TeaHis fight against racial discrimination in the United States has set an important milestone with the Senate Judiciary Committee of California. SB 403 Bill on April 25 to ban caste bias and overcome a major legislative hurdle in the larger battle. This development is a testament to the growing momentum of the anti-racism movement in America and the important role California plays.
In this article, I explore the role of women leaders in America’s anti-racism movement and how their contributions have helped raise awareness of the issue and push for change. These leaders are facing criticism as well as getting accolades.
face of sb 403
State Senator Aisha Wahab, author of the SB403 bill, played a key role by introducing and passionately advocating for the bill. In his statement before the Judiciary Committee, Wahab emphasized the insidious nature of caste discrimination and the generational trauma it causes. Wahab Represents several California cities including Hayward and Fremont.
In 2018, she became the first Afghan-American woman to be elected to public office in the US. Wahab has personal experience with foster care and housing insecurity and advocates for affordable housing, focusing on issues such as civic engagement, education, and economic inequality.
At the heart of racial bias in California
In the anti-racist movement in America, we see Tenmozhi Soundararajan Almost Everywhere. Soundararajan is a prominent Dalit rights activist and the executive director of Equality Labs, a civil rights organization that works on caste issues in the tech industry. She was at the forefront of advocating and supporting the drafting of California’s anti-racism bill.
in his 2022 book trauma of casteIn , Sundararajan shares her personal experiences of growing up in California and the ongoing violence under the caste system. His work with Equality Labs includes a 2016 survey of 1,500 South Asians in the US, which showed that 67 percent Reported injustice done to Dalits. His advocacy has triggered support for anti-racist legislation in cities across the US, including Seattle.
behind the seattle law
Kshama Sawant, another prominent face of America’s anti-caste movement, is a part of the Socialist Alternative and is the only Indian-American member of the Seattle City Council. He proposed the ordinance that led to the passage of unprecedented law To ban racial discrimination in Seattle in February 2023. The law prohibits caste discrimination in various areas including employment, housing, public accommodations and allows caste-oppressed people in the city to file discrimination complaints.
Read also: Georgia, California, Seattle – Any criticism of caste is being fought as Hinduphobia in the US
no thanks google
by Tanuja Jain Gupta Headlines When he resigned from his senior manager position at Google after canceling a talk on caste discrimination organized by the tech company. Google employees felt “threatened” by the talk and branded Soundararajan (who was believed to be an invitee) as “anti-Hindu” and “Hinduphobic”. Gupta’s resignation drew attention to the issue of caste discrimination in the tech industry, particularly towards South Asian employees. She now works independently for equity and social justice causes.
Ambedkar in New Jersey
swati sawant There is a lawyer based in New Jersey who represents several low-caste Indian men who were allegedly lured to work at the BAPS temple in the state and subjected to forced labour. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided Temple in July 2021 following the allegations. Sawant’s work in the case earned him recognition and respect within the legal community. She is seen as a fierce and dedicated advocate for justice, and her efforts have been instrumental in bringing attention to this important issue.
Most recently, as a result of his advocacy, New Jersey declared April 14 (the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar) equality day and hoisting of the Ambedkarite blue flag along with the Ashoka Chakra on the Municipal Council building.
When most Indians were fast asleep, Jersey City in America created history on Ambedkar Jayanti. A blue flag with the Ashoka Chakra and the American flag were hoisted at the City Council Hall in the presence of Council officials and a representative from the Indian Consulate. #Jai Bheem pic.twitter.com/r4clPLBSB0
– Dilip Mandal (@Profdilipmandal) April 14, 2023
pillars of movement
President of Ambedkar Association of North America (To come) is another figure who made a powerful contribution to the anti-racism movement in America. She goes by an alias because of her fear of harm – including physical attack – if her identity is revealed. She plays an important role in mobilizing the support of communities, especially women. AANA also organizes cultural retreats to build solidarity.
In addition to activism and direct intervention, the fight against caste in America has also been strengthened by his scholarly work. Isabel Wilkerson, Ajantha SubrahmanyamAnd Yashika Dutta, Additionally, prominent figures such as TV personality Oprah Winfrey and film producer Ava DuVernay have also addressed the issue of caste. Apart from these, many Ravidasiya and Ambedkarite women activists are contributing to the movement, which is showing concrete results. Twenty-four universities in the US now have anti-racist regulations, with Brandeis University in Massachusetts being the first to prohibit race-based discrimination on campus.
Why women?
The leadership of women in the anti-racist movement in America can be attributed to their unique experience of caste discrimination, which is complex in a patriarchal society. Due to their doubly marginalized position, they are more motivated to fight against discrimination. Such a position allows them to recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination, bridge diverse movements, and promote inclusivity and justice. Shared experiences foster a sense of solidarity among diverse communities and help establish coalitions that are vital to achieving meaningful change.
Indian figures such as Savitribai Phule, Pandita Ramabai, Tarabai Shinde and Mayawati have paved the way for women’s leadership in the anti-caste movement. Today’s women leaders are carrying forward that great legacy. In the US, the Ambedkarite and Ravidassia communities are particularly open to women leaders.
The factors contributing to the prominence of women in the anti-caste movement are multifaceted and complex. Young researchers can further explore these factors, including the role of empathy, shared experiences of marginalization, and women’s ability to forge coalitions in social justice movements.
Dilip Mandal is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi magazine, and has written books on media and sociology. He tweeted @Profdilipmandal. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Hamra Like)