Imma kick it this Bicentennial Homecoming Weekend but the University of Cincinnati Owes Black & Indigenous Folk Reparations

Chris[tina] D. Brown
Nov 8 · 2 min read
A racist photo from an 1897 UC Yearbook, mocking Black and Indigenous people
A racist photo from an 1897 UC Yearbook, mocking Black and Indigenous people

As an undergraduate student in the Africana Studies department at the University of Cincinnati, my Black professors constantly emphasized the importance of rigor and preparedness. Of course these expectations are pervasive throughout the academy, however these scholars intensity derived from the frustration that Africana Studies was not a subject that was taken seriously, especially at a predominately white institution. Being in the presence of Black scholars forced me to internalize the seriousness of Black studies as a discipline and implored that I explore the importance of being prepared to investigate each institutions history of anti Blackness and campaign for Black liberation.

Given that I was formally introduced to radical concepts of solidarity, justice, and freedom at UC I am infuriated that as the bicentennial looms, so does the inaction of the UC administration. During the recent international University Studying Slavery Symposium UC representatives announced they were not prepared to formally remove enslaver/white supremacist Charles McMicken’s name from the building or in any technical branding. The only thing UC’s task force was prepared to do is engage in all sides matter discussions about the “complexity” of a person who stole people, land, and labor. Ironically, this inaction comes during a campaign which calls for us to celebrate the entire history of the institution while simultaneously erasing UCs endless complicity in kyriarchy. The University’s birthday should serve as an opportunity to practice atonement not just through the singular act of removing Chuck’s name from buildings and the university brand, but through a rigorous and prepared financial, economic, and political commitment to reparations.

Although imperfect, many universities throughout the country are establishing reparations funds, amending their whitewashed history, and using their institutional platforms organize and advocate for national & international reparations framework. 200 years later, and during what many are marking as the 400th anniversary of the beginning of chattel slavery the time for compensation is now. Perhaps if UC prepared to act, they would look to the adjuncts that are paid poverty wages, or hell, even rigorously centered the radical student tradition of fighting the triple evils of militarism, racism, and capitalism. In doing so, officials would find that reparations are practical, necessary, and urgent. Without an ideology and resource allocation committed to reparations, a quartercentenary ain’t happening. Refusing to address the cumulative impact of generations of exploitation are guaranteed to literally decimate our society, which obviously includes our beloved institution. See you at tailgate.

Red & BLACK Struggles

Thoughts on #theIRATE8 and injustice at the University of Cincinnati

Chris[tina] D. Brown

Written by

Red & BLACK Struggles

Thoughts on #theIRATE8 and injustice at the University of Cincinnati

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