February is Black History Month, a time to honor the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. Some people may wonder at the intentions and possible politics behind recognizing Black History Month in a community dedicated to the Asatru faith. As Congresswoman Yvette Clarke stressed, “We must never forget that Black History is American History”. This is our collective history to lift up, honor, and celebrate.
There is so much to celebrate but there is also a lot of work to do. It's crucial to acknowledge that Norse symbols and imagery have been co-opted by white supremacist groups in recent history. As practitioners of Asatru, we need to confront this appropriation directly; we cannot brush aside or ignore the insidious presence of white supremacy and racism within our faith communities and society at large. I see social justice and anti-racism as intrinsically connected with my spirituality; “When you see misdeeds, speak out against them, and give your enemies no peace.”– Hávamál verse 127 (translations vary).
Black History Month can be an opportunity to amplify the voices of Black individuals within the Asatru community and to engage with their perspectives on Norse mythology and spirituality. This can help foster understanding, empathy, and solidarity across racial and cultural lines.
I love the faith I am cultivating for myself and my community, it is all the richer with different perspectives. I struggle to understand why someone would think Asatru is a closed path or even want it to be exclusively for people who look and think like them. If the gods call to you - Welcome. You belong here. Asatru is about frith and faith, it’s NOT a matter of melanin, origin, or race.
The tapestry of the world is woven with many colors and it is better for it. I echo the sentiment expressed by Franklin Thomas “One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
In observing Black History Month through Asatru, let us not only celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to our shared history but also actively work to dismantle systems of oppression and create a more equitable world for generations to come.