BHM 2021 SPOTLIGHTS
For Black History Month we decided to spotlight prominent Black figures who our members are most proud to be influenced by. We hope you enjoy learning about these key figures!
Walter Rodney
By James McDonald
Who are you proud to be influenced by this month and why?
I am influenced by Walter Rodney this Black History Month, as he is a scholar whose work is timeless and provides a detailed account of many African civilizations in the pre-colonial era and recounts the damages inflicted on the continent by European colonialism. Walter Rodney’s resilience and bravery is truly inspiring and provides grounding in these uncertain times.
How has their work impacted your work?
Walter Rodney’s seminal text “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” provided a vital rebuke to pro-colonialist European scholars and has inspired me and many other economists to pursue anti-imperialist and anti-colonial endeavours. This text has encouraged me to centre my research around scrutinising colonial and neo-colonial institutions.
How can others engage with their work? Any recommendations?
I would recommend the books "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" and "The Groundings With my Brothers" to anyone who wants to know more about Walter Rodney.
Dr. Ndongo Samba Sylla
By Nedson Ng’oma
Who are you proud to be influenced by this month and why?
I am proud to be influenced by Dr. Ndongo Samba Sylla. This is specifically because during my studies in economics, I rarely studied about progressive black economists who centre their work on Africa’s economic problems. His commitment to resolving Africa’s problem while offering options for a more egalitarian and prosperous future is extremely inspiring.
How has their work impacted your work?
Dr. Ndongo Samba Sylla’s work focusing on the developmental problems of Africa using the lens of Modern Monetary Theory has not only made me develop a keen interest in understanding historic economic constraints that still impede development, but his work has also inspired to focus my analyse on potential alternative policy frameworks, specifically looking at the application of MMT understanding in the African policy space.
How can others engage with their work? Any recommendations?
I would recommend reading his new book “Africa’s Last Colonial Currency: The CFA Franc Story” where he discusses the historical and current implications of the adoption of the CFA Franc. You can also engage with his blog titled “What does MMT have to offer Developing Countries” published by Brave New Europe.
Dame Sharon White
By Elmyra
Who are you proud to be influenced by this month and why?
I am proud to be influenced by Dame Sharon White. She is a black economist who has successfully impacted both the public and private sector through her work both in the civil service and in her current role as Chair of the John Lewis Partnership.
How has their work impacted your work?
Her work has impacted mine as I am inspired by her career trajectory. She is an economist who has worked in policy ( most notably as chair of OFCOM and as Permanent Secretary and the Treasury) but has proved adaptable as she is now chair of a major British business in a period when the landscape of retail and commerce is facing major challenges. She has shown me that the skill set of an economist is multifaceted and that there are many ways to have an impactful career as an economist beyond academia.
How can others engage with their work? Any recommendations?
Whilst I can’t point to specific ‘works’ I would recommend an interview she gave to the publication Tortoise earlier this year in which she discusses her background but also her views on a plethora of topics: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/in-conversation-with-sharon-white-chair-of-the-john-lewis-partnership/
George Ayittey
By Katia Duru
Who are you proud to be influenced by this month and why?
I am influenced by George Ayittey, a Ghanaian economist, as he explores the issues surrounding development in Africa, which is not only as a result of colonialism, but of modern oppression.
How has their work impacted your work?
During my Masters, his work was one of the foundations of my study and learning around African development. It helped me gain new perspectives around culture specific solutions. Post-education, it has influenced my thinking and how to approach economic issues with context specific solutions (rather than general solutions).
How can others engage with their work? Any recommendations?
He has a few published works, such as “Africa unchained: the blueprint for development” and “Defeating dictators: fighting tyranny in Africa and around the world”.
Dr Miatta Fahnbulleh
By Katia Duru
Who are you proud to be influenced by this month and why?
I’m influenced by Miatta Fahnbulleh. Miatta is the chief executive of the New Economics Foundation, a think tank that promotes social, economic and environmental justice. Miatta has acted as chair of various boards and commissions, including the Croydon Climate Crisis Commission, and the Greater Manchester Independent Inequalities Commission which sought to understand the root causes of inequality in Manchester. Miatta’s career choices, including her role at NEF and previous government positions, as well as her additional roles in various commissions, show her passion for empowering marginalised communities, which inspires me to use my career to make positive change.
How has their work impacted your work?
Miatta’s work inspires me to consider and understand the impact of economic policies on communities and to understand the possible implications of challenges such as climate change.
How can others engage with their work? Any recommendations?
Miatta is regularly on the news to promote specific policy areas or to explain economic developments. Some of my favourite appearances of her include her interview on LBC News on the decline of the UK high street and her interview on Times Radio on the impact of Covid-19 on UK retail.
