Madam CJ Walker and Naomi Ward, two Black women from opposite sides of the
economic and social spectrum, both have in common the fight for Black humanity.
Madam CJ Walker was so much more than just her millionaire status or the controversy
over her hair straightener. She was deeply concerned about lynching and urged Woodrow Wilson to make lynching a federal crime. Humanity was at the heart of everything she did, especially in pursuing the humanity of Black people in America. Naomi Ward was so much more than just a lowly domestic worker. She spoke about her experience from her own eyes allowing readers to understand how she struggled for humanity and dignity in her work. Even though she was viewed as property, being told that she would be called Naomi Bond, the name of the people she worked for as if she was their slave, she still articulated her views on Black humanity, or the lack of Black humanity when working for white people. Why was her identity and dignity taken from her? Both women knew the truth that Black people’s humanity was being held hostage by racism and violence.
What is Black humanity? It’s not lynching or treating someone like property. It’s
realizing that Black people are not inferior to white people, Black Lives Matter, and
liberation in every area of life are human rights. Black people will continue to fight for
humanity through activism and education to force society to unlearn white supremacy
and embrace human dignity.
Read I am a Domestic by Naomi Ward:
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