Question.1665 - Date & Time: Tues, April 23, 2024, 7PM Location: WSQ Hall 207 Title: Reflections on the U.S. and Genocide feat. Tshaka Campbell in conversation with Basil Saleh Author Bio: https://dpwc2020.com/reflections-on-the-us-and-genocideLinks to an external site.. Write a review in a Google Doc. It should be one page (approx. 500 wds.) double-spaced. Share what you either witnessed, learned, and/or felt when attending this event. Make a connection between something we've covered in class and this event. ? Paste your selfie with the guest at the bottom of your doc. (remember to give me editing access)
Answer Below:
Tshaka Campbell Review Lawrence Butts San Jos? State University AFAM 22: The Humanities in African American Culture Professor Carmen Saleh May 1st, 2024 Reflections on the U.S., Genocide, and the African American Experience ?I?would like?to keep the reflection within the scope of African American Humanities, starting with the conversation between Tshaka Campbell and Basil Saleh, roused by the historic "We Charge Genocide" petition, while emphasizing?on?a link between the past and the present injustices which was intend to compel us to examine how legacies of genocide and oppression continue to shape the lived experiences of Black Americans. This lens allows us to draw powerful connections between the systemic violence outlined in the "We Charge Genocide" petition and the historical trajectory of the United States, from its founding on stolen Native American land to its imperialist ventures abroad. Some of the key points that I was able to pick up were how the lasting legacy of slavery and segregation had an impact, the foundational sin of American slavery, followed by Jim Crow segregation, constituted ongoing trauma inflicted upon Black Americans, although?the legal structures might have experienced a change, systemic disparities in policing, housing, education, and healthcare reveal how the violence of the past continues to manifest in the present.? Secondly, the mass incarceration and the prison industrial complexity, as the rise of mass incarceration disproportionately targets Black communities, we can trace parallels between slave patrols and the modern criminal justice system, illustrating how tools of racial control evolve?over time. The African American humanities perspective invites us to question:?does?this system represent a new form of institutionalized genocide?? Thirdly, cultural erasure and appropriation, from the theft of African musical traditions to the commodification of contemporary Black art forms, there has been a long history of exploiting Black culture while simultaneously denying Black people full agency, ownership, and economic benefit. This pattern can?be seen?as an assault on cultural identity and self-determination. Black communities are far more likely to be exposed to toxic pollutants, industrial waste, and contaminated water sources. This systematic environmental injustice echoes historic practices of pushing marginalized populations onto dangerous or undesirable land, again raising questions about the calculated devaluation of Black lives. The Role of Artists, Poets, and Activists Campbell's work as a poet and his insistence on making audiences "listen?different" resonates deeply with the African American humanities tradition. Black artists historically have served as truth-tellers, chroniclers of pain, and visionaries for a more just future. Artists and scholars of African American humanities can foster international dialogue by connecting with liberation movements globally. The shared experiences of forced displacement, dispossession, and systemic violence link the Black American struggle to those of the Palestinian people, the Rohingya in Myanmar, and countless others. By drawing these connections, we move towards global solidarity.? History is rich with examples of international solidarity inspiring change. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa drew support from Black Americans and others worldwide. Exploring these movements through the African American humanities perspective can fuel present-day strategies and coalitions for justice. This artistic duty aligns with the intent of the We Charge Genocide petition. Just as Robeson and Patterson exposed the brutality faced by Black Americans?to?an international stage, contemporary artists must continue to illuminate social injustices and dismantle the narratives that uphold oppression. Technology has democratized artistic expression and activism.?From?podcasts,?independent?journalism,?to documentary filmmaking, digital tools help marginalized communities bypass traditional gatekeepers and share their stories.?Basil Saleh's interdisciplinary work is part of this evolving landscape - finding new ways to communicate and?advocate for social change. Social media platforms are crucial for organizing protests, raising awareness of injustices, and building virtual communities that translate into real-world action. Artists can lead in using these platforms for mobilization,?especially?when centering the voices often excluded from mainstream media. Importantly, technology is a tool, not a solution in itself. Issues of access (the digital divide), the spread of misinformation, and online surveillance demand critical analysis by those employing technology in struggles for justice.More Articles From History
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