Freestyle 10: Whities on the Moon

In this thought-provoking episode of Afrocentric, host Morgan Gray delves into the complex history of colonization and its modern-day implications, drawing inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron's iconic poem "Whitey on the Moon." She begins by exploring the European colonization of Africa, known as the "Scramble for Africa," highlighting how European powers, driven by technological advancements and economic motivations, rapidly colonized nearly 90% of the African continent between 1870 and 1914. Morgan draws parallels between this historical colonization and the current corporate space race, emphasizing the continuity of imperialist mindsets.

The episode examines the intricate connections between the trans-Atlantic slave trade and European colonization of Africa. Morgan explains how the slave trade systematically weakened African societies over 300 years, setting the stage for subsequent colonization. She discusses how colonizers co-opted local authorities, creating artificial power structures that delegitimized traditional African political institutions. 

Shifting focus to contemporary issues, Morgan connects historical colonization with modern space exploration, discussing topics such as the formation of the Space Force, recent alien disclosure discussions, and Elon Musk's SpaceX and its satellite projects. She critically examines how capitalism and greed have led to environmental destruction, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Morgan argues that after depleting Earth's resources, certain entities now aim to colonize space, perpetuating historical patterns of exploitation.

In conclusion, Morgan reflects on the poem's enduring relevance, challenging listeners to consider how historical patterns of colonization and exploitation continue to shape our world today, from Earth to the stars.