July 8th: Today’s Feature

July

Kehinde Nkosi Andrews, a renowned British academic and author, is a distinguished Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University. With his expertise in the field, he has made significant contributions to the academic community and beyond. Andrews holds the prestigious position of being the first Black Studies professor in the UK and has played a pivotal role in establishing the first Black Studies program in Europe at Birmingham City University.

As the director of the Centre for Critical Social Research and the founder of the Harambee Organisation of Black Unity, Andrews has demonstrated his commitment to advancing the understanding and recognition of Black culture and history. Additionally, he serves as the co-chair of the UK Black Studies Association, further solidifying his influence and leadership in the field. Andrews' work and accomplishments have undoubtedly paved the way for the growth and development of Black Studies, making him a highly respected figure in academia.

Early life and education

Kehinde Andrews, a prominent figure in the field of Black studies, hails from a British African-Caribbean background. His academic journey led him to earn a PhD in Sociology and Cultural Studies from the University of Birmingham in 2011. The focus of his doctoral research was on Black Radicalism and the Supplementary School Movement, showcasing his commitment to exploring and understanding the complexities of race, identity, and education.

Despite his current position as the UK's first Black studies professor and his pivotal role in establishing the first Black studies program in Europe at Birmingham City University, Andrews' path was not always straightforward. Growing up in Birmingham as the son of dedicated Black activists, he initially struggled to fully embrace his heritage and the intellectual tradition of Black anti-racism. His high school years were marked by an identity crisis, where he rebelled against the racial stereotypes and systemic inequalities that he witnessed firsthand.

Andrews' early experiences of being one of the few Black students in a predominantly white school environment shaped his perspective on education and race relations. The stark disparities he observed in academic achievement based on race fuelled his determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable educational system. His personal journey from questioning his identity to becoming a leading voice in Black studies underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of confronting societal norms to create a more just and equitable future.

Journalism, Media & Personal Views

Andrews is a prominent figure in the media, known for his insightful discussions on various issues related to race and racism, colonialism, and British nationalism. His contributions can be seen in reputable publications such as The Guardian, The Independent, New Statesman, CNN, and OpenDemocracy. Additionally, he frequently appears as a guest on popular platforms like the BBC and Good Morning Britain, where he shares his expertise and engages in thought-provoking conversations.

In 2016, Andrews drew attention to the issue of institutional racism within universities in the United Kingdom. He specifically criticised the lack of diversity in students' assigned readings, highlighting the need for a more inclusive curriculum. The following year, he delivered a compelling speech at the Oxford Union, shedding light on how British education perpetuates racism. Furthermore, Andrews gave a TEDxYouth talk in Birmingham titled "How to Stay Radical within an Institution," where he explored the concept of Black Studies coexisting within historically racist university systems.

Andrews continued to make significant contributions in 2019. He participated in a debate at Intelligence Squared, discussing whether the West should pay reparations for slavery. Additionally, he shared his insights on his book, Back to Black, at the John Hope Franklin Centre for Interdisciplinary and International Studies at Duke University. Andrews also delivered a thought-provoking talk at Tate Liverpool, focusing on the role of Black radicalism in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Notably, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, he made a compelling argument, equating the racial views of Winston Churchill to those of Adolf Hitler and criticising the Royal Air Force bombing of Nazi Germany as a war crime. Andrews' impact extends beyond the written word, as he narrated the film The Psychosis of Whiteness, which delves into the exploration of race and racism through cinematic representations of the slave trade.

Andrews has been a vocal critic of the Conservative Party's approach to racial diversity, pointing out that simply having non-white members in prominent positions does not equate to true progress in terms of racial equality. He has highlighted the danger of individuals with diverse backgrounds being used as tokens to mask deeper issues of systemic racism within political institutions. By challenging the notion that surface-level representation automatically translates to meaningful change, Andrews encourages a more critical examination of the structures that perpetuate racial inequality.

In various interviews and discussions, Andrews has consistently addressed the issue of racism and its manifestations in different contexts. From exploring the cinematic representations of the slave trade to delving into the complexities of Black radicalism and the role of violence in resistance movements, he brings a nuanced perspective to these important conversations. By engaging with a wide range of topics related to race and social justice, Andrews contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues.

Andrews has not shied away from controversial statements, such as his characterisation of Queen Elizabeth II as a symbol of white supremacy. By challenging entrenched symbols and traditions that uphold systems of oppression, he pushes for a reevaluation of the monarchy and its role in perpetuating colonial legacies. His advocacy for the abolition of the monarchy following the Queen's death reflects a commitment to dismantling structures that uphold racial hierarchies and working towards a more equitable society.

Legacy

Andrews is deeply committed to grassroots efforts and is driven by the desire to provide a comprehensive understanding of society through a Black radical lens. Moreover, he actively involves his four children in his work, recognising the importance of imparting knowledge and values to the next generation. To expose them to influential figures and ideas, they frequently accompanies him to his thought-provoking talks.

Malcolm X, holds a significant place in their lives as the first "celebrity" they could name. Additionally, Andrews collaborated with his children on a captivating children's book titled "Choose Your Liberation," which serves as an interactive and educational tool to explore the complexities of Black politics. While reminiscing about his own childhood, he humorously acknowledges the need to tread carefully, ensuring that his children do not rebel against him and inadvertently align themselves with opposing political ideologies, such as the Tories.

Kehinde Andrews believes that Black people find solace in having a representative who can engage in these debates, equipping them with facts and tools to articulate their viewpoints when similar discussions arise in their own lives. Essentially, by discussing thought-provoking concepts like "the psychosis of whiteness" for the purpose of generating clickbait, Andrews initiates a broader conversation on social media and within people's personal and professional circles, which ultimately proves beneficial. In a way, this can be seen as his own method of "colonizing the media."