. This would result in Black people from all religions, beliefs, ideologies, socioeconomic status and educational background coming together for a common goal. As far-feted as that might seem right now, the good news is we do not need all approx. 42 Million Black people for this to become a reality. With the increase of Black people becoming intellectually independent enough to think for themselves as Malcolm X predicted. We’re entering into a time in history where enough of us are becoming consciously aware enough to realize that the time is now for Black liberation. Therefore, putting our differences to the side and working together may be closer than you might think.

Copyright ©2018 The Black Detour All Rights Reserved.