We live in a world that has been deeply shaped by the forces of white supremacy. While we often discuss its impacts in terms of race, wealth, and power, there is another form of exploitation that has gone too long in the shadows—the abuse of our most vulnerable, our children. To truly understand this issue, we need to explore the disturbing link between white supremacy and exploitation, and how it was historically weaponized against Black and indigenous communities. Only by shining a light on this history can we reclaim our cultural practices, protect our children, and take back our dignity.

The Dehumanization of Black and Brown Bodies

At the core of white supremacy is the idea that Black and brown bodies are worth less—that we are somehow “other,” and that our very existence is meant to serve the interests of white power. This dehumanization has not only impacted adults but has tragically extended to our children. Enslaved Black children were often viewed as property, mere objects to be used at the whim of their white “owners.” Their innocence was not protected; instead, it was exploited.

Sexual violence, including pedophilia, has always been about power. In a white supremacist system, this violence was a tool to reinforce the racial hierarchy. Enslaved children, like their parents, were not seen as human beings deserving of protection. Instead, they were devalued, abused, and used to further dehumanize their communities. The same logic applied to the colonization of indigenous peoples—sexual exploitation was just another method to maintain control and assert dominance over vulnerable populations.

A Legacy of Silence and Impunity

One of the most insidious aspects of white supremacy is how it has allowed perpetrators of exploitation to escape accountability. Historically, the legal system was designed to protect white people, even when they committed the most heinous crimes. White men who exploited or abused Black and indigenous children faced little to no consequences. Their victims, on the other hand, were left voiceless and powerless, their abuse dismissed as unworthy of attention.

This pattern of silencing continues today. Our children—Black, brown, indigenous—are still disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, often because white supremacy has created a society that devalues their lives. And when they are victimized, their voices are too often drowned out by a system that favors their abusers. To break this cycle, we must understand that white supremacy thrives on silence and impunity—and it’s time we confront it head-on.

White Supremacy Dismantled African Cultural Protections

Before colonization, African societies had strong traditions and cultural practices that safeguarded the rights and well-being of children. Children were sacred, and communities rallied around them, providing protection, guidance, and nurturing through clear rites of passage. These systems clearly defined when a child transitioned into adulthood, and sexual exploitation was widely condemned.

But white supremacy, through colonization, sought to dismantle these protective systems. The cultural norms that once safeguarded our children were replaced by colonial laws that benefited the oppressors. Pedophilia, sexual exploitation, and child abuse, once rare and unacceptable in many African communities, found space to grow in the cracks created by white dominance. The introduction of new “norms” distorted what was once a healthy, community-based approach to child protection.

Reclaiming Our Culture to Protect Our Future

In order to truly protect our children and heal our communities, we must reclaim our cultural practices. We must rebuild the communal oversight that once made it nearly impossible for predators to exploit our youth. We must reclaim the sacredness of childhood and the shared responsibility of raising, nurturing, and protecting our children.

This isn’t just about returning to the past—it’s about reshaping our future. By reclaiming our African traditions and values, we can create stronger, safer communities where children are valued and protected. We must stand together to create environments where the abuses that white supremacy enabled will never take root again.

This means:

• Community Vigilance: In our traditional societies, it wasn’t just the responsibility of parents to protect children—it was the entire community’s duty. We must return to this mindset, where every child is everyone’s responsibility. We must create systems where any sign of abuse is called out immediately and addressed with swift action.

• Cultural Pride: White supremacy thrives when we are disconnected from our roots. To combat this, we need to embrace our rich heritage and values, teaching our children that they are sacred, worthy of respect, and that their bodies are their own. We must instill in them a deep sense of cultural pride and identity that rejects the dehumanizing narratives white supremacy has tried to force upon us.

• Education and Empowerment: We must educate ourselves and our communities about the ways in which white supremacy operates, including how it has historically exploited our children. By understanding this history, we can empower ourselves to break the cycle. Let’s use this knowledge to inform and protect future generations.

Why This Matters Today

White supremacy is not just a relic of the past—it’s a force that continues to shape our present. Our children are still vulnerable, and exploitation still happens in many forms, including sexual violence and trafficking. However, by reconnecting with our cultural values and reclaiming the protective structures that white supremacy tried to destroy, we can stop this violence.

We can’t afford to stay silent any longer. Our children’s futures depend on us taking action today. By rejecting white supremacy and reclaiming our roots, we take back not just our power, but our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Call to Action

If we truly want to dismantle white supremacy, we must start by protecting our children. We must be vigilant, informed, and unafraid to confront these difficult truths. Educate yourself, educate your family, and educate your community. Start discussions, call out injustice, and foster a culture of protection, respect, and dignity for all children, no matter their background.