#BlackInAmsterdamAdventures (Day 3)

Today was truly a redefining moment in how I look at this idea of innocence. Social and Cultural Anthropologist/Gender & Sexuality and Afro-Dutch feminist scholar Professor Emeritus Gloria Wekker spoke with us today on her upcoming book project which discusses White Innocence in the Netherlands. Some of the other many topics that she (and the group) discussed included:

1) Terms like aggressive innocence, benevolent curiosity, and sexual racism (especially towards Black and Women of color) from Dutch whites. This is groundbreaking work in Amsterdam, the Netherlands as a whole, and within the African Diaspora. Wekker equated much of these thoughts to seeing the "Emperor with no (new) clothes on," basically all is exposed without a care. Further in this discussion we connected several similarities of white innocence and playing the victim in both of Saidiya Hartman's seminal texts "Lose Your Mother" ("What about the Captain?" and "Scenes of Subjection" (innocent amusements) and the terrorist shooting in Charleston, South Carolina (this suggested concern for the killer's family). She also made note of how innocence is connected within a Christian context and this thought of 'knowing, but not claiming to know'.

2) Also although not shocking, nonetheless mind-blowing is the underestimation of having Black professors. I just think about how much I appreciate all my Black teachers and professors from kindergarten to present day, and how Black students in the US yearn to see more of a presence! However, when I look at the lack of Black professors here in Amsterdam it is even more appalling! Just imagine ONLY 4 WOMEN OF COLOR professors in all of the Netherlands (and only one of them is tenured Gloria Wekker)...basically less than 1%!! That right there gives you a bird's eye view of what is taking place.  

3) Thus one can see the importance of having work produced by such amazing scholars such as Wekker. And despite these struggles, when I tell this Black woman literally walks with style, grace, and conviction. Wekker is the epitome of what I hope to become as a Black woman professor. Her and Toni Morrison are like kindred spirits. In essence, Wekker gives me hope, motivation, and purpose to push past the boundaries and create your own lane for others engage and take part in.

All in all, this Wednesday was indeed a breath of fresh air. We even got some sunshine, considering the chill in the air that we have been receiving. Even in the midst of all this color-blind/"we do not see race" ideologies there is some powerful work being produced. It's overseas trips like this and other excursions that really further open my mind and eyes. They say you really cannot judge your experience in your home country till venture out and see another. Well so far I've been on a roll!! Well that's a wrap for today stay tuned for tomorrow!

Pictured here you will see myself and my UC Berkeley African American Studies colleague Jarvis Givens pictured with Gloria Wekker along a snap shot of her lecturing this morning, followed by myself and Black Europe Summer School co-founder Kwame Nimako (such a gentle soul), and UC Berkeley African American Studies professor Stephen Small.