Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Why Do Some Ethiopians and Eritreans Say They Are ‘Not Black’? A Complex Journey Through History, Identity, and Culture
By Tesema Nadew
The question of racial identity is complex everywhere, but in the Horn of Africa, it resonates with particular depth and nuance. Among some Ethiopians and Eritreans, there is a persistent belief or at least a cultural narrative that they are “not Black” in the way the term is commonly understood. This assertion is not simply a matter of color or genetics, but a rich tapestry woven from ancient history, religious tradition, and the formation of a distinct “Habesha” identity.
Tracing Ancient Roots
The story begins with one of the oldest civilizations in Africa. Ethiopia and Eritrea lay claim to a history that stretches back thousands of years, tied to the Kingdom of Aksum, the ancient trade routes linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and, crucially, a legendary connection to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This biblical lineage is more than myth for many it is a core part of identity, positioning Ethiopians and Eritreans as inheritors of a unique legacy separate from the transatlantic African experience.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world, reinforces this sense of distinctiveness. Religious tradition, scriptures, and liturgy are all expressed in Ge’ez, a language unique to the region, further solidifying a cultural separation.
The “Habesha” Identity
“Habesha” is the term many Ethiopians and Eritreans use to describe themselves collectively, transcending ethnic divisions. This identity is often presented as distinct from broader African or “Black” identities, emphasizing shared language (such as Amharic and Tigrinya), customs, and history.
The Habesha identity reflects pride in a unique civilization that historically saw itself as different from neighboring groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. This difference is sometimes expressed in physical traits, cultural practices, and even political narratives that distinguish them from stereotypical perceptions of Blackness rooted largely in Western racial categorizations.
Rethinking Blackness
The Western concept of “Blackness” is historically tied to the African diaspora and shaped largely by experiences in the Americas and Europe. It encompasses a wide variety of cultures and histories but often is perceived through a lens influenced by slavery, colonialism, and racial segregation.
For many Ethiopians and Eritreans, this definition feels limiting or inaccurate. The pride in their ancient civilizations and the absence of direct connection to the transatlantic slave trade leads some to reject the label “Black” or to define it differently. For others, it is less about rejection and more about asserting a multifaceted identity that cannot be easily categorized.
Contemporary Conversations
In today’s globalized world, the question of identity is increasingly fluid. Some young Ethiopians and Eritreans embrace Blackness as part of a broader Pan-African solidarity, while others hold firmly to the “not Black” narrative as a means of preserving cultural pride and historical distinction.
This debate is not without controversy. It touches on sensitive issues of race, ethnicity, and politics, both within the Horn of Africa and among the African diaspora. Understanding it requires acknowledging the diversity of African identities and the powerful influence of history and culture on how people see themselves.
Conclusion
The belief among some Ethiopians and Eritreans that they are “not Black” is not a simple denial but a complex interplay of ancient heritage, cultural identity, and differing conceptions of race. It challenges monolithic views of African identity and invites deeper conversations about what it means to belong to a people, a history, and a shared humanity.
