Black supremacy

Black supremacy is an ideological belief that black people are superior to people of other racial backgrounds and that they should dominate people of other races. It is a counterpart to various forms of racial supremacy, most notably white supremacy, which has been more prevalent historically and globally. The concept of black supremacy has been associated with certain religious and political movements, most notably within parts of the Black Nationalism movement and the Nation of Islam. It's important to note that the ideology of black supremacy is not representative of the broader aims and beliefs of the Civil Rights Movement or the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement, which seek racial equality rather than racial dominance.

Origins and History

The origins of black supremacy can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the rise of black nationalist ideologies that sought to promote black identity and unity in response to systemic racism and oppression. Figures such as Marcus Garvey, who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in the 1910s, advocated for the return of African Americans to Africa and the creation of a sovereign black nation. While Garvey himself did not promote supremacy ideologies, some interpretations of his work and that of similar movements have veered towards supremacist beliefs.

In the mid-20th century, the Nation of Islam emerged as a significant organization that has been associated with black supremacist views. Leaders like Elijah Muhammad and, to a lesser extent, Malcolm X (before his departure from the organization), preached a doctrine that included the inherent divinity and superiority of black people over whites, which they argued was supported by religious texts and historical interpretation.

Contemporary Context

In contemporary times, the ideology of black supremacy is marginal and not widely endorsed by mainstream society or the majority of activists and scholars within the black community. The focus has largely shifted towards achieving racial equality and addressing systemic issues such as police brutality, economic disparity, and institutional racism.

Criticism and Controversy

Black supremacy, like all forms of racial supremacy, has been widely criticized for promoting division, hate, and inequality. Critics argue that it mirrors the racist ideologies it claims to oppose, undermining efforts towards racial harmony and social justice. The concept has also been used by white supremacist groups to justify their own racist beliefs and actions, framing themselves as victims of reverse racism.

See Also

• Racial supremacy
• Black Nationalism
• Civil Rights Movement
• Black Lives Matter
• Nation of Islam