South Asian Solidarity Movement and Healthy Hood Chi Unite to Confront Anti-Blackness

The South Asian Solidarity Movement and Healthy Hood Chi hosted a powerful panel in Chicago, addressing anti-Blackness, casteism, and the need for solidarity between Black and South Asian communities (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders). Recently, the South Asian Solidarity Movement teamed up with Healthy Hood Chi at the HHC headquarters at 2242 S. Damen to start a conversation about what anti-Blackness looks like and how we can unite in solidarity. As the Presidential election approaches, featuring Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris—the daughter of Black (Jamaican) and South Asian (South Indian) immigrants—the SASM convened to address the critical issue of anti-Blackness within the South Asian American community. The panel was led by Black and South Asian leaders, including educators, organizers and activists. Personal stories and insights into how anti-Blackness manifested within South Asian communities were shared, and the panel also discussed strategies for fostering unity and solidarity in an increasingly divided society. While the conversation primarily addressed the dynamics between Black and South Asian communities, it was open to all who wished to learn, engage and work toward dismantling anti-Blackness. Cindu Thomas George, who founded SASM in 2021, is a DEI and antiracism practitioner and professor dedicated to professionally and personally disrupting anti-Blackness....