That One Thing Black People Cannot Get Right!
My Black History Month Reflection
This article is a reflection I wrote in commemoration of Black History Month last year, 2023. It did not readily make sense to me when I came to the United Kingdom to find out that there was a whole month dedicated to celebrating Black History. But little by little, I started forming opinions through reflections about why this should be so.
This year, I tried something different to ensure I incorporated the current trend of generative chat AI in the essay to see what it would say.
So, I asked ChatGPT what it thinks about my title, and here is what it responded - "This article title is problematic and can be considered offensive. It generalises and makes a negative assumption about an entire racial group, which is potentially inaccurate and perpetuates stereotypes. Such titles can perpetrate biases and further divide communities. It would be advisable to choose a more neutral and respectful title that doesn't make sweeping negative assumptions about any racial or ethnic group. Always aim for inclusivity and understanding in your content."
As the calendar turns its page to October 2023, it beckons us to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the profound stories and legacies that Black History Month encapsulates. This isn't merely a month-long observance; it's a journey through time, echoing the Black community's triumphs, tribulations, and resilience.
As an African, celebrating Black History Month is not just about remembering the past; it's about understanding its impact on our present and guiding light for our future. Through this reflection, we aim to delve deeper into the myriad facets of Black history, appreciating its richness, confronting its painful aspects, and drawing inspiration to pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow.
My reflection last year started with me recollecting my discussion with a colleague from work on the train back home. She was narrating how the subconscious identity and race issue stopped her from caring enough for her sick father before he died at the hospital - while she was busy trying to protect a new dream job she had gotten.
In her words, "Since I just started a new dream job after months of hunting and intangible rejections, I couldn't request leave to be with my sick father in the hospital as much as I know I should be. Now that he is dead, I always think that I should have done more."Â As she said those, tears rolled down her eyes uncontrollably.
These were the words of one of my few Black colleagues in the department when I worked as an intern. This should make you wonder how this kind of conversation emanates between people of colour and why they feel so comfortable having it. Even though they sometimes know little or nothing about the other.
Another colleague from a different department, on the day I sat on the same train with him back home from work, was like, "You see, it's just the five of us scattered in each department. We are people of colour. We are just here to fill in and make the company look good."
My God! That was even more emotionally damaging. I mean, I consider myself as an intelligent student who was almost about to graduate with a 1st class (which I later did). I worked so hard to get an internship in such a reputable organisation.
Hearing these words reduced my self-esteem and worth to imposter syndrome. I started reflecting on those times when things weren't complicated in the recruiting stage and replacing them with feelings that these might be the times they just opened a loophole for me to fill in.
By the way, before you start forming opinions about these scenarios, let me take you on my reflective journey.
How to read this reflection
Even as a Black person, it is always difficult for me to share my perspectives when it comes to issues like this. For that reason, I try to understand other races when they just cannot stand this topic.
My struggle started from even as little as choosing the right cover picture for the article. My first thought was to pick a picture of a group of Black women in an office — but I thought that some might read this as another Black man trying to speak ill about Black women like I have read many times.
Then, I saw a picture of a beautiful Black child from Africa on what looks like a farmland (the picture resonates with me as it brings back fond childhood memories) — but I did not want to appear like another writer who perceives Africa as a poor continent.
Lastly, I wanted to use a picture of two topless Black men hugging — but I didn't because, with my title, it might appear I want to write ill about gay Black men. Before, I finally arrived at the current one — which I feel depicts every struggle and emotion.
What I am trying to point out is - it is OK not to know how to react or approach the affairs of other races, including yours. Also, kindly treat this as an opinion of one person. And do not use it to pass generalised judgment in dealing with Blacks.
Black Philosophy Towards Education
It is quite different back home in Africa, I suppose, for those of us who had the privilege to have access to formal education. The cycle goes like this: you — against others — and the world.
This means that parents will be like, 'The other kids that are topping in the class, do they have two heads?' That is you against others. However, if, fortunately, you are among the class toppers, parents sometimes will be like, 'You better keep working hard and do not let these grades get into your head — A child (they will make up a lower education level or age) in this part of the world or that part can solve this with ease.'
Can you see that the Black child from Africa is raised under so much pressure and the desire to prove something?
Here in Europe, I think it is quite different compared to Africa. I feel that parents who are fed with pictures and clips of impoverished African kids are genuinely happy about the privileges of their children being born in Europe.
While African migrants, who know how the system actually works, are usually concerned that their children might be beaten down from both ends (Africa and Europe) academically. Making them mount more pressure than necessary for their children to work harder in school.
Lastly, I have observed other non-African Black people. I feel that their take on this is divided into two:
Those who believe that the system has been designed against them because of the conditions of the schools and other facilities like hospitals in their neighbourhoods. So, they are indifferent to the academic performance of their children. Or.,
Those who want their children to rise against all odds, to re-write the history they, as parents and their family line, have passed through.
Black Philosophy Towards Employment
Again, there is a disparity among how the three categories view work. As for someone like me, I came to Europe to study and probably work after my studies. So, like every other social aspect, I won't say I am open-minded, but rather, I am just like a blank slate with no perspectives until I started learning first-handily from associations and experiences.
However, I resonate with the words of Prof. Christian Stadler — "The growth I saw in Africa would not be possible without migration. And when you next see a young African migrant in Europe or the US, don't see them as somebody to pity but as a potential future business tycoon"
My perspective on the older generations — I feel that the older generations are divided into miserable people (this is seen in all races) and optimistic people who have set the pace.
But I have identified this consistency among all generations. We feel the world of work is not a place to be ourselves. Every day, I read Black women complain about their hairstyles, their pay, and how people perceive their attitude at work, and I think you might feel that those are for Black women. However, I am still someone who counts how many times I go for a coffee break or use the toilet compared to my colleagues. Because we feel we are being watched!
We feel we have to do so much to be seen and heard. You must have heard this in Black rap and Afrobeat genres of music. But when I try to blame any system or race, I remember the times I worked in purely Black-owned organisations, how I was overworked and when I try to express myself, I will be muted with the saying, "This is why they complain about our race in their organisations!". Not only that, but most of the toughest interview sessions I have had as a young professional have been where I have to face another Black person.
Black Philosophy Towards Money
At a majority level, we still feel that wealth is something that only a few of us can ever acquire, no matter how we try. At least, compared to most other races, we have to struggle harder just to get by, not to talk more about building wealth.
But now that I think of it, what do you expect from someone who, because of the background of their school, cannot afford to attend some of the elite universities in the country? That's even if they ever would attend any.
Upon graduation, when people start falling back on their networks for job opportunities and information, what do you expect from someone who is the first university graduate in the family in the 21st century? Their working ethics is so raw and naïve.
When they try on their own, there is still an obstacle regarding the kind of places they can work since some companies still prioritise graduates from top universities.
Final Thoughts
Beyond just a retrospective, I hope through this piece I have been able to highlight the month's relevance in understanding our present and shaping our future. The article ultimately seeks to foster dialogue, urging readers to engage in more in-depth discussions and debates, ensuring that the echoes of the past continue to resonate and inspire.
My opinion in the future might change about some of my points in this essay. But for now, I feel most Black people aren't themselves in the cooperate environments; I feel Black people either do so less because of the perception people have of them or so extra that later they become overwhelmed. Finally, I feel we are the least to complain about our jobs because it is often considered a privilege to us.
Photo by Shan Patel on Pexels
Many thanks for reading my perspective and giving feedback.
My fervent wish is for the personal growth of everyone and the success of all young professionals who put their hearts and souls into finding their purpose in life.
Copyright © Ekene Moses, 2023. All Rights Reserved.