Negotiating Racism in America and the Companionship of African Women
“It is what we do everyday that shapes us and where both the fantastic hegemonic imagination and the challenge and hope to dismantle it are found. It is in these acts that we do that say more about us than those grand moments of righteous indignation and action:
….the everydayness of being a presence in people’s lives;
the everydayness of designing a class session or lecture or reading or writing or thinking;
the everydayness of sharing a meal;
the everydayness of facing heartache and disappointment;
the everydayness of joy and laughter;
the everydayness of facing people who expect us to lead them some
where or at least to point them in the right direction and walk with them…”
Emilie Townes, Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil.
Hawarit Jemal has been part of the African Students Association for three years, first as a member and then as vice president, planning events, coordinating meetings and reaching out to members of the club. From the start, Hawarit makes it clear that despite its name, the club has always been inclusive. Latinx students, Asian students and white students have always been welcome. “The main point is to let everybody know of the cultures and traditions of Africa - what makes us unique, how we grew up, how our opinions and perspectives are different.”
According to Hawarit, the most common questions directed to the ASA at Augustana’s Activities Fair each year are “Is it just for Africans?” or “Do I have to have a background in Africa to get in?”. She says these questions come from a place of interest and enthusiasm, as well as a willingness to participate. However, the group is also a place from which African students can confront the realities of structural racism in the United States.
“When you come to America, you know your colour,” Hawi explains, recalling her personal reaction to this transition. “Directly or indirectly, you are made aware that you are actually black, and that there is a classification of races. That can be a great culture shock. And one way this culture [within ASA] is helpful for us in that we can connect with our roots back home.” Hawi does not deny that there is racism in Africa, but explains that it is based on tribes and ethnicities. “Colour has never been an issue. And then here [in America] you start to question - wow, my colour really is a factor.”
In addition, the group has become a meeting point for students who want to discuss similar issues. “We’ve collaborated with BSU (Black Student Union) and there are some students who join us and learn and share their perspectives” Hawi says.
This is not to say that there is complete unity within the ASA itself. Augustana has African students from many countries on the continent - Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Zimbabwe - and the division is felt. Hawi explains that people tend to stick within their own comfort zones instead of interacting with people from different places. “Subconsciously, we don’t know we’re doing it. But even when we eat food in the CSL we’re divided.”
Recently, she and other board members addressed the issue in a meeting, telling members that this fracture within the community was unsustainable. “I think that it affects our organization skills. You have to be willing to talk to other people outside the group. When you organize events, we have to be able to show other cultures - West Africa, North and South Africa.” Since then, they have seen more collaboration happen between members. “We have a lot in common but we’re still distinct. But we do have a lot of similarities, even how our parents raise us.”
The group is a close-knit community and organizes AfroFest, an annual celebration for Augustana’s African students, but Hawi says its women play the stronger part. “The girls are more available to meet,” Hawi muses. “They’re more involved, when there’s an event, they’re the ones that organize the food. I’m sure there are more girls than guys. Girls feel more responsibility towards the group.” One reason for their involvement, she feels, lies in the way American society perceives African American women, and by extension, African women. The community of women within ASA holds value for them. “It’s very reassuring to know that you can can come to them. Like if you’re from East Africa and I’m from West Africa I can come to you and ask you for something and know you’d be willing to help me without requiring a favor back. It’s really helpful emotionally and mentally, like a support group. It’s not like we come together and talk about specific issues, but if we have a problem we address it together.”
*The opinions expressed in this piece are those of Hawarit Jemal. They do not represent the views of all members of ASA or of the African/African American community at Augustana College.