Cause for change: lessons for Black liberation
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 26 September 2023
Issue publication date: 13 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Using the examples of Grenadian-born Jean Augustine, the first Black Member of Parliament in Canada, and Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the piece argues that the ethos of the Emigrant Ambassador—the collective empowerment of Black feminism, liberation, and radicalism—ushered in a new era for change abroad and in Canada, as transnational and international change was driven by Black women from the West Indies.
Design/methodology/approach
The author used historical research and social science theoretical frameworks to formulate conclusions, lessons learnt and steps forward for current equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practitioners.
Findings
Black women born in the West Indies in the mid-twentieth century were the catalysts for social justice movements in the 2010 and 2020s. Many methods used for social change in the twentieth century are applicable in the 2020s and beyond.
Research limitations/implications
Research is focused on Canadian and West Indian relations but will have implications for those across the British Commonwealth.
Practical implications
Practitioners and students of EDI will have a new tool on how to approach and confront anti-Black racism, particularly after May 25, 2020.
Social implications
This article provides opportunities to support the dwindling efforts of anti-racism to support the lives of Black people across the Black Atlantic.
Originality/value
This is an original article built on previous scholarship of the author.
Keywords
Citation
Taylor, C.S. (2024), "Cause for change: lessons for Black liberation", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 230-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-02-2023-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited