Former President Donald Trump, known for his controversial statements, recently took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris’s heritage. During a heated interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, Trump claimed Harris had “turned Black” in recent years. This statement, while grabbing headlines, ignores a fascinating and largely unknown chapter of history—the existence of a tribe in India that is both Indian and Black. Perhaps Trump’s campaign could benefit from learning about this community that defies his simplistic binaries.
In a contentious exchange with ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, Trump questioned Harris’s racial identity, saying, “She was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black.” “So I don’t know, is she Indian, or is she Black,” he continued. “She has always identified as a Black woman,” Scott interjected. “But you know what, I respect either one. But she obviously doesn’t. Because she was Indian all the way then all of a sudden she made a turn. And she became a Black person. And I think somebody should look into that,” Trump responded.
This jab at Harris’s mixed heritage of Indian and African American descent was met with widespread condemnation. Harris’s background, with a mother from India and a father from Jamaica, epitomises the rich tapestry of multiculturalism — something Trump’s comments glossed over. While Trump was busy debating Harris’s racial identity, the story of the Siddi tribe in India remains largely unknown to his Campaign.
The Siddis, an African-origin ethnic group, have lived in near obscurity in India for centuries. With a population of about 20,000, they are descendants of Bantu people from East Africa, brought to India as slaves by Arabs, Portuguese, and the British. Today, they live in small pockets across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Hyderabad.
The Siddis’ journey is one of resilience and cultural fusion. Originally known as Habshis, these Africans integrated into Indian society while retaining elements of their ancestral heritage. Many Siddis were enslaved and brought to India as early as the 7th century. Over time, those who escaped slavery retreated into India’s dense forests, adopting local customs and languages. Today, they speak regional languages like Konkani and dress in traditional Indian attire, though their African features remain distinct.
The Siddi community’s cultural practices are a testament to their unique blend of African and Indian heritage. In Karnataka, for instance, the Siddis are primarily Catholics, a legacy of Portuguese influence. Their villages might look like any other Indian village from a distance, but a closer look reveals their African roots. Traditional dances, such as the vibrant performances set to frenetic drumbeats, highlight their African heritage.
Despite their rich cultural heritage, the Siddis face significant challenges. Marginalised and often subject to administration’s indifference, they struggle with poverty and limited opportunities. Education and sustainable employment are scarce, leaving many Siddis to work as manual labourers. However, sports have emerged as a beacon of hope. In the 1980s, the Sports Authority of India launched an athletic programme to harness the Siddis’ potential, although administrative failures initially hampered its success. A government study in Gujarat’s Gir forest had then concluded that Siddis were genetically suited for athletics. Today, efforts to uplift the Siddi community through sports continue. Organisations like the Oscar Foundation and Skillshare International have worked with Siddi youth in various sports, providing them with opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. Mumbai-based athlete-turned-activist Juje Jackie Harnodkar has also worked with the community to harness their talent in athletics.
Trump’s comments about Kamala Harris reveal a limited understanding of the complexities of racial and cultural identities. The story of the Siddis, an Indian tribe with African roots, challenges the simplistic notions of race that Trump’s remarks perpetuate. The Siddis embody a rich cultural synthesis that defies easy categorisation, much like Harris herself. As Trump and his Campaign continue to navigate the choppy waters of racial politics, perhaps they could take a moment to learn about the Siddi tribe. This community, which is both Indian and Black, illustrates the profound interconnectedness of human histories and identities. Understanding such stories might help in fostering a more nuanced and inclusive discourse—something that is sorely needed in today’s divided world.
