The story addresses the excitement and enthusiasm of some Africans, particularly the educated elite, regarding Kemi Badenoch’s election as the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party.
The author questions why some individuals, despite being educated and holding degrees, fail to develop the ability for critical thinking when processing such events. The story points out the tendency for some Africans to get overly excited about issues based on ethnicity or tribe, rather than engaging with them in a more analytical or rational way.
The author suggests that some African reactions are rooted in primordial sentiments, which seem to overshadow objective analysis or understanding of the broader implications of events like Badenoch’s election. The piece encourages self-reflection on why such emotional or tribal reactions persist, urging for a more thoughtful and less reactionary approach to such global or political occurrences.
Referencing the essay Obama’s Legacy, the author highlights the disillusionment felt by many Black people after Obama’s presidency, particularly regarding unmet expectations and the deep disappointment that followed. Kemi Badenoch, like Obama, is a figure celebrated for her success but criticized for not aligning with or advocating for the struggles and aspirations of the communities she ostensibly represents. The author critiques her lack of connection to African or Black issues, despite her ethnic background.
The author questions the motives behind selecting Black leaders like Obama and Kemi, suggesting that these choices are strategically made by others, not by the communities themselves. They challenge the assumption that these leaders will automatically champion African or Black interests. The piece underscores the fallacy that the mere presence of a Black leader guarantees loyalty to Black struggles. Drawing on the example of Obama, the author argues that race does not necessarily translate to alignment with community interests and warns against equating racial representation with genuine support for social justice.
Despite initial celebration of Barack Obama’s election as the first Black president, the author critiques his presidency for policies that harmed Africa, such as expanding AFRICOM, the war in Libya, and the establishment of drone facilities in Niger, which the new leaders of Niger have since dismantled.
Kemi Badenoch, who became the leader of the British Conservative Party, explicitly rejected representing the Black community or identity politics, stating her aim to represent everyone. The author expresses concern that her leadership may not benefit marginalized Black communities in the UK, despite her Yoruba heritage. The author urges scrutiny of the British Conservative Party, which has a history tied to colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the exploitation of Africans. The party’s legacy in exploiting African nations is questioned, despite Badenoch’s personal achievement.
The piece reflects on Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, emphasizing that the wealth generated from slavery funded British institutions and aristocratic families, and continues to benefit Britain today. The author stresses that this historical context should inform how leaders from such a background are viewed. Despite the significance of Kemi Badenoch’s achievement, the author warns against celebrating her elevation without critically considering her party’s historical role in oppressing African nations and people of African descent. The focus should be on whether her leadership will translate into positive change for marginalized groups.
The Conservative Party, under which Kemi Badenoch has risen to leadership, has a history of restrictive immigration policies and a track record of mistreating Black communities, exemplified by the Windrush scandal, where long-standing British citizens from the Caribbean were wrongfully detained and deported.
Kemi Badenoch has publicly stated, “I don’t believe the UK is systemically racist,” which reflects her ideological stance. Her rise within the Conservative Party could be seen as an attempt to present diversity without addressing the deeper systemic issues of racism and inequality.
The author draws a parallel between Kemi’s leadership and Barack Obama’s presidency, both seen as symbolic victories for Black people, yet failing to implement substantive policies that benefited marginalized communities. The concern is that Kemi Badenoch’s leadership may similarly reinforce existing power structures rather than dismantling them.
Despite sharing Black heritage, Kemi Badenoch’s policies and views, such as rejecting the need for specific equality legislation, show that she does not align with the interests of Black people in the UK or Africa. Her leadership may further entrench inequalities rather than addressing them. The author stresses that true progress for Black communities requires more than symbolic representation. It requires leaders who prioritize the interests of their people, push for reparations, and engage in an honest reckoning with history to achieve real justice and equity, rather than simply reflecting Black faces in positions of power.
Peoplesmind
