Illuminating African American Philosophy: A Deep Dive

By George Yancy

This article was originally published by Truthout

Without an understanding of this history, students may perceive Black thinkers merely as footnotes in philosophy rather than as influential contributors to global thought.

The field of philosophy is often characterized by a notable absence of Black or African American philosophers. Currently, approximately 81% of philosophy PhDs in the U.S. are awarded to white individuals. This disparity creates an unsettling reality for Black philosophers, who may encounter incredulity when claiming their identity in academic circles. While many traditional philosophical texts focus on figures like Socrates and Plato, the contributions of African American thinkers remain overshadowed.

My journey in philosophy has centered largely on racial embodiment and the nuances of anti-Blackness. A pivotal moment was my publication of work focusing on trailblazing African American philosophers like Thomas N. Baker and Joyce M. Cook. Baker holds the distinction of being the first Black man to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy from Yale in 1903, while Cook became the first Black woman to do so in 1965.

Despite acknowledgment of the importance of Black Studies and its canonical figures, the contributions of African American philosophers often go unnoticed. Therefore, the need for comprehensive excavation of this intellectual landscape remains crucial.

In pursuit of this aim, I conducted an interview with Stephen C. Ferguson, a philosopher and professor at North Carolina State University. Ferguson’s insights shed light on the contemporary relevance of African American philosophy and its foundational texts.

Defining African American Philosophy

George Yancy: Reflecting on my undergraduate experience, I thought I was the only Black philosopher. It seemed like no one told me there was a field called “African American philosophy.” Can you define what that entails?

Stephen C. Ferguson: African American philosophy comprises texts authored by African American thinkers who regard their work as philosophical. This definition counters the traditional view that philosophy must fit neatly into established disciplinary boundaries.

The argument by the Black philosopher and theologian William R. Jones is crucial here. He contested the assumption that a philosophical identity must be dependent on race. For Jones, African American philosophy is grounded in Black experience, history, and culture rather than racial essence. This distinction elucidates that while discussions of race are inherently relevant, they do not encapsulate the entirety of the field.

The Importance of Historical Context

Historically, Black philosophical thought has emerged from various facets of Black intellectual culture, spanning churches, newspapers, and political movements. This rich ecosystem produced a distinctive form of philosophy often overlooked by mainstream academia. As such, without acknowledging this lineage, students may remain unaware of the depth and significance of Black philosophical contributions.

Ferguson notes that we must differentiate between the history of African American philosophers, encompassing all topics, and the philosophy specifically concerning the Black experience. As the number of African American philosophers increases, so does the spectrum of philosophical issues they address, extending beyond racial matters.

Challenging Stereotypes in Philosophy

Reflecting on my educational experiences, it became evident that figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass were seldom recognized as philosophers. It was only through my mentor, James G. Spady, that I began to understand their philosophical significance. Understanding this history is vital; it brings to light how the tenets of Black intellectual tradition have shaped philosophical inquiry.

Ferguson recalls a similar awakening during his time at the University of Missouri. Working alongside John H. McClendon III, he engaged in recovering the African American philosophical tradition, culminating in their collaborative work, African American Philosophers and Philosophy: An Introduction to the History, Concepts, and Contemporary Issues. Their endeavor was not simply to spotlight individual contributors but to influence how philosophy itself is perceived through the lens of African American thought.

Overcoming Institutional Racism in Academic Philosophy

The professionalization of philosophy has deep roots in institutional racism, as Ferguson elaborates. He points out that while academia has made strides, the exclusion of African American philosophers persists, often shaped by broader economic contexts. Factors like capitalist labor exploitation have inhibited the formation of a stable Black philosophical intelligentsia.

Ferguson’s insights reveal a significant contradiction: even when African American thinkers manage to enter academic discourse, they often find themselves bound by hegemonic ideas that restrict which questions can be raised.

Ferguson emphasizes this issue through a historical lens. He highlights that many African American philosophers have aligned with social contract theories, neglecting deeper structural critiques of capitalism and imperialism. This oversight reflects a broader trend of viewing race-related issues solely through a moral lens rather than analyzing them within the context of economic systems.

The Complexity of Philosophical Identity

As an African American philosopher and Marxist-Leninist, Ferguson navigates a complex identity landscape. He challenges the assumption that these identities need reconciling. Instead, he argues that his upbringing, shaped by Black working-class experiences, fueled his social consciousness long before he had the philosophical framework to articulate it.

Marxist-Leninist thought offers African American philosophy a lens to scrutinize capitalism and its impacts on Black life. Ferguson insists that Blackness shapes the motivation for philosophical inquiry, while dialectical methodology guides its practice.

Fostering Future Generations of Black Philosophers

To encourage more African American students to enter the philosophy field, Ferguson proposes a strategic overhaul of how philosophy engages with Black intellectual traditions. He advocates for building independent institutional infrastructures that connect to but operate autonomously from mainstream academic structures. This involves creating spaces for collective study, political education, and mentorship that honor Black philosophical heritage.

Ferguson’s call to action emphasizes proactive measures rather than passive waiting for institutional change. It’s clear that the task of building and sustaining a robust Black philosophical community requires combined efforts and intergenerational collaboration.

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