Black Unity Amongst the Masses: Hubert Harrison/They Not Like Us Video Shoot

Before I became aware of influential figures like the honorable Marcus Garvey, Hubert Harrison, and Thomas Sankara, I was reflecting on my experiences. In 2020, at the age of 30, I found myself contemplating the Black Lives Matter Movement and questioning why true unity seemed unattainable. If we were genuinely fed up with the situations affecting our communities, unity would be a given.

Unfortunately, it appears that visible examples of Black unity are lacking in today's society. Some might point to the church, but in a real crisis, I doubt we could rally 100 armed men ready to defend our people, rather than pray. In the streets, it may be easier to gather individuals before congregating in church, but that hardly qualifies as true unity. While there may be solidarity within specific groups or tribes, the opposite could occur elsewhere. Instead of engaging in proactive unification, it seems we only act when we’re pushed to our limits. Even then, there's a tendency for a "save myself" mentality, which older generations refer to as crabs in a bucket. This is a disheartening reality. 

    I was truly inspired when I learned about honorable Marcus Garvey, who united 11 million Black individuals, including 5 million Black Americans. This demonstrated that significant efforts have been made in the past. Although there were likely differences among those people, there existed a palpable sense, almost an aura, of Black Pride during that time. Ultimately, no one could support us like we can support ourselves—nothing more, nothing less. Today, it may seem unusual or even ridiculed to express an unapologetic, authentic Black perspective. This is our Bloodline—the only thing we have left, yet also the only thing we truly need. 

     Now let's connect with our ancestor Hubie, whose real name is Hubert Harrison. He was born on April 27, 1883, on the island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. At the age of 17, he immigrated to America, and from 1912 to 1914, he emerged as the leading Black organizer for the Socialist Party. An incredibly insightful individual, he was often referred to as the "Black Socrates." This comparison highlighted his philosophical depth, drawing parallels with "prominent" white thinkers, even though much of their work has roots in cultural appropriation. However, Hubie was a free thinker who encouraged others to think critically as well. 

The setting is reminiscent of the 1920s. In spite of the challenges faced throughout history, many Black communities thrived, collaborating and building a self-sufficient environment. During this era, when circumstances compelled us to unite, we excelled. This was prior to desegregation, a time when our communities boasted Black Schools, Black Hospitals, Black Banks, and more. Hubie Harrison would give Speeches at the local YMCA to the Black Diaspora, influencing a generation of “New Negro Militants “. His words would encourage unity amongst the masses. He articulated his experiences with racial oppression in America, highlighting the surge of lynchings that took place in the South.

In 1912 he founded the liberty league, a militant all Black organization committed to equal rights and published the first negro newspaper associated with the New Negro Movement distributed to the masses called "The Voice"of the militant. As well as becoming an editor for the Negro World Newspaper of the UNIA and honorable Marcus Garvey.     

Despite his significant contributions to Black Liberation, Hubie's efforts are frequently overlooked in contemporary discussions. His influence on socialism and Black political thought serves as a cornerstone for what we now recognize as Black Nationalism. He analyzed the interplay between race and class within systems of oppression, concluding that the only path to liberation lies in the unification of Black Americans, both north and south. He was regarded as the most class-conscious among race radicals and the most race-conscious among class radicals—an exceptional blend, if you ask me.     

In today's society, I believe these divisions still persist. We have Black individuals who may identify as "rich" or wealthy, as recognized by others. On the other hand, there exists a disgruntled working class that rightfully feels frustrated and weary, grappling with the belief that the working environment will never be beneficial or equitable for them or their community. Additionally, there is the survival class, striving to do whatever it takes to get by. Ultimately, any of us could find ourselves in that situation. Our shared struggle for liberation and freedom is a common thread that outweighs any differences we may perceive. 

     Recently, rap artist Kendrick Lamar earned a remarkable total of eight BET music awards. His single “They Not Like Us” has garnered over 120 million streams, featuring profound hidden messages and a distinctive expression of Black Unity that rekindles a sense of pride, solidarity, and identity within Black culture.

     If someone were to inquire about the lineage of Black men, I would regard us as both sacred and endangered. I recall elders discussing how, in African cultures, it was once taboo to display blood publicly. Today, however, we witness it on our streets, in our vehicles, and amongst one another, often with little regard for life. When reflecting on the horrors and stunted growth we've experienced, it becomes clear that the internal conflicts we face significantly diminish our life expectancy. The consequences often lead to death, incarceration, or becoming just another hashtag that is remembered briefly before fading into the background of daily life. I can only imagine the heartbreak our ancestors feel, witnessing such energy directed at one another instead of towards more constructive endeavors.

In our communities, there are clear divisions among what might be called a “street tribe,” gang, or any other form of identification. Claims of loyalty or commitment often seem to echo without any real substance, resulting only in liabilities. We tend to associate the concept of “education” solely with the current opportunities to teach our youth in “schools,” ensuring they wake up each day, attend classes, and achieve good grades. However, true education is about providing society with useful knowledge that can be applied in meaningful ways. It is an ongoing effort to enlighten those affected by the challenges within our local communities, particularly among our race, amid the internal struggles that are tragically reducing the population of Black men and women.

     Thousands of Black men and women convened at the Compton courthouse for the video shoot of "They Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar. Witnessing a gathering where our differences are set aside to express ourselves in unison serves as a powerful symbol of nationhood.

In today's era, this kind of unity arises from a pressing need to confront the oppression, discrimination, and challenges we face daily. Our sense of urgency seems to shift rapidly when we become the focus, highlighting the necessity of putting aside our differences. From hood to hood, and block to block, each community faces comparable challenges that have led us away from the aspirations envisioned by leaders like Garvey and Harrison. We all, as a collective, tend to direct our frustrations inward towards one another instead of addressing the actual threat.  

Hubert Harrison's legacy imparts a vital lesson for us today: strength lies in unity. This applies in various aspects of life. Beyond gatherings like funerals or family reunions, we should make it a practice to come together in harmony once more. This was not just an occurrence, but a way of life.