What's it like being a Black Atheist?

In recent years, the conversation around atheism has changed significantly, particularly among Black people. I've met a few who identify as atheists but still refuse to label themselves as such, because we're often confronted with

questions and are challenged due to how deeply-rooted religion is in our culture.

This post dives into some of the questions I've received over the years, along with my response. Proceed with caution.

The Intersection of Race and Belief

One major question I encounter is how my racial identity interacts with my lack of belief in God. Traditionally, religion has been a critical part of Black culture across the diaspora, serving as a source of community, support, and self-identity.

Why do you not believe in God? Are you not scared of going to hell?

Short answer: I cannot be scared of a place I don't believe exists.

To expand, religion has never made sense to me, and as a child, one of my favourite words was 'Why'. Now that word had placed me in many complex situations as a child growing up in Jamaica, because if there's one thing black people across the globe do not like, it's a questioning child that does not know their place.

Now, imagine 6-year-old me questioning the pastor IN church about what I've learnt in science class and why it goes against the teachings of the bible. To this day, I remember his words to me, "If you want to go to hell, keep asking those questions". That began my hatred of that man (Pastor Samuel) and thirst for answers to all the questions I had regarding religion, particularly Christianity. And as this post will show, I have not changed my stance.

How will you get married? If you do, it can't be in a church.

Strangely, this question I get mostly from older black women, because what am I as a person if I do not give my life to a man?

To answer, how has the church nourished the betterment of marriage? I do not see the church as a place to help you be a better person or live a better life. In fact, I believe it's the opposite, especially if you're a woman.

Religion has made it easier for women to be susceptible to manipulative and abusive men because pleasing men is pleasing God!

I've seen how a woman's worth in the church is simply to maintain a marriage, no matter the damage it does to you and those around you.

Another reason I despise religion as an institution is that it allows people (men) to live without accountability; religion is a man's tool to control. There is no better place for an evil person to be than in the arms of God. Whenever you do something terrible, simply blame the devil or a woman, which in most eyes is the same.

Where do you fit in the community as a Black atheist?

Now we're getting somewhere.

As we know, a community can provide a feeling of belonging and support. However, for some Black atheists, we often struggle to find spaces where our beliefs or lack thereof, are acknowledged. People truly do not know where to place us in their lives, and it is a struggle. When I meet people, I drop hints right at the start so they know where I stand. Some shrink away, some challenge and the best ones simply do not care.

Addressing Stereotypes and Misconceptions

• I'm not a Satanist.

If I don't believe in your God, why would I believe in his 'adversary'?

• I do not hate God.

Again, I cannot hate something I don't believe exists. Now, the institution of religion, and how it's been used to colonise the world and poison the minds of black people all across the diaspora? We can tussle.

• Atheism is not a religion.

We don't have any rituals, and there's no central location to join.

• Atheists are not immoral or unhappy.

My morality is based on respect and humanism, not on a divine command.

The Search for Meaning

How do you find meaning and purpose in a world without a God?

The absence of religious belief can and will provoke existential questions about morality, purpose, and the afterlife for most. This quest for meaning can be profoundly personal, varying from individual to individual.

However, my answer to that is, as I don't believe there is an afterlife, I have to make sure I live THIS the way I want to. Simply, right?

That includes where I live and how I view relationships with men. For the average black woman, getting a 'good god fearing black man' narrows your life experience, and your main goal is to find that.

I do good deeds because I want to, not because I'm pressured into thinking there would be punishment if not.

Question for the religious people: would you still do good if you knew your omniscient God wasn't looking?

Navigating Family Dynamics

How do Black atheists navigate relationships with religious family members?

Coming out as an atheist can be intimidating, especially in black families where faith plays a central role. Fear of rejection or conflict can lead to emotional strain. However, even though my family believes in the Christian God, they were never the church going type. Thank god! (lol)

They've never really challenged my disbelief, and honestly, even if they did, there's nothing they could do or say to make me think differently. Other black atheists don't have it so easy. They rely on their families for financial support, which complicates things. I have the privilege that if something is bothering me, I get up and leave.

Wrapping It Up

When I was 26, I created three rules to live by to not hurt myself and others.

Rule 2: "Do not argue religion with religious people". I can proudly say that it saved me from arguments and fights with those I want to keep in my life.

Finally, do good and be good because it's the right thing to do.