What is the nature of activism today? As we commemorate the birthdays of Kwame Ture and George Padmore, it’s important to reflect on the essence of activism in modern times. Are we truly engaging in independent thought, or have our minds been shaped in a particular way before we even have the chance to think for ourselves? These are the questions that linger as we remember the influential figures who paved the way for activism in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
George Padmore, a prominent figure in the fight for African independence movements, believed that publishing was a key strategy for social change. Born Malcolm Nurse in Trinidad, Padmore worked as a journalist before leaving for the US where he became a renowned correspondent for various publications. His strong communist and anti-colonial beliefs led him to adopt the pen name George Padmore to protect himself. His dedication to shedding light on the conditions of Africans in the diaspora and supporting independence movements was unwavering.
Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, emphasized the importance of organization in activism. Mobilization, he argued, was temporary and reactive, while organization established lasting structures to counter systems of oppression. His call for Black Power was not about aggression, but about reclaiming power for marginalized communities and advancing humanity as a whole.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the legacy of these activists lives on as we continue to question authority and challenge corrupt practices. The warnings of the Pan Africanists against oppressive behaviors from those in power are still relevant today. It is crucial for us to stay actively involved in the struggle for our people, reclaiming power and striving for a more just society.
As Kwame Ture once said, “struggle is never an event. It’s a continuous, eternal process.” Let us honor the legacies of those who fought for our freedoms by staying committed to the cause of activism and pushing for positive change in our communities.
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
