Humanists in the Hood: Unapologetically Black, Feminist, and Heretical

Feminism and atheism are ‘dirty words’ that Americans across the political spectrum love to debate-and hate. Throw them into a blender and you have a toxic brew that supposedly defies decency, respectability, and Americana. Add an unapologetically Black critique to the mix and it’s a deal-breaking social taboo. Putting gender at the center of the equation, progressive ‘Religious Nones’ of colour are spearheading an anti-racist, social justice humanism that disrupts the ‘colourblind’ ethos of European American atheist and humanist agendas, which focus principally on church-state separation. These critical interventions build on the lived experiences and social histories of segregated Black and Latinx communities that are increasingly under economic siege. In this context, Hutchinson makes a valuable and necessary call for social justice change in a polarised climate where Black women’s political power has become a galvanising national force.