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The idea is the brainchild of Donald Wright, author of The Only Prayer I’ll Ever Pray: Let My People Go:
The idea of a Day of Solidarity occurred as a result of me pondering Black History Month with more focus on black free thinkers and non-believers. I felt that an effort should be given to assemble black non-believers in our local towns and cities eliminating the need for expensive travel. I visualized a special day of observance once a year on the 4th Sunday in February to promote fellowship, share experiences, meet new non-believers, and discuss the lives of black non-believers that our typical history books omit. Also, this could be the opportunity to encourage community activism.
If you’re interested in hosting or participating in a local event, the organizers want to hear from you.
While I respect their sentiments as a fellow atheist who happens to be black, I feel the need to address the "Black atheist" movement however insignificant it may be. Self segregation is not warranted or needed here, if anything we should be united in our discourse of the delusional. These efforts are greatly appreciated and not necessarily frowned upon by me personally but perhaps I'd recommend a day of Solidarity for atheist and Freethinkers of all ethnic groups.
Minorities often times incorporate subliminal ethnocentrism, something I despise greatly. Hopefully this is not the case here but the name suggest otherwise.
Last edited by ayahuasca_mike; 01-10-2012 at 01:09 PM..
While I respect their sentiments as a fellow atheist who happens to be black, I feel the need to address the "Black atheist" movement however insignificant it may be. Self segregation is not warranted or needed here, if anything we should be united in our discourse of the delusional. These efforts are greatly appreciated and not necessarily frowned upon by me personally but perhaps I'd recommend a day of Solidarity for atheist and Freethinkers of all ethnic groups.
Minorities often times incorporate subliminal ethnocentrism, something I despise greatly. Hopefully this is not the case here but the name suggest otherwise.
I take a look at the "Black Atheists" and the "Black Atheist Alliance" groups on Facebook once in a while (actual names might be different) and while I do see a black nationalist post here and there, I always see lots of comments rebutting it. Those who do want to self-segregate are definitely in the fringe.
I see the purpose of these groups and meetups. I lived in 99% black neighborhoods from birth until a year ago. I lost my religion when I was a teenager, and for a little while after that researching atheism, I never saw or heard of anyone black being an atheist. After learning about how religious black Americans are compared to other ethnic groups, I started to wonder if I would ever come across another black atheist (or even agnostic ). When I first found such a group on the Internet, it was a nice surprise to find other atheists who were black, and the fact that there was a group about it! I'm not very social, so I don't participate in those groups, but from what I see there isn't any danger of any sort of black nationalism becoming a major view in these groups.
So I think that most people in these groups have that mindset, especially if they live in majority black areas like I did. Others are probably interested in the humanities and thus are interested in black studies, which would include the overwhelming religious culture among blacks.
I think though that there are some unique challenges to being an atheist in the black community because religious faith is so dominant. Culture and religion are so interwoven that it is harder for those around you to accept your lack of faith.
I think though that there are some unique challenges to being an atheist in the black community because religious faith is so dominant. Culture and religion are so interwoven that it is harder for those around you to accept your lack of faith.
Agreed, that's basically what I was trying to say in my post.
That's a great link, it describes the situation perfectly and why these types of groups and meet-ups are helpful. There might be some in these groups who are focused on the situation of blacks, but that's not black nationalism or self-segregation by any means. I would consider it similar to wanting to see the people you grew up with in a crappy neighborhood make something out of themselves.
Is Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Surviors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) organized for the purpose of "self-segregation" or are they groups to support those who find themselves outside of the mainstream? Being a black atheist is a lonely path if one remains connected with the larger African American community so I see nothing segregationist about it.
I think it's fantastic that all people who want to free themselves from the bonds of religion do so. And if that person does not feel comfortable being around people outside of his culture so be it. We all originate and have our roots in Africa so the "We" is really all of us. The sooner we get to that point the better off all of us "We" will be.
I think it's fantastic that all people who want to free themselves from the bonds of religion do so. And if that person does not feel comfortable being around people outside of his culture so be it. We all originate and have our roots in Africa so the "We" is really all of us. The sooner we get to that point the better off all of us "We" will be.
It's not a matter of being uncomfortable being around others who are outside your culture, but it is a matter of trying to be comfortable around your own as well.
I agree that really there is only one race, the human race, but we have a long way to go before the existing society gets to the point where this is accepted.
It's not a matter of being uncomfortable being around others who are outside your culture, but it is a matter of trying to be comfortable around your own as well.
I agree that really there is only one race, the human race, but we have a long way to go before the existing society gets to the point where this is accepted.
Yeeeaahh!!! Too bad our current trajectory will lead us all to near extinction prior to reaching that point.
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). When I first found such a group on the Internet, it was a nice surprise to find other atheists who were black, and the fact that there was a group about it! I'm not very social, so I don't participate in those groups, but from what I see there isn't any danger of any sort of black nationalism becoming a major view in these groups.
