AAH (African Americans for Humanism) at
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By Norm Allen
Executive Director, African Americans for Humanism

African Americans for Humanism (AAH) was founded on August 31, 1989. Like other organizations before it, the group has had but limited success in attracting large numbers of African Americans to organized humanism. Indeed, nowhere in the Western world have large numbers of non-Whites become involved in organized humanism.

However, AAH has had great success in establishing humanist groups in Africa. Today there are about 70 such groups in Africa, and the numbers are growing. Humanist conferences have been held throughout the continent, and humanism has often been featured in African media.

The need for humanism among people of African descent has never been greater. Bible-based and Qur�an-based homophobia is rampant throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and the U. S. Faith healers continue to exploit people of African descent in disproportionate numbers. Paranoid conspiracy theorists hold sway over large numbers of African Americans. Black leaders and entertainers continue to promote the idea that atheists are morally worthless, not suitable for marriage, and the like. African witch-hunters continue to persecute and kill alleged child witches. Traditional medicine men continue to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

Humanism offers a rational alternative to superstition, irrationality, and outmoded religious ideas. Oftentimes, religionists are unable to fully critique harmful notions because they identify with religious texts that promote such notions. For example, many progressive religionists critique sexism while edifying the Bible, a text clearly written by patriarchs. This contradiction can lead to paralysis when religious progressives oppose biblically literate religious conservatives who promote Bible-based sexism.

Humanists are not thus restricted. Humanists place constant emphasis upon critical thinking in all areas of human endeavor. This makes humanists more likely to think �outside the box.� No humanist publications, leaders, or beings are deemed infallible by humanists. That makes it much easier to reject antiquated notions and to accept new and more humane ideas.

AAH will continue to promote humanism among African Americans. Humanism has been important to the African American community for a long time, earning respect among leaders of thought if not always among the general public. No matter how long religion persists, there will always be a need for human-centered thought and action. And AAH will do its part to defend rationality, secularism, and democratic values.

For further information contact:

Council for Secular Humanism
Norm R. Allen, Jr.
P.O. Box 664
Amherst, NY 14226-0664

Voice: (716) 636-7571
Fax: (716) 636-1733

nallen@centerforinquiry.net