Black Radical Tradition: True Justice, Not Partial Justice-22020172

More than partial Justice

Black radical tradition for me has meant being unapologetically loud in one’s demand and demanding for what is just and fair rather than at just what was provided and available. The two people that have inspired this opinion the most are Audre Lorde and Malcolm X.

             When Malcolm X demanded more than just begging for a place at the white man’s table I was reminded of the fact that often in movements for social justice there seems to be negotiations around how much of justice can one be provided rather than true and complete justice. From where this course started to a university student dropping a bucket of waste on Cecil Rhodes statue and demanding more than just a changing of laws I have been reminded that many forms of true liberation require for there to be a loud voice consistently asking for more till true equality is achieved. For me it has meant that tokenism is never enough, that there is a need to, even in the face of being called ungrateful, never bow down to partial rights. As Malcolm then put it the idea is bringing a change to the system which is made to negotiate just enough for it to survive while maintaining advantages and power for the already dominant. The black radical tradition is then identifying that systematic fault and working on fixing the root of the issue. Even when Malcolm faced criticism from people within the movement he stood up for what he believed in as the right thing to do and that has been a feature of the black radical movement throughout the course, that these inspirational figures did not let the struggle stop with incremental gains and chose to go above and beyond for what they believed in regardless of support.

            It as Lorde said that “you cannot use the master’s tools to break the master’s house.” When Lorde said this at a feminist conference demanding for more than what had already happened she too was being loud and unapologetic about the current situation. She wasn’t just okay with what she had right now but wanted what she deserved. Lorde too identifies that the problems go beyond just fixing certain matters of representation and go all the way to a faulty system that needs to be fixed for everyone and not just a few who are able to get something out of the system. The black radical tradition here too revolves around identifying that there are some who continue to suffer and need to be worked for, this requires loudness and the courage to speak when even those that support you might resist you.

            In terms of what this means to me personally is the idea that even today there is a need to identify the faults in the system and work towards fixing those to their core rather than just on incremental benefits from within the system. It has meant for me that regardless of support there is a need to keep your voice loud and strong if what you believe in is correct. It has meant for me to also realize that even if I think there is justice prevailing there is a need to listen to those that suffer themselves and let their critique be the important one. It has above all meant for me that there is no such thing as partial justice and that the struggle for equality ends when there is complete justice and not just a reflection of it.