Black and white young people, principally college students, in the late 50s and 1960s in our country did not have the benefit of instant communication with one another by use of the internet and companion social network technologies of Facebook, Twitter, and smart phones. It should come as no surprise, then, that black women have made the modern black freethought movement possible. Novelist Richard Wright, was known for his work concerning racial themes, especially related to the plight of African Americans during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. In 2006 she came out as an atheist, in 2011 she founded Minority Atheists of Michigan, and in 2013 she established the Detroit affiliate of Black Nonbelievers. Important and Famous African Americans. Novelist Richard Wright, was known for his work concerning racial themes, especially related to the plight of African Americans during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. My motivation to constantly process ideas, look for solutions, and engage in dialogue with others comes from a desire for fairness and justice—a desire that does not require belief in an invisible entity. When God’s holy justice disappeared, my heart broke for my disproportionately incarcerated brothas and overly policed Black communities. Novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist, James Baldwin explored identity, race, and class. It’s possible. a source of joy and creativity as well as hatred and frustration. Our mission is to support and encourage all people, particularly those from the African Diaspora, who are Freethinkers, Non-believers, Atheists and of course, Humanists. If not me, who? The British Humanist Association is the national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Drawing from this legacy, it’s always been important for progressive Black atheists to insist that the humanist struggle is not just rooted in pushing back against religious dogma, bolstering church-state separation and science, and resisting patriarchy, but in dismantling white supremacy, American-style apartheid, and wealth inequality. I focused on taking care of other Black women. • Daniel Handler (born 1970): American author better known under the pen name of Lemony Snicket. Malcolm X (1925-1965) – Member of the Nation of Islam which advocated black self-determination and separation of black and white people. Gorham is a licensed professional counselor with a background in middle and high school education. Slowly, I was discovering myself.’. I care about the people in the communities 
I belong to. Critiques of the black church based upon materialist approaches to social transformation continued through the Black Panther Party. She eyeballed me, and I eyeballed her back as she shuffled her ass to the end of the line. It’s a humanist crisis when only white youth have the right to go to schools free of policing, to gain equitable access to college opportunities, or grow up in communities where they can expect to live into adulthood. The book was highly acclaimed by Newsweek magazine and by The New Yorker. His first novel was Go Tell It on the Mountain in 1953 and first essay collection, Notes on a Native Son in 1955, Baldwin became a leading literary voice of the civil rights movement. The black women freethinkers featured here, as well as the thousands who aren’t, push us to consider the central role of social justice activism in both our freethought activities and in our daily lives. And our mission and values
include the LGBTQ com­munity, a community represented in our leadership and membership, which incorporates intersectionality. I’m told I even took my kindergarten teacher to task. Association of Black Humanists was formed (as London Black Atheists) in November 2012 by Clive Aruede, a former Catholic Church eucharistic minister, Lola Tinubu, who had grown up an evangelical Christian and two other friends. We re­main steadfast because we’re compelled to. We fight because it’s who we are. Patrons of Humanists UK include some of the most important scientists and physicians of modern times, as well as leading writers and artists, politicians, actors and entertainers, athletes, journalists, human rights activists, and academics. Famous Humanists in History Facebook Twitter Email Share Below is a list of just some of the world’s most prominent leaders, thinkers, and activists in philosophy, justice, science, and the arts that have proudly associated with the American Humanist Association: She is also the founder of Black Skeptics Los Angeles and the author of Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, and the Values Wars and the new play, NARCOLEPSY, INC., which will debut at the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Candace R.M. Tradition and the Black Atlantic: Critical Theory in the African Diaspora (Basic Civitas Books, 2010) Black in Latin America (New York University Press, 2011) Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History, 1513–2008 (Knopf, 2011) The Henry Louis Gates Jr. But few are aware of the role humanism played in shaping the black experience: developing the thought and motivating the actions of powerful African-American intellectuals.Section One of this book offers biographical sketches of such prominent black humanists as Frederick Douglass, Cheikh Anta Diop, W.E.B. Famous For: Black Leonardo promoted alternative crops to cotton. He is a. strong critic of successive Nigerian governments. That overprotectiveness and boldness are old and familiar friends to this day. My mother didn’t say anything, but I promptly advised the stranger of her intentional mishap. As an ordained minister, I thought I was obeying a special calling to which I was mandated to put in a certain amount of my own blood, sweat, and tears; but at the end of the day, it was God. Guion Bluford, 1983, became the first black astronaut to travel in space; Mae Jemison, 1992, became the first black female astronaut. Humanists, who care about the building of a more rational and fairer society, should always be ready to combat not just hate and prejudice but the injustice that arises from long standing inequalities. Christopher Cameron is an associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I didn’t like the responsibility that came with the word. