Afrocentric Humanism and African American Women’s Humanizing Activism

Abstract

Afrocentric scholars have consistently emphasized the thematic importance of the humanistic viewpoint to the overall liberation struggles of African Americans. Often, the essential principles defining this humanist outlook have been assumed rather than specified or described. This oversight has facilitated the exclusion of those who represent the main vanguards and chief practitioners of this humanistic vision of social change: African American women. Culling key points presented in the writings of mostly Afrocentric scholars, this article identifies some of the major tenets that characterize that humanistic perspective. It also discusses how African American women have interpreted and applied those principles through their activism in the Black community. Black women activists represent the best instructional models for discourse and analysis on the humanistic vision of liberation. The presentation also highlights what has been commonly perceived and subtly suggested as the feminine characteristics of the humanistic motif.