In recent years, there has been a growing sentiment of resentment among some Black Americans toward Black immigrants from Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions where Black people reside. This animosity, though not representative of the entire Black American population, is a disturbing trend that reflects deeper issues within the community. This article will explore these sentiments, their origins, and the pressing need for unity among Black people globally.
The Perception of Superiority
Many Black Americans who harbor negative feelings toward Black immigrants often believe that, as descendants of enslaved Africans who built America, they have a superior claim to the country. They view Black immigrants as “Johnny-come-latelys” who have no right to influence the social, political, or economic landscape of the United States. This perception of superiority is rooted in the belief that Black Americans, having endured centuries of oppression, have earned a unique status in American society.
However, this sense of superiority is deeply flawed. While it is true that Black Americans have played a critical role in building the United States, this does not justify the exclusion or marginalization of Black immigrants. Instead of seeing Black immigrants as competitors or threats, Black Americans should view them as allies in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
The Reality of the American Dream
The resentment toward Black immigrants is often fueled by disappointment in the American Dream—a dream that has failed to materialize for many Black Americans. Despite the promises of freedom, opportunity, and prosperity, systemic racism and economic inequality have left many Black Americans feeling disillusioned and betrayed. As they watch immigrants of other races receive federal subsidies, handouts, and other benefits, they may begin to see Black immigrants as undeserving beneficiaries of a system that has failed them.
This disappointment, however, should not be directed at Black immigrants. Instead, it should be channeled into a critical examination of the American system and a renewed commitment to building strong, self-sufficient Black communities. The lack of unity and infrastructure within the Black American community is not the fault of Black immigrants but a reflection of deeper internal challenges that must be addressed.
The Misconceptions About Africa and the Caribbean
Another aspect of this resentment is the ignorance some Black Americans have about Africa, the Caribbean, and other Black-majority regions. Many believe that these places are primitive, underdeveloped, and disease-ridden, with no modern luxuries or advanced societies. This misconception is not only false but also harmful, as it perpetuates a narrow and demeaning view of the global Black experience.
Africa, for example, is a continent rich in resources, culture, and history. The challenges it faces today—such as poverty, political instability, and underdevelopment—are largely the result of colonization and the ongoing exploitation of its resources by foreign powers. These powers have not only stripped Africa of its wealth but have also fueled internal conflicts to maintain control over the continent’s riches. The same can be said for many Caribbean nations, which continue to grapple with the legacy of colonization and economic exploitation.
The Need for Unity
The division between Black Americans and Black immigrants is a symptom of a larger issue—the lack of unity within the global Black community. For decades, Black Americans have called for their own schools, hospitals, banks, and other institutions, yet these goals have not been fully realized. Meanwhile, other racial and ethnic groups have established thriving communities and economies in the United States.
This lack of unity and progress is not the fault of Black immigrants but a reflection of internal disunity and the failure to build strong, self-reliant communities. To move forward, Black Americans must take accountability for their own progress and work to foster unity with Black people worldwide.
Memorandum 46 and the Divide-and-Conquer Strategy
To understand the roots of this disunity, it is essential to consider the external forces that have sought to keep Black people divided. One such force is the U.S. government’s Memorandum 46, a document drafted in 1978 during the Carter administration. This memorandum outlines strategies to prevent the unity of African Americans and African nations, fearing that such a union could challenge U.S. interests in Africa and globally. It explicitly calls for measures to prevent the development of a strong relationship between African Americans and African nations, including the use of disinformation, propaganda, and other tactics to sow division.
This strategy of divide-and-conquer has been used for centuries to weaken Black communities and prevent collective progress. By keeping Black Americans and Black immigrants divided, those in power can maintain control and continue to exploit both groups.
Ten Reasons for the Lack of Unity Among Black Americans
- Internalized Racism: Decades of systemic racism have led to internalized beliefs of inferiority, resulting in self-hatred and division.
-
Lack of Economic Power: The absence of strong Black-owned businesses and financial institutions has weakened the community’s economic base.
-
Cultural Fragmentation: The diversity within the Black community, while a strength, can also lead to misunderstandings and division if not embraced.
-
*Political Disunity: Differing political ideologies and affiliations have often divided the community instead of uniting it around common goals.
-
Failure to Build Institutions: Despite calls for self-sufficiency, the community has not consistently invested in creating its own schools, hospitals, and other essential institutions.
-
Distrust of Leadership: A history of betrayal and manipulation by leaders, both Black and white, has led to widespread distrust within the community.
-
Media Influence: The media’s portrayal of Black people as divided, violent, or incompetent contributes to internal divisions.
-
Generational Gaps: Differences in values and experiences between older and younger generations create friction and misunderstandings.
-
Geographical Separation: Black Americans are spread across a vast and diverse country, leading to regional differences and a lack of cohesion.
-
External Manipulation: Governments and other entities have actively worked to prevent Black unity through strategies like Memorandum 46.
Ten Steps Toward Global Black Unity
- Education: Foster a deeper understanding of global Black history, culture, and struggles to build solidarity.
-
Cultural Exchange: Encourage travel, exchange programs, and partnerships between Black communities across the world.
-
Economic Collaboration: Invest in Black-owned businesses and support trade and investment between African, Caribbean, and Black American communities.
-
Political Alliances: Build political coalitions that represent the interests of Black people globally.
-
Media Representation: Create and support media outlets that portray a positive and united image of Black people worldwide.
-
Grassroots Movements: Strengthen grassroots organizations that work toward Black unity and self-reliance.
-
Intergenerational Dialogue: Encourage conversations between different generations to bridge gaps and build mutual respect.
-
Spiritual Connection: Reconnect with African spiritual traditions and practices that emphasize community and unity.
-
Community Building: Focus on building strong, self-sufficient Black communities with a shared vision for the future.
-
Accountability: Hold ourselves and each other accountable for fostering unity and addressing internal divisions.
Conclusion
The resentment that some Black Americans feel toward Black immigrants is not rooted in the actions of those immigrants but in deeper, internal issues within the Black American community. This division is a reflection of the failure to build unity, economic power, and self-sufficiency over decades. To move forward, Black Americans must recognize the importance of global Black unity and work to bridge the divides that have been fostered by external forces and internal struggles. Only through unity can the global Black community achieve the progress and prosperity it deserves.
