V. I. Lenin on the ‘Black Question’ Joe Pateman Pages 77-93 | Published online: 21 Jan 2020

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03017605.2019.1706786

Abstract In his revolutionary activities and writings from 1913 to the fourth Comintern Congress in 1922, V. I. Lenin didn’t merely analyze the function of black labor in the process of capitalist development. He also had something to say about the role that black people themselves would play in their own emancipation. His posthumously published article Russians and Negroes is particularly insightful. The guiding motto of the Comintern under the direction of Lenin—‘Workers and oppressed peoples of all countries, unite!’ fused the destinies of the racially subjugated black communities and working class in their struggles against imperialism. This article argues that Lenin showed a keen interest in what was then called the ‘Black Question’. It shows that he adopted a non-reductive approach that highlighted the special character of black oppression in comparison to other forms. It concludes that his ideas remain relevant for the black liberation struggle today.

Keywords: LeninBlack PeopleOppressionWorking ClassEmancipation Previous article Next article Notes on contributor

Joe Pateman is studying for a PhD in Politics at the University of Nottingham. His research interests include Marxism, democratic theory, and the political economy of race. Joe is the co–author of the recently published book, Managing Cultural Change in Public Libraries: Marx, Maslow and Management (Routledge, 2019). Email: joepateman@yahoo.co.uk