If you want to get Njoki Kamau talking, just mention President-elect Barack Obama. Or, mention the Northwestern University Women’s Center, where she is associate director. Kamau, 60, who emigrated from Kenya in 1976, has many years of activism and social justice work behind her. Although she became a citizen only six years ago she has never shied away from political causes or controversial issues.
What brought you to the United States?
I came to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. I had a Fulbright scholarship to study management as a graduate student, then after that to the American Graduate School of International Business in Glendale, Arizona. Then I came to Northwestern to pursue a Ph.D. in Kellogg. I did the coursework for marketing, but I did not do the dissertation. After that I started doing women’s work.
How did you first get involved in U.S. politics?
When Chicago elected its first black mayor, Harold Washington, it was my first political campaign. It was just like now, very polarized. It was a long time ago, but it was so intense. If you think race is an important factor now, then it was right out on the table.
What work did you do in that campaign?
I went knocking on doors. And, I used to work at the library exit, I was a graduate student, and I remember those “Elect Harold Washington” buttons, blue and white. I’d bring a whole bunch, and as I worked I’d just hand them out. I’d be wearing a couple of them. I knew I was inviting trouble — but that’s OK. I went to the celebration nights at McCormick Place, and you’d see white people who’d put on buttons, “Honkies for Harold.” It was very electric. This time reminds me of then. Then, it was a smaller scale. This is a large scale.
Why did you get involved with Obama’s campaign?
It’s a radical notion to have a woman running for president. But it’s an even more radical notion to have a black man running for president. This is a country that has held people as slaves, and to think that in 2008 we have a black man for president. Something has dramatically shifted in terms of race and racism in the United States.
Does this kind of political involvement happen in Kenya?
It’s not the same. The campaigning that is done there is mostly rallies, not house to house. There are some public transportation vehicles, privately owned, and people just plaster those vehicles with their candidates. Of course they use the media, radio stations that speak different languages. Sometimes you can buy time, just like here, to advertise if you want. Although it’s not on this scale, it can never be like the U.S. elections. People don’t have that kind of money. Also, there, candidates buy people right off with cold cash. There you can do it openly; you can give people briefcases of cash if you want. Some politicians have been bought from one party to another, by being given a briefcase of cool cash notes.
What will you do now that Obama has been elected?
I want to continue to be involved in politics, activist. Being involved individually you can only do so much. I’ve done a lot in my life being an advocate, supporting individuals, and that’s great work. But this campaign is thousands and thousands of people doing it together. Instead of being disconnected and being disappointed, cynical, I would rather channel my energy into being involved.
The Daily Northwestern > The Weekly
Man on the Beat: Njoki Kamau
'A briefcase of cool cash notes'
Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Updated: Saturday, October 10, 2009
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