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN FACT that black women have served as the backbone of the black church since its inception. Creating a foundation where people can come to terms with their atheism/nonbelief within a community that has already suffered from marginalization has been monumental. Among the most significant developments in this movement over the past thirty years has been its institutionalization, and here, as always, black women have played leading roles. Recently my focus has included both human and animal rights in our food system and working towards creating sustainable food systems. Below is the world’s largest database of the most famous black people in history – men and women – with their detailed biographies and pictures. Playwright and writer, Lorraine Hansberry was one of the intellectual giants of the New York literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Being empathetic, giving a damn, hurts. Admittedly, humanism is not the only component of this project, but it is the largest, as I have encountered few black atheists (thus far) who do not also consider themselves humanists. Black History Month is the time to honor the role and achievements of African-Americans in the United States. Humanists UK co-organised the first global congress against racism in the UK in 1911 and was a campaigner against colonialism, and its social and intellectual forebears have a good record on opposing slavery and injustice. Leading this work on a daily basis in communities of color that are often erased from mainstream public policy and discourse on sexual violence is at the core of my commitment to humanist critical consciousness and social justice. Patrons of Humanists UK include: Professor Alice Roberts (President) […] Commentary on TheHumanist.com does not constitute an official position of the American Humanist Association unless specifically noted. Your email address will not be published. The experience also played a pivotal role in liberating my mind from negative self-reflection. 44 African Americans who shook up the world Intro by Kevin Merida / Portraits by Robert Ball. ‘If you find enough courage to speak out what you are, you will find that you’re not alone.’. As one of the freethinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, his work has been attributed to helping change attitudes towards and ideas about race. Humanists have made and are making a powerful contribution to human well-being. founded by Sikivu Hutchinson, or the creation of national organizations such as Black Nonbelievers, Inc., founded by Mandisa Thomas, African-­American women have indelibly stamped their imprint on the freethought movement. Since 2012 I have been an active member of Black Skeptics Los Angeles. The Association of Black Humanists (ABH), formally London Black Atheists (LBA), welcomes you all. We are building community, creating connections, and helping others, which incorporates humanism. First astronaut: Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., 1967, was the first black astronaut, but he died in a plane crash during a training flight and never made it into space. The library was open, unending, free. Novelist and story writer Zadie Smith, is best known for her, treatment of race, religion, and cultural identity, creating writings that deliver thought-provoking depictions of culture clashes which are shown to be. What we don’t do as often is celebrate the black humanists who have shaped the humanist movement and are part of our modern tradition so here are seven of the best! Soon after, I realized how dangerous it is to live in the intersections of racial, religious, and gender minorities. Mapping connections between the systems that create inequities in the world reinforces in me the need to be involved in creating social change. Living consistently with my values means working toward creating fair food systems that challenge a speciesist mindset that perpetuates domination, control, and violence toward animals who suffer like us. , contains an extended reflection on how human achievements are often erroneously credited to religion. When there was no Christian-inspired family structure with a male “head” anointed to protect the women, my love for my sistahs intensified. Reader (Basic Civitas Books, 2012) For example, our community work on sexual violence education draws from a long tradition of Black feminist human rights resistance that shaped the modern civil rights movement. has dedicated his life to humanist goals such as universal freedom of expression, and is still a formidably strident critic of Islamic fundamentalism. Sikivu Hutchinson is the founder of the Women’s Leadership Project, a Black feminist mentoring and civic engagement program for girls of color in South Los Angeles high schools. ‘Words like freedom, justice, and democracy are not common concepts; on the contrary, they are rare… It takes enormous and, above all, individual effort to arrive at the respect for other people that these words imply.’