Event Reflection: A Conversation on Perspectives on Race, Racism, Anti-colonialism and Decolonization in the Global Context
On October 1st, the Bahá’i Chair for World Peace hosted a hybrid speaker event featuring Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò- Professor of African Political Thought at Cornell University, and Jean-Michel Mabeko-Tali- Professor of African History at Howard University. Together they engaged in stimulating dialogue on topics such as the origins of human rights, the relationship between colonization and decolonization and the Eurocentric perspective of history.
Professor Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò speaks about How for the better part of history, the knowledge of African history was acquired through European lenses. He goes on to compare the English Magna Carta to the Manden Constitution of 13th century Mali. Also known as The Kouroukan Fouga. They provide different definitions of what is known today as human rights. The British claimed that the Magna Carta is the origin of documented human rights while African scholars refute this and point out its lack of inclusivity as it was created from a dispute with the Barons-a man who pledged his loyalty and service to his superior in exchange for land- and the King. The origin of the Magna Carta comes from The Barons pressuring the King for more land and they received it only for themselves. The Kouroukan Fuga constitution was created after their King had traveled and brought back hold for all people. This comparison highlights the eurocentric perspective most of history is told and forces us to acknowledge the histories that were disregarded.
Professor Jean-Michel speaks about the topic of decolonization by establishing his opinion on colonialism. He said that “Borrowing things from the ones who colonized you doesn't mean you are still under colonialism”. He explained further with an example of the resilience of African American culture during slavery. African American culture was created through a combination of what they learnt from enslavers and the music, dances, religions, and customs that were brought from Africa. Professor Jean-Michel concludes that the binary thinking that surrounds decolonizing prevents the complexity of the topic to be discussed.
Overall, the discussion between Professor Taiwo and Professor Mabeko-Tali provided insights into the understanding of decolonization and Eurocentric tellings of history, prompting further exploration to see past the binary dimensions of decolonization.
You can view the video the discussion on our YouTube channel here
About the Author
Nina-Abbie Temisan Omatsola is an undergraduate student working as a research intern with the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace. She is pursuing a dual major in Psychology and Theatre at the University of Maryland-College Park. Her interests include quality education for all.
