Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-Determination

This is a book review taken from Amazon and written by Drake B

When I started reading this book I had a bit skepticism and cynicism thinking that these sorts of "Black people must unite" mantra books are far outdated in a narcissistic, materialistic and individualistic, social media driven 21st century.

How wrong I was. As I continued to read the book something happened whereby the message started to sink in and dig up something within my DNA code. This book is not seeking to rehash Garveyvite rhetoric from the early 20th century to present to a 21st century audience as I've seen some grifters do. No, this book applies to the individual reader and asks him or her to have introspection/self examination into their life. This book told me to 'fix up!' You are not fulfilling your potential, you are underachieving, you are being small in life; and being small does not cut it. You will not earn friends and certainly not earn material benefits by always trying to be small and flying under the radar.

This is book carries an important and potent message, a timeless reminder that whilst some things have become more refined in society our fight for justice remains. We have to channel the course of our own destiny and not leave it at the mercy of others whom historically have debased us. We may be hated because of our colour but we are easily harmed because we are poor, weak and powerless. Regardless of whatever madness that is going on in the world, we cannot lose focus on building and flourishing for the future generations so they are not trapped in never ending cycle of starting from scratch.

We must always be on the alert and have a plan. In others words, 'Stay Woke'. Agency and self-determination is a must wherever we are in the world, by economic pressures we just happen to be here. We must find a way to work within the parameters of this Racist System because we cannot depend on a handful of powerless White allies to pull down an entire System that is more than 500 years old.

Moreover, the System is so overbearing that most human beings on our planet have come to accept the System of Racism as the norm. It is by time now that most Black people realise that White Supremacy/the System of Racism is not only an organised criminal racket it is also a survival mechanism for the White Race to continue to survive on this planet that is majority non white populated. It is not in their best interest to tear down this System and we cannot live in a fantasy world expecting them to do so. Meet them where they are and who they are.

However, I agree with the book's advice concerning 'White allyship' but not to the extent that it removes Black agency, self-determination and identity. From my own personal experience, there have been some munificent White people who have been helpful along my path of self-development. We are starved of access to capital and knowledge which is in the hands of the Dominant Society. Therefore, we need White allies who are willing to help us get these things from the Dominant Society.

This book does not pull its punches when it comes to being critical of the Black Pentecostal churches heavy reliance upon prayer and less emphasis upon preaching self agency. The author writes that this approach to Christian theology in the Black Pentecostal church has infantilized many of its Black parishioners for many generations until today.

Prayer must be backed up with action. God wants to see you make a move and then He will back you. This is something that I have recently learned and reading this book has reinforced that relationship dynamic.

God is not interested in my displays of piety to the world which are meaningless in His eyes. All He requires of me is to be whom He created me to be and live that life. I am a sinner and all I can ask for is His grace and mercy whenever I sin. Jesus took the fall in order for me to get that access to Him and for Him to look upon me as one of His children.

This book does a perfect exegetical breakdown of Jeremiah 29 for an individual Black Briton who is seeking Biblical direction and trying to develop a plan in this secular world.

Once you've read this book you will come away from it saying to yourself "let's go!" "Get into action."

I endorse and recommend, Flourishing in Babylon.