The document discusses whether African Americans should view themselves as global citizens in light of the current political climate. It explores how connecting with other cultures and understanding global issues can help foster a global perspective, even if international travel is not possible. While African Americans have struggled for equality domestically, engaging globally could provide a broader outlook. Understanding the world beyond local issues is important to navigate today's complicated issues. The author urges readers to consider joining the Global Strategists Association to increase global understanding.

1. Shifting Focus: How Can African Americans See Themselves As Global Citizens?
By Marc W. Polite
The Trump administration presents a number of challenges to the opinions of America around the
world. While pursuing a nativist agenda, the brash moves of the past few weeks have already had an
international impact. In this context, some thinkers have opined quite openly about whether or not
African Americans should be open to viewing themselves as global citizens. Given the realities of
history in the Western Hemisphere, there is a broad African diaspora that can potentially be drawn
upon. Even In a country that has elected a candidate who campaigned on an “America first” slogan,
there are a number of complicated, real reasons why some African Americans see themselves as
Americans first and foremost.
There are different ways to arrive at the notion of being a global citizen. Connecting with other
cultures is a way of doing this, and taking the opportunity to understand/engage different cultures
you come in contact with in your area. Since, we are in a nation that affords us the potential to know
a great deal about the rest of the world, it would be advantageous to African Americans to utilize it.
Considering yourself a global citizen, does not have to mean international travel. Travel, even though
available is not necessarily accessible to everyone. Roughly, only a third of Americans have valid
passports, according to the State Department. That is the reality for everyone, African Americans
included. Also, due to the expenses associated with international travel, some may feel as though
they don’t have the “right” to call themselves global citizens. The perception has been unless you are
extremely well to do, it is often out of reach. However, that still doesn’t mean that you are walled off
from participating in matters from a global perspective.
To get another view on why Black Americans don’t see themselves as global citizens, Ted Williams of
the City College at Chicago had this to add: “African Americans have undergone a tremendous
struggle for equality during their time in this nation. Consequently, it has been difficult to engage in
the fight for justice around the world when their own basic rights have so consistently been in peril. In
addition to these challenges, African Americans often suffer from the same Americentric view of the
world that plagues the rest of the nation. Like most Americans, their unique global position affords
them the luxury of having priorities and interests that end at the nation's borders."
Given the realities that are apparent, it would take a change in outlook in order for us to begin to talk
about African Americans as global citizens. What could be gleaned from the challenges faced is a
broader outlook, that is not necessarily dependent upon the immediate ability to venture all around

2. the world. Perhaps a curriculum based on learning more about the world outside of the U.S. will pique
interest in the notion of global citizen.
Black people in America have added immensely to the history of this country. There is no denying that
on any non-biased basis. Using our history, we can think beyond the nativist, extreme nationalist
vantage points that seem to be the rage for the rest of the country. Mimicking that outlook, never
really worked out for Black America historically anyway. Think of the connections made between the
American civil rights movement and the anti-colonial struggles in West and Central Africa. There is
much to consider in these times, and every option that we have collectively should be explored.
The world is messy, complicated, uncertain and, at times, scary. So it is critical to understand how it
works beyond the local. GSA, with its memberships, programs and events can help increase our
understanding. I urge you to consider joining GSA and participating.
About the author
Marc W. Polite is an award winning writer from New York City. He writes on issues concerning history,
labor, and technology. He holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in History from The
City College of New York. Mr. Polite is the founder and Editor in Chief of Polite On Society, an award
winning blog of social commentary, political analysis and literary reviews​.
About GSA
Global Strategists Association was founded in 2013 by Appreccia D. Faulkner to increase global
engagement among Blacks as well as build out platforms for thought leaders to engage and share.
Contact:​ ​info@gsachicago.org​ ​| ​https://www.gsachicago.org/