Ubuntu Virtues as a Coping Mechanism in the Face of Racism and Discrimination

Living in Western Europe for decades has compelled me to look back at my lived experience in societies where despite being successfully integrated, now and then, I am reminded that I do not fully belong. This experience contrasts with what I learned from my grandmothers, Sarah, and Martha. Growing up in Africa, they encouraged me to develop into an adult with Ubuntu. I was encouraged to espouse generosity, hospitality, friendliness, care, solidarity, and compassion. In this autoethnographic piece, I explore insights into what the Ubuntu worldview offers to Africans who face racism and discrimination in the West. I reflect on my experience as a co-opted racialised minority leader and draw on decades-long research on racialised minorities. As a starting point, I agree with (Mbiti in African Religions & Philosophy, Heinemann, 1992, 2) argument that “to be human is to belong to the whole community, and to do so involves participating in the beliefs, ceremonies, rituals and festivals of that community”. Moreover, I suggest that racialised minorities should avoid naivety, work with others, be humble and aware of their position, and avoid the trappings of tokenism.