In November 2023, we gathered for the 2023 Social Practice of Human Rights, co-convening with the International Conference on the Right to Development, focused on the theme – “Decolonization and Development for Africa and People of African Descent.” This SPHR23 blog series captures the discussions and shares the learning that occurred during the conference around the themes of (1) the right to development; (2) building social movements; (3) just energy transitions; and (4) identity and belonging — as applied to Africa and the people of African descent.
Black Power in the 21st Century
From contesting democratic deficits and police violence to campaigning for environmental and economic justice, Black political leaders and grassroots activists are at the forefront of today’s most visible human rights movements with their unwavering resilience and determination.
This plenary delved into the pivotal theme of harnessing power through resistance and movement building, particularly through the lens of modern Pan-Africanism. Against the backdrop of global Black struggles, from challenging democratic deficits to combating police violence, the discussion aimed to unravel the opportunities and obstacles inherent in this transformative work. The role of technology in amplifying human rights violations and navigating democratic fragility also took center stage. As the discourse unfolded, it became apparent that ‘modern activism’ is not just evolving but thriving to confront contemporary challenges, blending traditional tactics with innovative approaches facilitated by technological advancements, offering a beacon of hope for the future.
Setting the Stage: A Legacy of Resilience
Bonolo Makgale, the Program manager Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit, Center for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, initiated the plenary with a poignant reflection, contextualizing the discourse within the tapestry of global Black resistance. Centering on the intersections of solidarity and resistance, pivotal moments like the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States and the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria underscore innovative approaches within and across these movements. These examples served as potent reminders of the ongoing battle against systemic oppression. Makgale's reflection, which stressed the imperative of collective action, prompted further discussion and instilled a sense of urgency and responsibility in the audience. Makgale emphasized the importance of leveraging diverse forms of expression, such as art, music, and academia, to weave a comprehensive narrative of Black resilience and resistance. She highlighted iconic figures like Fela Kuti and Bobi Wine, whose art and activism have transcended borders, inspiring generations to challenge injustice. By incorporating these cultural elements alongside academic discourse, Makgale underscored the richness and complexity of the Black experience, urging the audience to embrace a holistic approach to storytelling and organizing. She emphasized the transformative power of collective storytelling, urging individuals to reclaim their narratives and unite in solidarity against oppression. Through this inclusive and multifaceted approach, Makgale envisioned a future where Black voices are amplified, celebrated, and empowered to enact meaningful change.
Love, creativity, resilience and the politics of care
Thenjiwe McHarris, Co-founder BlackBird, shared a deeply personal journey that forms the essence of Black power, emphasizing its foundation in love, creativity, and resilience. Her narrative, rooted in her upbringing in the Bronx, illuminated the complex dynamics of police brutality and community activism. Through her involvement with organizations like Black Audit and the Movement for Black Lives, Thenjiwe highlighted the transformative potential of grassroots organizing and collective action in effecting meaningful change. Her insights underscored the importance of centering human experiences and emotions in the fight for justice, challenging conventional narratives that often portray Black struggles solely through a lens of suffering.
Tiffany Roberts, an organizer, criminal defense attorney, a mother, and the Director of Public Unit, Southern Center for Human Rights, having navigated the complexities of caring for activists and human rights defenders, answered the question of what we, as a community, can do to offer support and care to those who are fighting for us. She also sheds light on how we should frame the narratives about the work that we do, emphasizing our collective power and responsibility. In her own words, she says:
care is often undervalued, especially within the context of Black communities where the narrative often presents us as less deserving of care. We must first assess how our past experiences shape our understanding of care. In Southwest Atlanta's Black community, we have witnessed an increase in police violence since 2020. Despite this, demonstrations through music, art, and other means have increased, yet healing remains elusive. We're often seen as mere labor forces, expected to rebuild monuments, masking the true extent of progress. The severity of political repression in the USA, particularly in Atlanta, is alarming and could occur anywhere. We hold the responsibility of caring for ourselves and each other.
