Systemic Racism : A Journey Through Oppression, Faith and Enlightenment

From the 15th century onward, Black and Brown people have faced a relentless assault on their existence – a history of systematic targeting, oppression, and brutal murder. My travels through Spain and Portugal laid bare the chilling reality of the Spanish Inquisition, revealing the West's calculated efforts to distort and erase the rich tapestry of Black and Brown history, society, land, culture, and civilization. This erasure extended beyond the Inquisition. Further exploration of Mediterranean history unveiled the extent to which the West, beginning in the 15th and 16th centuries, implemented coded racial exclusion laws designed to obliterate the contributions of Black Africans, Brown Middle Easterners, and Asians to global development. These contributions spanned a vast expanse: history, science, education, culture, art, spirituality, civilization, technology, engineering, astronomy, and more.

This systematic erasure stands in stark contrast to humanity's enduring pursuit of understanding, enlightenment, and insight – a journey that has evolved profoundly throughout history. Ancient civilizations laid the groundwork for exploring the essence of being human, intertwining spiritual, philosophical, and scientific inquiries. Civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China pioneered this exploration. The Egyptians, guided by Ma'at – the concept of truth, balance, and cosmic order – developed intricate spiritual systems that emphasized the connection between the physical and metaphysical realms. Indian philosophy, through texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, delved into the profound insights of human consciousness, exploring concepts such as Atman (the self) and Brahman (the universal spirit). In China, Confucianism and Taoism emphasized harmony, ethics, and the balance between humanity and nature. The Greeks, with thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, made significant contributions to the philosophical understanding of humanity, laying the foundation for Western philosophy.

However, this pursuit of knowledge was often exploited. The energy and resources cultivated by these ancient civilizations were frequently redirected to serve the ambitions of empires, leading to systems of enslavement and oppression. Monumental structures like the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China were built using forced labor. The Roman Empire enslaved millions, using their energy to fuel its expansion and dominance. The transatlantic slave trade, a brutal system that began in the 15th century, systematically exploited African people, enriching Western powers and fueling their economic growth. Religion and propaganda were weaponized to justify these atrocities. The Spanish Inquisition serves as a chilling example of how religious institutions manipulated knowledge to enforce conformity and silence dissenting voices.

Spain and Europe, in their efforts to erase 800 years of Black and Brown influence in the Mediterranean, enacted discriminatory laws and pseudoscientific theories. Anthropology was weaponized to create bigoted narratives, and religion was manipulated to rationalize slavery and colonization. Institutions like the Jesuit Order played a significant role in spreading African slavery and colonizing the Americas through Iberian initiatives. Killings, slavery, land looting, and the destruction of historic documents became tools of oppression. Colonial powers plundered resources, technology, and intellectual wealth, appropriating ancient civilizations’ achievements and erasing their contributions from historical narratives.

Amidst this backdrop of oppression, Ethiopia’s remarkable history of resisting colonization stands as a testament to enlightenment and resilience. Unlike many nations, Ethiopia maintained its sovereignty throughout the colonial era, rooted in its philosophical heritage, strategic awareness, and profound spiritual beliefs. Central to Ethiopia's identity is its belief in God and its connection to the cosmos. Ethiopian kings were often seen as integral to the cosmic order, reflected in their celestial titles. Ethiopian scholars contributed to astronomy, linking stellar movements to spiritual and agricultural cycles, evidenced by the Ethiopian calendar. Zara Yacob, a 17th-century philosopher, advocated for reason, tolerance, and universal morality in his work, Hatata, fostering a culture of critical thinking and resistance. Ethiopia's leaders demonstrated exceptional global awareness, strategically navigating geopolitics to protect the nation’s independence. The Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Emperor Menelik II defeated Italian invaders, exemplified Ethiopia’s resolve and inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa and beyond. Ethiopia’s resilience was also tested during the 16th-century Islamic invasion led by Ahmed Gragn, supported by the Ottoman Empire. Despite significant losses, Ethiopia, with Portuguese support, repelled the invasion, preserving its independence and religious identity. Earlier, Ethiopia faced conflicts with Egypt during the Sabean and Axumite empires, shaping its culture of resilience and adaptability.

Even during the Enlightenment, a pivotal moment in human history emphasizing reason, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge, the energy used to enslave humanity persisted. Colonial powers exploited the resources and knowledge of indigenous peoples, suppressing their enlightenment while appropriating their advancements. The Industrial Revolution further entrenched systems of oppression, fueled by the exploitation of enslaved labor and stolen resources, highlighting the duality of knowledge as both a tool for enlightenment and a weapon for enslavement.

It is crucial to acknowledge that these dynamics of control and manipulation extend beyond historical and colonial contexts. Even within the seemingly intimate spheres of our lives—parents and children, husbands and wives, friendships, societies, communities, and families—tactics, tools, mind games, lies, narcissistic deception, emotional hijacking, energy vampirism, and predatory behaviors are employed to enslave, control, and exert power. This pervasive nature of manipulation underscores the ongoing struggle for autonomy and the need for heightened awareness.

The scars of systemic racism run deep, affecting generations. Black and Brown people have faced relentless efforts to erase their history, colonize their spirits, and rewrite their narratives. These wounds fuel cries for justice, recognition, and restoration. A collective awakening is challenging systemic racism, demanding the reclamation of history and the amplification of voices. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter unite people to change the narrative and begin healing. Today, the pursuit of enlightenment and insight remains a powerful force for liberation and progress. By reclaiming suppressed histories and acknowledging the contributions of all civilizations, including Ethiopia's enduring legacy of resistance and intellectual resilience, humanity can move toward a future of empowerment and justice.




By Dutchess@deldeyoch