Furtive Blackness: On Being In & Outside of Law (Keynote Lecture)

Diversity in Legal Thought & Practice Series (UC Hastings)

Anansi Wilson

Mar 04, 2025

Transcript

Summary

In this conversation, moderated and hosted by UC Hastings College of Law Provost, Academic Dean and Professor of Law Morris Ratner, Dr. Anansi Wilson discusses the notion of diversity and it’s impact on legal thought and practice, and how the experiences of Black individuals within the legal system complicate and collide with common legal presumptions. They explore the concept of 'furtive Blackness' and how historical contexts of slavery, “Blackness as propertied” and racial profiling continue to shape modern legal frameworks. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding personal experiences in relation to the law, the impact of (racial) capitalism on Black bodies, antiBlackness as legal precedent, and the necessity of community responsibility and collective action in the fight for justice.

Thanks for reading Anansi’s Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Keywords

diversity, legal thought, Blackness, racial justice, law, intersectionality, capitalism, resistance, community, education

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diversity and Legal Thought

01:53 Contextualizing Blackness and Legal Frameworks

06:26 Furtive Blackness: Understanding Movement and Permission

12:46 Historical Perspectives on Black Presence and Rights

17:45 Engaging with Audience: Questions and Discussions

29:11 Navigating Blackness: Law and Collective Experience

30:38 Reimagining Legal Narratives: The Role of Storytelling

34:00 Intersectionality in Law: Holding Space for Diverse Identities

37:34 The Spectators of Violence: Community Responsibility

39:01 Capitalism and Law: The Economics of Oppression

43:24 Untold Stories: Resistance and Collective Movements

47:10 Theoretical Foundations: Black Feminist and Queer Theory

51:21 Strict Scrutiny: The Burden on Black Lives

54:42 Personal Experience: The Key to Legal Understanding

56:13 Engaging Allies: The Burden of Representation

Takeaways

Professor Wilson emphasizes the importance of contextualizing Blackness within legal frameworks.
The concept of 'furtive Blackness' highlights the regulation of movement for Black individuals.
Historical analysis is crucial for understanding contemporary legal issues.
Racial profiling and surveillance are deeply embedded in the legal system.
Intersectionality is key in analyzing the experiences of Black queer individuals.
Community responsibility is essential in addressing systemic injustices.
Capitalism plays a significant role in the exploitation of Black bodies.
Education should encourage students to trust their personal experiences with the law.
Resistance narratives must include both individual and collective experiences.
Self-care and sustainability are vital in the fight for justice.