A new opinion piece in the Texas State University student newspaper called gun rights activist Antonia Okafor a “token black” and criticized an upcoming Freedom Week event hosted by Turning Point USA.
“The illusion of diversity is important for every organization to maintain a favorable public perception,” student author Temi Ikudayisi wrote in the University Star.
Ikudayisi explained, “TPUSA responded to criticism of their selectivity in advocating for gun rights by promoting Antonia Okafor, an African-American woman pro-Second Amendment speaker it had arranged to visit campus this semester.”
She went on to suggest, “This is a prime example of how tokenism operates. TPUSA is happy to parade a woman of color as a testament to the diversity of supporters who share their beliefs but remain utterly silent when that same demographic falls victim to violation of the rights they so staunchly support.”
The editorial also suggests that the tokenism Okafor allegedly represents just “allows a false sense of achievement.” Of course, Ikudayisi fails to realize that it’s racist to believe that everyone in a certain minority group acts and thinks the same way. She has clearly judged Okafor on the color of her skin and not the content or merits of her views.
In a conversation with Red Alert Politics, Okafor called the piece “ignorant” and said it “shows a narrow mindedness” she encounters far too often.
“Temi is only judging me on my skin tone,” she said. “The fact that I’m a black woman who has very different views than what she believes a black woman should convey shows that universities are no longer bastions of critical thinking and independent thought.”
“God forbid I dare publicly think for myself,” Okafor concluded.
The Turning Point USA chapter at Texas State has issued a response to the editorial.
We invite speakers based on their talent, hardwork, intelligence, and wit not their skin color or ethnicity. To say otherwise undermines the incredible people that millions of people across the country admire. https://t.co/HCYJQml47o
— TPUSA at Texas State (@txsttpusa) April 17, 2018
The editorial concludes: “Putting one black face in front of 100 white ones is not diversity. It is not inclusion…”
Okafor is one of many speakers for the upcoming “Freedom Week” event at Texas State. The week-long event also promises speeches from top conservatives including Dinesh D’Souza, Lawrence B. Jones, and Candace Owens. The group also plans to host an educational presentation from the National Rifle Association.
