Exploring the Intersection of Black and Indigenous Struggles
On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with authors Tommy Orange and Aida Davis to discuss Black and Indigenous solidarity. Their conversation centered on themes of historical oppression, resilience, and the power of storytelling as reflected in their books, Wandering Stars and Kindred Creations: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom.
Tommy Orange on Boarding Schools and Indigenous Erasure
Tommy Orange, an Oakland-born author, spoke about the historical trauma caused by Native American boarding schools. His latest book, Wandering Stars, serves as both a prequel and sequel to his previous novel, There There.
“The motto was ‘Kill the Indian, save the man.’ The goal was to erase our identity,” Orange stated.
He explained how the boarding schools forcibly removed Native children from their communities, cutting their hair, prohibiting their languages, and enforcing military-style discipline.
“This history has not been taught. The average person sees boarding schools as elite institutions, not places of cultural genocide,” he added.
Aida Davis on Decolonization and Black World-Making
Aida Davis, a Baltimore-born author of Ethiopian descent, shared her perspective on Black resilience and the need for a shift from decolonization to creation. Her book, Kindred Creations, explores how Black and Indigenous communities can reclaim their heritage and humanity.
“We were African before we were anything else. Our connection to our ancestors is not broken,” Davis emphasized.
She discussed the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in both Black and Indigenous cultures, noting that these traditions serve as powerful tools of resistance.
“Our resistance is our history. Enslavement and genocide are white history. We must uplift the stories of victory and survival,” she declared.
The Power of Storytelling in Resistance
Both authors highlighted the importance of storytelling in reclaiming identity and resisting systemic oppression. Orange noted that Native narratives are often depicted only in a historical context, creating the false perception that Indigenous people no longer exist.
“We are still here. Our stories need to reflect our present and future, not just our past,” Orange stated.
Davis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that storytelling should celebrate joy, victory, and cultural richness rather than just trauma.
Building Black and Indigenous Solidarity
When asked about the importance of solidarity, both authors agreed that Black and Indigenous communities share common struggles and must unite against systemic injustice.
“We need to confront whiteness as a system of oppression. It’s not about proximity to whiteness, but about reclaiming our own power,” Davis asserted.
Orange acknowledged historical divisions between the two communities but stressed the need for healing and collective action.
“We have room to grow. We have a shared history of resistance, and it’s time to build on that together,” he said.
A Call to Action
The discussion concluded with a call for more gatherings that foster Black and Indigenous unity. Davis emphasized the importance of community-building beyond formal activism.
“We need to party more, break bread together, and make relatives. That’s how real connections form,” she said.
The event, Literacy for Liberation: Forging Alliances for Black and Indigenous Power, was hosted by Courage and the Brotherhood of Elders Network at 1150 35th Avenue in Oakland. Featuring food, drumming, and cultural exchange, it served as a space to deepen relationships and strengthen alliances.
Final Thoughts
As conversations about decolonization and racial justice continue, the voices of authors like Tommy Orange and Aida Davis remain vital. Their work reminds us that solidarity is not just about shared struggle but about collective healing, creation, and empowerment.
For those interested in learning more, Wandering Stars and Kindred Creations are essential reads that offer profound insights into the ongoing fight for justice and cultural reclamation.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.