The UK’s first professor of Black studies, Kehinde Andrews, has found himself at the center of a controversial criminal investigation over remarks he made in a video about right-wing commentator Calvin Robinson. The incident has sparked a heated debate over the use of racially charged language and the boundaries of free speech.
Police Visit Professor Andrews
Earlier this week, three police officers paid a visit to Prof. Andrews at his Birmingham home and invited him to attend a voluntary interview regarding a video he posted online in June. In the video, Prof. Andrews defended the use of terms like ‘house n*gro’ as important expressions of Black political thought that should be celebrated rather than policed.
The term ‘house n*gro’ has a historical context, popularized by Malcolm X as a critique of individuals who, due to their relative privilege or connection to the dominant culture, fail to recognize their own subjugation. Prof. Andrews explained in the video that the term serves as a reminder that despite any perceived advantages or accommodations, individuals of African descent are still subject to systemic racism and oppression.
Calvin Robinson’s Response
Calvin Robinson, the subject of Prof. Andrews’ comments, has filed a complaint with the West Midlands Police, alleging that the academic’s remarks were racist in nature. While Robinson declined to comment directly on the investigation, he took to social media to express his views on the matter.
In response to the controversy, Robinson stated, “I believe the academic was racist.” This statement has further fueled the debate surrounding the use of racially charged language and the implications of such discourse in public discourse.
Police Response and Prof. Andrews’ Defense
West Midlands Police confirmed that they are investigating the report of racist comments made online, emphasizing their commitment to addressing hate crimes. However, Prof. Andrews has defended his use of the term ‘house n*gro’ as a political critique rather than a racial slur.
In his defense, Prof. Andrews stated, “‘House n*gro’ is a political critique and has never been used as a racial slur. The whole point is to remind those who think they have ‘made it’ that we are all still ex-slaves, colonial subjects, who will experience racism no matter how much they embrace the ‘master’.”
He further highlighted the historical significance of the terms ‘house n*gro’ and ‘field n*gro’, noting their presence in numerous academic works and discussions on Black political thought. Prof. Andrews expressed concern over the police’s decision to investigate him for his expertise in Black studies, suggesting a lack of respect for Black knowledge and intellectual discourse.
The investigation into Prof. Andrews comes amid a series of cases where individuals from minority communities have faced legal action for using specific language to criticize others within their own community. This pattern raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the policing of language in public discourse.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Prof. Andrews has agreed to participate in a voluntary interview with the police later this month. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been approached for comment on the matter, as the debate over the use of racially charged language continues to unfold in the public sphere.