. As one of the freethinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, his work has been attributed to helping change attitudes towards and ideas about race. It…, Novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist, James Baldwin explored identity, race, and class. in 1955, Baldwin became a leading literary voice of the civil rights movement. The disappointment felt at the age of nine when that brazen woman stepped before my mother is the same disappointment that permeates my being as I observe organized humanists being selectively humanistic. Her novels include White Teeth, On Beauty, and NW. BEING BLACK, FEMALE, lesbian, atheist, humanist, “non-rich,” and middle aged—just to name a few identifiers—COMPELS me to be vocal. While some groundbreaking heroes … She is on the advisory council of the Black Humanist Alliance of the American Humanist Association and is a member of the Secular Therapist Project and the Clergy Project. Recent protests and campaigns for racial justice and equality have inspired many movements and organisations to re-dedicate themselves to foregrounding black members and influences. Famous Humanists in History Key Issues We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma. His works include. Her most famous play, A Raisin in the Sun, contains an extended reflection on how human achievements are often erroneously credited to religion. American author and Black Humanist, Ta-Nehisi Coates, writes about cultural, social, and political issues, particularly in relation to African Americans and white supremacy. C. Gorham, S. Hutchinson, L. Ross, B. Crutchfield, and M. Thomas, A Meditation: We Must Grow Past our Inabilities to Learn from History or Accept the Value of Science, Reader Opinion: Let’s Study Science Before Theology, The AHA Adopts Four New Resolutions in 2020, Offering a Humanist Hand to Asylum Seekers, Trolling and Controlling: Harming Trans Athletes Is Not a Humanist Sport. For over a decade, my work has centered on culturally responsive teaching, program development, mentoring, youth leadership training, and college readiness for first-generation Black girls and youth of color impacted by the school-to-prison and sexual abuse-to-prison pipelines. Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, Wole Soyinka. I felt my mother’s gaze upon me. RECENTLY, MY STUDENTS led a series of sexual violence and sexual harassment peer education trainings at their predominantly African-American and Latinx South Los Angeles high schools. The book was about her three-year experience of being an ordinary minimum-wage earner. ‘I’m a sentimentalist humanist. Your email address will not be published. ‘Why fear? And my being vocal typically entails utilizing salty, “unladylike” language, much to the chagrin of those who attempt to subjugate me into their patriarchal boxes. We take care of those around us, Black women; that’s what we do. But if not me, who? Hence, there are no simple solutions. American author and Black Humanist, Ta-Nehisi Coates, writes about cultural, social, and political issues, particularly in relation to African Americans and white supremacy. Pele (1940 – ) (Brazil, footballer) Pele was the greatest footballer of the century. The problem with removing that god from the equation was that the job still had to be done. In addition, this violent food system creates another group of victims we rarely discuss, namely the nonhuman animals we exploit. This means fighting for those who are either misrepresented, marginalized, or both. Published in the July / August 2018 Humanist. Food sovereignty and food security is complex because it includes focusing on anti-racism, anti-xenophobia, the rights of workers and farmers, nonviolence against women, animal rights, health, environmental sustainability, and fair economic systems. Black men and women made great contributions to American society throughout the 20th century, advancing civil rights as well as science, government, sports, and entertainment. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, the first African to be honoured in that category. Liz Ross is cofounder of the Vegan Advocacy Initiative, an animal advocacy and food justice nonprofit organization. Nor did the tenets of his followers’ holy book, and the society in which I was raised, offer me support to fully recognize my dignity as Black, female, and not heterosexual. While the #MeToo movement has brought widespread media focus on high profile white women in the entertainment industry, it is estimated that a majority of Black girls experience sexual abuse by age eighteen. It’s to show that we as a people have more power than we realize, and that we are empowered to grow beyond what we’ve been taught. The stuff of my being is matter, ever changing, ever moving, but never lost; so what need of denominations and creeds to deny myself the comfort of all my fellow men? February 29, 2016. Carver also introduced one hundred by-products of … ‘The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.’