The intertwined narratives of Black freedom in the United States and India’s struggle for independence from British rule often focus on the iconic figures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. While their mutual influence is undeniable, the roots of this shared struggle run far deeper, extending back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This article delves into the lesser-known but equally crucial connections between these movements, highlighting the intellectual exchanges, material support, and shared experiences of Black Americans and Indians who recognized their common plight against oppression.
One of the central figures in connecting these two struggles was W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent Black American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist. At the Pan-African Congress in London in 1900, Du Bois famously declared the “color line” as the defining problem of the 20th century. He recognized that the struggle against racial prejudice and colonial domination transcended geographical boundaries and called for solidarity amongst all people of color. His vision extended beyond the African diaspora, encompassing those fighting for liberation in India as well.
Du Bois’s ideology resonated with Indian intellectuals and activists, including Lajpat Rai, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. During his exile from India during World War I, Rai travelled to the United States. While initially intending to raise awareness about India’s struggle for self-rule, he found himself drawn to the plight of Black Americans. His interactions with Du Bois and other Black activists opened his eyes to the parallels between the caste system in India and the Jim Crow laws in the United States, both instruments of systemic oppression. He began writing and speaking about the hypocrisy of a nation that championed freedom abroad while denying basic human rights to its own citizens based on race.
This exchange of ideas wasn’t just a one-way street. Black Americans were equally captivated by the Indian struggle for independence. They saw in it a reflection of their own fight for equality and justice. This mutual understanding laid the groundwork for a robust exchange of material and political support between the two communities.
Harlem, a vibrant center of Black culture and activism, became a hub for organizing fundraising events and clothing drives for Indian independence groups. The Council on African Affairs (CAA), initially focused on supporting African liberation movements, played a pivotal role in these efforts. Led by Paul Robeson, with Du Bois as vice-chair, the CAA joined forces with Black labor unions to orchestrate a massive rally in Harlem in 1942, drawing a crowd of over 4,000, predominantly Black attendees, all united in their support for India’s freedom.
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The solidarity went beyond rallies and fundraising. The Black press, a powerful voice for the Black community, consistently covered the Indian independence movement, providing a platform for Indian activists to share their perspectives and connect with a wider audience. This media support became particularly crucial in 1946 when the British colonial government in India restricted access to paper to stifle the printing of pro-independence literature. Devdas Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s son, travelled to the United States, where the Black press stepped in to provide him with the much-needed newsprint, demonstrating the tangible impact of this cross-continental alliance.
The International Congress of Colored People in 1945 further cemented this bond. Delegates from across the globe, including Vijaya Nehru Pandit, head of the Indian delegation, convened in San Francisco for what amounted to an “activist boot camp.” This event fostered a global network of anti-racist activists and amplified the voices of marginalized communities in mainstream American media, particularly through Black newspapers.
These collaborations weren’t just about tactical support; they profoundly shaped the identities of both movements. Black Americans, through their engagement with the Indian independence struggle, began to see themselves as part of a larger global fight against colonialism and racial oppression. This broader perspective fueled their own fight for civil rights, reinforcing the understanding that their struggle was not isolated but part of a global movement for justice and equality.
The parallels between the Black American and Indian experiences extended beyond the intellectual and political spheres. Both communities faced similar challenges as exploited laborers in industrializing economies. They were often recruited to fight in wars waged by their oppressors, forced to contribute to systems that perpetuated their own subjugation. They were subjected to similar dehumanizing stereotypes, portrayed as uncivilized and inferior, justifying their subjugation under white rule.
These shared experiences solidified the bond between the two communities. They understood each other’s struggles on a visceral level, fostering a deep sense of empathy and solidarity. This shared understanding fueled their collective fight for liberation, transforming their individual struggles into a powerful, unified movement for global justice.
The intertwined narratives of Black freedom and Indian independence stand as a powerful testament to the strength of cross-cultural solidarity. The collaborations between these two movements, often overshadowed by the focus on iconic figures like King and Gandhi, represent a crucial chapter in the fight for human rights and equality. The intellectual exchanges, material support, and shared experiences of Black Americans and Indians forged a lasting bond, shaping the trajectory of both movements and contributing significantly to the eventual dismantling of colonial rule and the advancement of civil rights. Their story serves as a compelling reminder that the fight for justice transcends geographical boundaries and that solidarity across communities is essential for achieving lasting change. The shared struggles of Black Americans and Indians remain a powerful testament to the enduring power of collective action in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
