By Frances Cress Welsing, M.D., Psychiatrist, Washington, D.C.
RACISM (white supremacy), is the local and global power system and dynamic, structured and maintained by persons who classify themselves as white, whether consciously or subconsciously determined, which consists of patterns of perception, logic, symbol formation, thought, speech, action and emotional response, as conducted simultaneously in all areas of people activity (economics, education, entertainment, labour, law, politics, religion, sex and war); for the ultimate purpose of white genetic survival and to prevent white genetic annihilation on planet earth – a planet upon which the vast majority of people are classified as non-white (Black, Brown, Red and Yellow) by white skinned people, and all of the nonwhite people are genetically dominant (in terms of skin coloration) compared to the genetic recessive white skin people.”
Awakening(Merriam-Webster Definition)
1. rousing; quickening
2. the act of awaking from sleep.
3. a revival of interest or attention
4. a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something
Black Liberation(B.A.M Definition)
Black Liberation, as we see it, is the ultimate and complete freedom of Black people in all areas of life including- but not limited to-culture, economics, education, entertainment, food attainment, government, health, legal right, living, physical and mental well being, religion, social interaction, speech, spirituality and thought. Black Liberation can only exist in the absence of full scale oppression (White Supremacy).
Oppression(Merriam-Webster Definition)
a: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power b: something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power 2: a sense of being weighed down in body or mind
Internalized Oppression (B.A.M Definition) includes the manifestation of oppression on the psyche of the oppressed. It occurs when the oppressed began to internalize and exhibit the thoughts, feelings and actions of their oppressor. It is commonly exhibited in the following ways:
1.) The internalization of negative stereotypes of one’s own group (i.e “I’m ugly because I’m too dark skinned”).
2.) The unconscious defending of the oppression of one’s own group (i.e “that black boy deserved to be murdered”).
3.) Lack of awareness (or complete denial) of one’s own oppression (i.e “I’ve never experienced racism as a Black person”).
4.) Through generational and historical trauma (i.e Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome).
5.) Through intense programmed fear (i.e automatic feelings of fear about speaking unkindly about oppressors)
Psychological oppression is implemented through the use of images, dialogue, manipulation, physical violence and other means with the function of maintaining full and effective oppression of a group of people.
Prejudice (expanded from Merriam-Webster)
a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience usually toward a race or group of people.
Racism/White Supremacy(B.A.M Definition)
Racism/White Supremacy is a dynamic power structure that exists through a network of systems and practices that oppress a group of people. The systems and practices that Racism/White Supremacy exists within include (but are not limited to): criminal-justice systems, education systems, economic systems, entertainment systems (media), health systems, legal systems, political systems, psychological practices, physical/violent practices, religious/spiritual practices and social practices. The oppression in these systems and practices are implemented both consciously and unconsciously. Furthermore, the oppression within these systems occurs both overtly and covertly.
Stereotypes (expanded from Merriam-Webster)
a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Stereotypes are often used to justify or support oppression (i.e “blacks tend to be criminals that’s why so many of them are in jail”)
System (expanded from Merriam-Webster)
a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method. (i.e system of government)
The Post-Racial Illusion(B.A.M Definition)
The belief that racism no longer exists OR the belief that racism no longer exists on a large scale. It is an illusion created and perpetuated by conscious and unconscious attempts to deny modern racism.
Tool of Oppression(B.A.M Definition)
A person or thing that knowingly or unknowingly promotes racism through action, denial, ignorance or blame of the oppressed race.
BLACK AWAKENING MOVEMENT 