I’m not sure who started it or when. But Black men refer to each as “Brother” all the time.
Even black cops on The First 48 will often say to suspect “My Brother” and ask a question. Or you’ll hear witnesses say “That Brother is ***** crazy”.
I have a couple ideas. That it came out of the Black Power Movement in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The raised fists. But that’s pure speculation.
It’s common throughout the Baptist churches (probably other denominations too) to call someone Brother Name. for example Brother Jackson or Brother Jones. But they never say “That Brother” or just walk up and address the person as My Brother. They’d say “Brother Jackson, how are you today?” That’s how it’s done in every Baptist Church that I attended. Dr King of course was a Baptist Minister.
That is very surprising. Solidarity was such a central tenet of both the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Pride/Power movements. I’ve always thought either Dr King or Malcolm X popularized the term “brother”. Indicating that all black men had a common bond and oppressor.
Turns out the truth is quite… mundane. That’s quite interesting.
A bit off topic here. In the labor movement, people refer to each other as brothers and sisters. That probably goes way back. Bernie Sanders addresses his crowds as “brothers and sisters”
This may be entirely incorrect, but I always assumed that the ultimate origin of the term was to be found in the institution of slavery, in which families were wantonly and randomly broken up for sale. Therefore, any other black man could potentially actually be your brother, or you could be related in some other way.
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
The OED reference is probably correct. Slaves adopted (and continue) thematic references for several reasons. Obfuscation and solidarity being the first that come to mind.
Don’t mess with my Brothers; that means you’re messing with me.
