by Shane Headley
In our quest for representation and leadership, the rise of Black faces in positions of authority often kindles hope and optimism among marginalized communities. Yet, the reality that often unfolds is a bitter pill to swallow; the mere presence of Black individuals in high places does not guarantee substantive change or liberation for Black people. This harsh truth reverberates profoundly in Guyana and echoes across the globe.
At our core, as humans, we are wired for tribal identification. We seek leaders who reflect our identities, believing they will champion our causes and elevate our communities. However, history repeatedly demonstrates that proximity to power does not always translate to advocacy for the marginalized.
In Guyana, the painful irony of Black faces in high places colluding in the detriment of their own communities is a painful reality. From political figures like Prime Minister Mark Phillips to officials like Minister of Tourism Onidge Waldron, instances abound where Black leaders seemingly betray their own people. Whether by being silent in the face of lands being taken away, abuse of women, extrajudicial killings, deliberately botched investigations (Henry boys), or defending discriminatory policies, the betrayal cuts deep.
Consider the alleged actions of individuals like Police Commissioner Hicken, who was accused of allegedly egregious acts on Linden protesters. Today, he presides over an agency accused of perpetrating abuses against African people. Then there’s Kwame McKoy, alleged to be behind repugnant online attacks on Black women, celebrated despite his alleged vile behavior. Such instances underscore a troubling pattern of betrayal and self-serving actions among Black leaders.
Corporate Guyana isn’t immune to this phenomenon either. Black executives, despite their positions of influence, often find themselves constrained by systemic pressures or personal biases. They often act as if they are the owners of the companies they represent, neglecting the struggles of their own community and perpetuating cycles of exploitation and inequality.
Even within the public service, where solidarity among Black managers and their constituents should prevail, disparities in treatment based on ethnicity persist. Observing how African and Indian community members are served differently speaks volumes about the internalized prejudices that plague ostensibly progressive spaces.
The recent oversight in questioning President Irfaan Ali’s actions during his ‘walk about’ in Brooklyn highlights the limitations of relying solely on symbolic representation to combat systemic injustice. Despite the presence of Black leaders in diaspora communities, substantive change demands more than performative gestures or tokenism.
The disillusionment with Black faces in high places serves as a powerful call for grassroots organizing and community mobilization. True empowerment lies in the collective efforts of individuals within their homes, neighborhoods, and civic institutions. It demands a reclamation of agency and a refusal to be complicit in our own oppression.
Reflecting on the resilience and contributions of our African ancestors, who shaped nations with their labor and sacrifices, underscores the sad disparity between past achievements and present struggles. The negotiation for dignity in the face of historical exploitation is a sobering reminder of the unfinished struggle for equality. We must hold our Black leaders accountable for their betrayal. Silence only encourages more of their self-serving behaviors and conversely, we must be courageous enough to support their Black leaders who risk everything for the improvement of the lives of Black people.
Ultimately, the awakening of Black faces in high places to their role in perpetuating division and subjugation within their communities is critical for progress. Until then, the onus remains on grassroots movements to demand justice, equality, and true liberation for all. The day when Black leaders truly align with the aspirations of their people cannot come soon enough.