. I was approximately nine years old and had no thought, concept, or knowledge of race relations or their implications, but I was sensitive to the fact that someone overstepped their damn bounds with my MOTHER. A former evangelical minister, she founded the Ebony Exodus Project to explore the reasons record numbers of black women were leaving the church and in 2013 published The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion and Others Should Too. Aug 3, 2015 - Famous humanists, atheists, non-theists, Buddhists, Taoists. I believe art is here to help, even if the help is painful.’. In honor of Black History month, the spiritual Web site Beliefnet.com compiled the top ten most influential black religious leaders in America. My agency did not come from a higher power, but from within. They have pushed both black and white freethinkers to broaden their conceptions of humanism and have shown that despite arguments to the contrary, feminism is not only compatible with humanism but is also a central part of what it means to be a humanist. ‘Children see things very well sometimes – and idealists even better’. Carver advocated to plant crops alongside cotton that would help people provide for their own food. He received his MA and PhD in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His first book, To Plead Our Own Cause: African Americans in Massachusetts and the Making of the Antislavery Movement, was published in 2014, and he is currently working on a history of African-American freethinkers from the nineteenth century to the civil rights era. The African-American community has contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of the United States. There’s a history of people, famous and not so famous, whom have doubted. Black women raised funds for church buildings, evangelized for their churches around the world, and constituted the majority of members in denominations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Besides these opinions, there are other scholars who trace the origins of humanism even further back in time to the Afro-Asiatic When God was stripped away, my concern for humanity remained. I was made for the library, not the classroom. … 2 Nelson Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Our current food system implements policies and practices that work to maintain political and corporate power. Working with youth from all genders and sexualities, they broke down the complexities of rape culture, sexual violence, victim blaming, and “toxic masculinity” from their intersectional lived experiences. Absolutely not on my watch. Blacks have served and … He was an inventor, botanist, scientist, and teacher. 10 Most Influential Black People in American History 11 Most Famous Court Cases in America Actor African American America American history Athletes Barack Obama blacks Booker T. Washington Brown v. The truth is that I’ve never had the heart of an evangelist; I’ve always had the heart of an activist. The call remained. His works include Black Panther, Between the World and Me, and The Water Dancer. She says she has a mouth as big as her heart, hates respectability politics, and will boldly tell you to kiss her where the sun doesn’t shine. I’m also familiar with disappointment. I am one with the infinite and need no other assurance.’. Her most famous play. ‘The pursuit of knowing was freedom to me, the right to declare your own curiosities and follow them through all manner of books. Novelist and story writer Zadie Smith, is best known for her treatment of race, religion, and cultural identity, creating writings that deliver thought-provoking depictions of culture clashes which are shown to be a source of joy and creativity as well as hatred and frustration. The next time you hear a telephone ring, think of James West. I do recall vividly a white woman “cutting the line” in front of my mother as we waited to register our names at the doctor’s office. I’ll never forget how quiet the office was. I won’t give up, but I’m at ease knowing my voice is one of many—a harmonious choir that sings songs of spirit, war, equality, and justice—raising one fist as the other wraps around a plow. Our leadership is comprised mostly of women, and our existence has amplified the voices of more women who have broken free from religious beliefs, which incorporates feminism. I have been involved in social justice issues for over twenty years. SOCIAL JUSTICE has been defined as a concept of fair and just relations between individuals and society. His first novel was. Bridgett Crutchfield was baptized and raised in the Jehovah’s Witness faith, from which she was later disfellowshipped. AS A SECULAR BLACK FEMALE, it’s impossible for me not to work toward the betterment of my community. in a supportive and judgement free environment. Handler calls himself an atheist and a secular humanist. An important product of the Black Arts Movement, The Black Woman was the first major feminist anthology featuring work by Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde, Alice Walker, Paule Marshall, and others. The god that I was brought up to worship was not a reflection of myself. For the longest time, I never considered myself an activist. The 25 Most Influential Black American Leaders of All Time. Walking away, as inviting as that sounds, isn’t an option. His works include. Mandisa Thomas is the founder and president of Black Nonbelievers, Inc. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and other major media outlets regarding atheism in the black community. My humanist activism is inseparable from my identity as a Black feminist, atheist, writer, educator, sexual violence survivor, and union shop steward living in and around segregated African-American neighborhoods routinely demonized as “dangerous” and “other.”  