Category: Ideas

Brexit and the Black Community

By Ross Davis 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

Since the Brexit vote there has been a rise in racial abuse suffered by members of the black community. The vote to leave the EU was synonymous with a vote against immigration. The wider issue here is that a Brexit debate hijacked by xenophobes forced members of the black community to approach the subject of Brexit on a largely reactionary basis. While this is understandable, when approached purely as a matter of policy, Brexit could otherwise be viewed as an opportunity for the black community at large. In this paper we explore what those opportunities could be.

About author

Ross is a corporate lawyer specialising in Debt Finance and Restructuring. He has worked in the office of David Lammy MP, focussing on law and policy, where in the wake of the 2011 Tottenham riots he became engaged in political activism. He has also been published on international economic law, specifically on World Trade Organisation (WTO) theory.

Macroeconomic Picture of Black Britain

By Vistra Greenaway-Harvey 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

The current macroeconomic position of black people in Britain is unclear. Although there is a great deal of analysis available, it is fair to say there is also a high degree of sensationalism. On the one hand, there are reports about an improving position, on the other, there seems to be strong evidence suggesting a sustained financial decline. In addition, to any reader thinking, this topic is obsolete because your own personal finances are in good shape, it is important to explore because our need to move forward in collective financial unity.

About author

Vistra Greenaway-Harvey is an academic copywriter and legal researcher. As well as African commentary, she drafts consultations and legal submissions for local councils and Fortune 500 companies.

Radical Methodologies for Correcting Educational Outcomes

By Michelle Holmes 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

In Britain, there appears to be an open secret that to be highly educated is a privilege reserved for the elite; and the statistics would back up this notion. This paper seeks to empirically determine whom education is really meant for and what must be done to unpick the deeply embedded racist structures of the institution. It will address the psychological impact that race and identity have on the mental and emotional health of students and teachers of African and African Caribbean heritage while proposing ways in which we can effectively address this.

About author

Michelle is a London based writer, teacher and integrative healing arts therapist. She works in education as a pastoral care lead, specialising in health and wellbeing and child psychology. Michelle also works in the area of self care and ritual, the therapeutic arts, Black psychology and spirituality.

Centering Black Scholarship

By Vistra Greenaway-Harvey 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

Black Scholarship in this insightful paper the author firmly rejects the assertion that Pan-Africanism is dead. Yes it is fair to say that some African leaders have not engendered solidarity on the continent. Likewise, the African Union may have departed from their founding fathers’ aims of unity. However Greenaway-Harvey argues against the ideas that draw us into referring to the political failings of continental leaders and the assertion that Pan-Africanism is now perceived to be “much more a cultural and social philosophy than the politically driven movement; to the evidence that it has always been so and indeed a very important process to undertake as Pan-African community leader.

About author

Vistra Greenaway-Harvey is an academic copywriter and legal researcher. As well as African commentary, she drafts consultations and legal submissions for local councils and Fortune 500 companies.

Minority Oppression from the Welfare State?

By Ross Davis 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

Welfare is a topic of particular relevance to the black community and ethnic minority communities at large, with statistics indicating that ethnic minorities are the most in need of state benefits. It is tempting to vote with the mind-set that policies pledging the highest amount of welfare provision will naturally be the most advantageous policies for ethnic minority communities. However, my anecdotal experiences, alongside much prominent sociological theory, suggest that this may not necessarily be the case. Ross Davis dissects these nuances and complexities in this brilliant and important text on the British welfare state.

About author

Ross is a corporate lawyer specialising in Debt Finance and Restructuring. He has worked in the office of David Lammy MP, focussing on law and policy, where in the wake of the 2011 Tottenham riots he became engaged in political activism. He has also been published on international economic law, specifically on World Trade Organisation (WTO) theory.

A Scientific Argument for Ancestral Memory

By Vistra Greenaway-Harvey 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

That ‘ancestors’ bear great significance in the lives of their African descendants is evident throughout African anthropology and theology. They are deemed to be, “patrons of society” that hold incredible power over human destiny. It is through venerating both sides that African descendants can avoid misfortune in life. However, what does the science say? Can we actually back this up with genetic evidence and present an underlying basis for exploring phenomenoa’s such as PTSS and intergenerational trauma? In this fascinating piece, our author explores those arguments that suggeat we can.

About author

Vistra Greenaway-Harvey is an academic copywriter and legal researcher. As well as African commentary, she drafts consultations and legal submissions for local councils and Fortune 500 companies.

The Future of Pan Africanism

By Nigel Stewert 18th November, 2019

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Abstract

When the missionaries, anthropologists and explorers first came to Africa, their mandate was to Christianise, civilise, and commercialise – three Cs. There’s no question that we’re in a unique time in history, a time where our future will be the degree in which we can harness and shape this global awakening and resistance into a program of sustainable change. However, what does the vision and road map of a Pan Africanism which is fit for the 21st Century actually look like?

About author

Nigel is a passionate social entrepreneur, pan africanist and teacher. He is Founder & CEO of The Centre, a growing community of scholars and intellects who collaborate to produce educational content for the African Diaspora.