Commentary: How Black Americans’ refusals of injustice have shaped our national story
by Kellie Carter Jackson, Los Angeles Times
Jun 07, 2024
3 minutes
Refusal is a powerful political act. Acting in defense of themselves, Black people and Black women in particular have consistently refused the terms of oppression, discrimination and dehumanization. Refusal is a forceful no, packed full of energy and meaning. “We refuse” is similar to Black colloquialisms such as “nah,” “nope,” “not today, Satan” or my personal favorite: “Oh helllllllll no.”
Resistance is one responds to white supremacy; refusal is why. In America, we tend to focus more on how resistance is manifested or performed. Not nearly enough emphasis is placed on
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days