Yet, when the dominant culture thinks about humanism and secular values, it is traditionally through a white, Eurocentric lens removed from the progressive anti-capitalist, anti-racist, feminist struggle. Hope some of them may capture your attention and inspire you to learn more. This question has very practical implications for anyone studying humanism, whether … He is a strong critic of successive Nigerian governments. American author and Black Humanist, Ta-Nehisi Coates, writes about cultural, social, and political issues, particularly in relation to African Americans and white supremacy. Required fields are marked *, Last week, I was tweeting like many people about the US election (specifically what a relief it is to have…, This morning, three civilians were murdered in France – stabbed to death and beheaded – by an Islamic extremist. Once I separated from religion and fully embraced the humanist ideal that people must take care of each other because we’re all we have, the urge to engage in social justice activism became too strong to ignore. It’s up to us to save and help OURSELVES. DuBois, Hubert H. Harrison, and Richard Wright.Section Two features essays by black … BHNBS is also for those who are questioning their religious beliefs and are seeking information on atheism/humanism/etc. Today, she is celebrated for her contributions to the academic understanding of African American folklore and for her accurate depictions of language and oral tradition in her work. I went on to tell her she was wrong, and based on my teachings at school, she was outright disrespectful. The classroom was a jail of other people’s interests. Barbara Ehrenreich, born on August 26, 1941, is best known for her book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America which was published in 2001. The root of that mentality is the same for any other system of injustice. Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731 – October 9, 1806) African American astronomer, mathematician and author who … Whether it has been the establishment of local groups like the Black Skeptics of Los Angeles, 
founded by Sikivu Hutchinson, or the creation of national organizations such as Black Nonbelievers, Inc., founded by Mandisa Thomas, African-­American women have indelibly stamped their imprint on the freethought movement. Sure, I knew my community was hurting before, but I always believed there was a god who was going to fix all of humanity’s problems. The Black Humanists and Non-Believers of Sacramento is an outreach and educational community group for African American atheists, humanists, non-believers, skeptics, agnostics. Playwright and writer, Lorraine Hansberry was one of the intellectual giants of the New York literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s. It was always on God to get the job done. See more ideas about humanist, atheist, famous atheists. His works include Native Son and The Outsider. Black artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Augusta Savage, Kara Walker, Jacob Lawrence and Gordon Parks show the African American perspective to the world. Secular humanist thinking, in my view, includes critical thinking, knowledge, compassion, and empathy. His works include Black Panther, Between the World and Me, and The Water Dancer. Join our discussion to learn about the intellectuals,... 2020/12/26 – Book Club, Black Humanists And Non-Believers: Chapters 1 and 2 of Doubt: A History One day when a friend said, “You are absolutely an activist,” I resisted. It started close to home. Those most negatively affected, locally and globally, are Black and Brown people. Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, Wole Soyinka, has dedicated his life to humanist goals such as universal freedom of expression, and is still a formidably strident critic of Islamic fundamentalism. The attraction of some SNCC workers to the Black Panther Party led by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale was based upon a common concern with transformative activity that held as its measuring stick the welfare of African Americans and other oppressed groups. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, the first African to be honoured in that category. Ronda Racha Penrice. My mother says I was a “humble child” until I became a teenager, but in the same breath will relay anecdotes of my boldness early on. BSLA promotes social justice work through a secular humanist perspective. She currently lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her fourteen-year-old daughter. My work with Black Nonbe­lievers includes providing support for and increasing the visibility of black atheists, which incorporates social justice. The genesis of the anthology, Bambara says, ‘grew out of impatience with the lack of writing for African-American women by African-American women.’ And we can be bold with our atheist identities in the process. As an author, I considered myself merely a researcher providing information to the Black nonbelieving community. humanists pointed backwards to the Greek and Roman philosophers (among the Sophists, Skeptics, Stoics and the Cynics) who variously attempted finding solution to human existence in man (Madigan 326-327). Shirley Chisholm is best known for her 1972 bid to win the Democratic presidential nomination; she was the first Black woman to make this attempt in a major political party.However, she had been active in state and national politics for more than a decade and had represented parts of Brooklyn in the New York State Assembly from 1965 to 1968.