by Fawn Walker-Montgomery
Thank you to all who took the time to read my previous column on Feb. 28, which posed the question: “Have we compromised our way out of Black liberation?”
This question was meant to spark an important discussion about Black radical thought and to offer a different perspective on how we address social justice and Black liberation. My goal is to create space for more Black radical schools of thought in local organizing, which are sometimes unfairly seen as negative or problematic.
As a radical Black socialist feminist, I often find myself facing pushback from both Black and White people. It surprises me that my words and actions of resistance are sometimes met with more criticism than the oppressive system itself. In this column, I will delve deeper into this as well as how Black people internalize White supremacy. Specifically, with perfectionism, urgency, internalized racism, defensiveness, quantity over quality, capitalism, keeping White people comfortable (White proximity), worship of the written word, paternalism, either/or thinking, power hoarding, and fear of open conflict and individualism. All of these have showed up locally here in Allegheny County.
For instance, it’s no secret that we deal with neighborhood violence that often tears our communities apart. In my opinion, this is “internalized racism” showing up as violent acts among Black people. This occurs when one accepts the negative stereotypes about their own racial group. Ibram X. Kendi stated that “Internalized Racism Is the Real Black-on-Black Crime.”
It’s essential for us to question why the media sensationalizes “Black-on-Black crime” while ignoring similar incidents within White communities. Statements such as these reinforce White supremacy and perpetuate the myth that violence is directly connected to the Black community.
Moreover, White supremacy influences local community programs aimed at addressing violence. The rushed and quantity-over-quality approach to community engagement (fueled by grants) can exclude those most affected. A more radical approach would involve defunding local police departments and investing in mutual aid, participatory defense organizing and community safety models that do not rely on state intervention. These initiatives prioritize the needs of those directly impacted and challenge existing power structures.
Capitalism and power hoarding by White (and at times Black) stakeholders in local arts and media industries also perpetuate inequality. The practice of gatekeeping, where access to resources is controlled by a select few, limits opportunities for local Black people. Embracing a more radical approach means utilizing resources like the Pennsylvania film tax credit to financially support Black historical media and art projects such as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and the New Pittsburgh Courier. Both are integral parts of our rich, cultural history and deserve greater support, an aspect that is often recognized in print or language only, with no real connection to equity. Meanwhile, White or multicultural projects are funded and pushed into the spotlight. Using this model can also be seen as a form of local reparations acknowledging the contributions of the Black community.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the recent signing of Russell Wilson by the Pittsburgh Steelers. This presents an opportunity for positive impact, if approached with a focus on collaboration and not individualism. We must prioritize community over capitalism, that goes beyond city lines. This is important because a significant portion of the Black population resides outside the city limits of Pittsburgh. Furthermore, when implementing community projects or investments in Black areas, it’s essential to establish Community Benefits Agreements or other forms of shared power.
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