Black Criminology Network and ADEJA community discussion at the LSE

The African Diaspora Equity and Justice Alliance (ADEJA) is an initiative dedicated to the empowerment, unity, and pursuit of reparatory justice for Black Africans, the Black African diaspora, and the Mixed-Black diaspora. With a mission grounded in evidence-based claims, ADEJA aims to address historical injustices and promote the well-being of Black communities globally.

ADEJA’s mission encompasses several core objectives:

1. Advancing Well-being and Empowerment: Enhancing the socio-economic status and overall well-being of Black communities through targeted initiatives.
2. Fostering Unity: Promoting solidarity among Black Africans and the diaspora to create a unified front for social and political advocacy.
3. Pursuing Reparatory Justice: Addressing historical injustices through reparations based on validated claims.

ADEJA hosts weekly meetings at Reparation Corner in Tottenham Haringey. These gatherings serve as think tanks for community engagement, where the discussion often centers on the Black Criminology Network (BCN) and potential collaborative efforts.

Participants and the broader community are encouraged to check the event notice board for a list of guest speakers and topics. These sessions provide valuable insights and foster discussions on critical issues affecting Black communities.

The Black Criminology Network (BCN) was established in 2020 with the primary goal of supporting Black criminologists. BCN focuses on networking, learning, and achieving, providing a platform for current and prospective criminologists of Black heritage to connect and grow professionally.

BCN’s activities include:

1. Monthly Networking Events: Facilitating regular events to promote professional connections and knowledge exchange.
2. Development Opportunities: Encouraging personal and professional development through workshops and seminars.
3. Consultation and Innovation: Open to consulting individuals and organizations to support innovative approaches in criminology education and practice.

Stephanie (Co-Founder): A Criminology lecturer with interests in Colorism and skin color politics.
Jen (Founder): A Criminology PhD researcher focusing on policing, race relations, and Critical Race Theory.
Carmel: An MA student in Black Studies and a qualified Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate.
Leon: An Assistant Lecturer exploring state responses to right-wing extremism and political violence.
Yasmyn: A criminal psychology MSc student working with offending behaviors and substance misuse.

ADEJA and BCN share a commitment to advancing the interests of Black communities. Here’s why the two organizations should work well together:

• ADEJA: Focuses on broader social justice and reparatory initiatives.
• BCN: Specializes in supporting Black criminologists and addressing criminal justice issues.

Both organizations aim to empower Black individuals, address systemic inequities, and promote professional development and community well-being.

The synergy between ADEJA and BCN can amplify their impact. By collaborating, they can:

1. Enhance Professional Networks: Connecting criminologists with broader social justice initiatives.
2. Promote Comprehensive Development: Combining resources to offer more extensive training and support.
3. Strengthen Advocacy: Presenting a united front in advocating for policy changes and reparatory justice.

For ADEJA and BCN to succeed, there must be a clear understanding and recognition of racial and ethnic identities. This clarity is crucial for several reasons:

1. Effective Advocacy: Clear identity definitions ensure that advocacy efforts are accurately targeted and impactful.
2. Cultural Preservation: Recognizing diverse identities helps preserve cultural heritage and promote a sense of belonging.
3. Policy Formulation: Clear classifications aid in the development of policies that address specific needs and challenges faced by different groups.

ADEJA adopts the UK Government’s IC codes for racial and ethnic classification, providing a standardized approach to identity that aids in addressing issues related to race effectively.

Joining forces with ADEJA offers BCN numerous benefits:

1. Increased Influence: A larger, unified network can exert greater influence on policy and social change.
2. Resource Sharing: Access to ADEJA’s resources and platforms can enhance BCN’s initiatives.
3. Broader Reach: Collaborative efforts can extend the reach and impact of both organizations’ missions.
4. Enhanced Support: Working together allows for a more robust support system for Black criminologists and communities.

The partnership between the Black Criminology Network and the African Diaspora Equity and Justice Alliance holds significant promise for advancing the interests of Black communities. By aligning their efforts, these organizations can foster greater empowerment, unity, and reparatory justice. The need for clarity in racial and ethnic identity is paramount to this success, ensuring that their advocacy is precise and effective. The weekly meetings at Reparation Corner in Tottenham Haringey serve as a vital platform for these discussions, driving forward the mission of both ADEJA and BCN.

For those interested in participating or learning more, checking the event notice board for upcoming guest speakers and topics is highly encouraged. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the professional network but also builds a united front for addressing historical injustices and promoting social equity.

Host or Publisher John Canoe