Someone posted a very interesting tweet the other day regarding Juneteenth and (without being divisive) spoke how non-ADOS members of the diaspora tend to co-opt history that doesn’t belong to them. As an first generation African immigrant, I actually agree. Lemme explain..

Shared identity ≠ shared history. Similar to how we understand and fight against Black people being viewed at as a monolith, I don’t think it’s fair to claim a history that is not your own from those it directly affected just because you both share the same present day struggle.

I see that a lot within the Diaspora. There’s a difference between enriching yourself in another member’s history and culture and taking a false ownership of it. There’s a certain boundary that must be acknowledged if for no other reason than respect.

I want to caveat this in that I personally don’t believe AA Blacks seeking reconnection with continental Africa fall under this category because of their unique experience. If anything, the rest of the Diaspora should welcome them in taking part of what was stolen from them.