The importance of visual storytelling in amplifying voices and exposing injustice
Throughout the session, examples like Black Lives Matter in the US and the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria were cited as prime instances of how these movements are disrupting traditional political discourse and fostering solidarity on a global scale. Adebayo Okeowo, a lawyer and visual storyteller who works as the Associate Director of Programs, Regional & Partner Engagement, WITNESS provided compelling insights into the power of imagery in documenting and amplifying social injustice. Reflecting on the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, Adebayo underscored the role of digital photography and social media in galvanizing public support and exposing state violence. Through captivating visuals and firsthand narratives, activists transcended geographical boundaries, mobilizing international solidarity and advocating for justice. His perspective shed light on the importance of visual storytelling in humanizing complex issues, evoking empathy, and catalyzing collective action. Adebayo further emphasized that the struggle against systemic injustice requires a multifaceted approach beyond mere documentation and protest. He urged for a deep reflection on the root causes of violence and oppression, highlighting the need to challenge and dismantle structures that perpetuate inequality. Drawing parallels between various global struggles, he emphasized the interconnectedness of movements and the importance of solidarity across borders. He called for sustained investment in communities, education, and empowerment, underscoring the transformative potential of collective action grounded in hope and resilience.
The power of technology and social media in amplifying instances of social injustice, mobilizing public support, and exposing systemic oppression was also a key theme of the discussion. Panelists highlighted the transformative role of digital platforms in galvanizing international solidarity, advocating for accountability, and driving social change on both national and global levels. They also acknowledged serious challenges in these spaces , including censorship, misinformation, and surveillance, underscoring the need for ethical and strategic engagement with technology in activism.
What now?
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of fostering solidarity across borders and promoting accountability within communities. They highlighted the interconnected nature of global struggles against oppression and stressed the imperative of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities worldwide. Activists can galvanize collective power and drive meaningful change by amplifying marginalized voices and centering the experiences of those most impacted by systemic injustice. Moreover, they explored strategies for holding institutions and individuals accountable for human rights violations, advocating for transparent governance structures and mechanisms for redress.
Speakers advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to addressing human rights issues, moving beyond conventional legal frameworks to incorporate art, history, and non-textual approaches into advocacy efforts. They underscored the significance of storytelling, cultural expression, and grassroots organizing in challenging oppressive systems and fostering social change. By embracing a holistic approach to activism, communities can harness collective power and strive toward a more just and equitable future. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of centering marginalized voices in decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform advocacy strategies and policy interventions.
As we reflect on the valuable insights shared during the plenary session, it's clear that attaining Black power and liberation requires resilience, solidarity, and innovative strategies. By amplifying marginalized voices, fostering international solidarity, and embracing a multidisciplinary approach to activism, communities worldwide can continue to push back against oppression and pave the way for a more equitable future. Just as the broader #SPHR23 conversations highlight, local leadership is also vital in addressing rights issues affecting Africa and people of African descent, locally and globally. In places like Dayton, Ohio, we aim to cultivate local alliances for dialogue, non-violent resistance, and reflection alongside social movements. Moving forward, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by these conversations, translating insights into action and mobilizing resources to support grassroots movements. As organizer McHarris reminded us:
The heart of Black Power is not Black suffering. It’s Black love. It’s Black creativity. It’s Black resistance.
Olive Ekoh is pursuing her master's in business administration at the University of Dayton and is a graduate assistant at the University of Dayton Human Rights Center. Her work and research interests in human rights are primarily focused on women's rights and empowerment, the abolition of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, and grant sourcing and implementation for projects in Africa.
Satang Nabaneh is Research Professor of Law at the University of Dayton School of Law and the Human Rights Center’s Director of Programs. A democracy, human rights, and governance specialist, her work spans human rights, democratization and autocratization, constitution-making and institutionalization of accountability structures, election processes, human rights, and transitional justice.