A nation built on pan-African principles faces questions about racism
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Several black Zambians tell the BBC they sometimes feel like they are second-class citizens in their own country.
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A nation built on pan-African principles faces questions about racism 2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Wedaeli Chibelushi Zambia likes to pride itself as being at the forefront of African nationalism and the fight against colonial rule, however several Zambians have told the BBC that racism remains a problem in the country more than 60 years after independence from the UK. Although it is rarely overt, they say that subtle everyday discrimination can make it feel like they are second-class citizens in their own country. They give accounts of black people being passed over for certain jobs, snubbed at restaurants and disregarded by landlords. But there was also an element of optimism, with some Zambians pleased that conversations about race were slowly becoming more common. Zambia's government denies that racism is a problem in the country. Alexander Bwalya, a black Zambian who asked us not to use his real name, says he finds it "very strange" that people can "live in an African country and be racist to black people". He recounts visiting a wine bar with his friends in the capital, Lusaka, where they attempted to order relatively expensive bottles of wine. However, the waiters at the bar explained that they were out of stock, he recalls. "And then came a white family who they were being very friendly with. And then they kept on offering them [the bottles that were supposedly out of stock]," Bwalya says. "When we complained to the manager, we were told: 'If you don't appreciate the service, you're more than welcome to leave.'" A heated argument ensued and during the altercation, the white manager allegedly directed a racial slur towards Bwalya's black friend. Bwalya told the BBC he did not report the matter to the police as he felt it would not be taken seriously. This is six decades after Kenneth Kaunda - a central figure in the fight against colonialism in Africa - became the country's first president. Prior to independence in 1964, black Zambians ha...
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