Sikivu Hutchinson on “Humanists in the Hood”: May 31st Book Talk and Music
Statement on Ending Our Association with Black Nonbelievers, Inc.
As many folks in the secular community know, I have been a supporter and ally of Mandisa Thomas and Black Nonbelievers, Inc., (BN) both as an individual, and, as the founder of Black Skeptics Los Angeles and the Women’s Leadership Project. Under Mandisa’s leadership, BN has emerged as a globally renowned platform for Black secularists. This trajectory has also been shaped by a core of dedicated organizers and activists whose commitment to amplifying Black secular voices is invaluable.
Over the past decade, I have collaborated with BN on groundbreaking initiatives such as the annual Women of Color Beyond Belief conference, which is the first of its kind. I have relished the opportunity to create innovative spaces and forums for Black women and women of color secularists in partnership with Mandisa and our co-organizer Bria Crutchfield. However, I cannot continue my association with BN in light of recent allegations of unethical conduct involving Mandisa that were made by five former BN affiliate organizers. I have come to this decision after critical discussions with multiple parties directly involved in the dispute. Based upon their accounts, I stand in solidarity with the organizers’ claims, condemn any alleged inappropriate behavior, and support restorative justice for those who may have been harmed as a result of the actions they have delineated.
It is important to acknowledge that there are many Black and BIPOC secular individuals who have benefited from the good works of BN. BN community members have found vital sanctuary from toxic religious traditions through its support networks. Nonetheless, harmdoing and abuse of power by leaders entrusted with providing care and protection—in ostensibly safe community spaces where mental health is paramount—are unacceptable. Practices such as these are antithetical to the social and gender justice values our organizations claim to uplift and actualize.
Alt-right opportunists will no doubt use this rift to try and discredit progressive Black secular humanism and the principles upon which it is based. This is a clear and present danger in a national climate where racist white nationalist public policy, propaganda, and terrorism are in the ascendant. Unapologetically Black secular organizations like Black Nonbelievers and others have provided an antidote to these reactionary regimes. It is up to all who cherish Black self-determination to ensure that these spaces affirm the dignity, humanity, and voices of the most vulnerable.
Sikivu Hutchinson, Founder
Black Skeptics Los Angeles
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