******despite our pretensions, the attitudes which uphold white supremacy are alive and well.*******’

That is word/power.

Notice that there is no longer a hands-on application of racism, at least not overt ugly-faced racism where I am. What remains and more significantly what is effectively shaping our thoughts and actions are preconceived notions of hierarchy. The notions of the old age embedded into our psyches are the perpetual soldiers that continue safeguarding our own oppression.

Hierarchy ideology instructs us that there are people who are divinely created/chosen to be above or beneath others. What keeps white/male supremacy alive and well is the acceptance of the notion that someone or something belongs in a dominant/controlling/ruling position in the first place. White/male supremacy has been the candidate that remains incumbent because since we accept hierarchy, we in-fight for egotistical position. Hierarchy is the opposite of unity. I cannot unite with you as long as I am preoccupied with being above you

That is why we must not give male supremacy a free ride in our seekings. Your post concerning “virtue” and its etymology and contemporary usage shine light on that.

*******the reality of people's experience of race is not so much a matter of genetics but phenotype *******

And it always has been. The recognition of any distinction and the subsequent preoccupation and implementation of policies ONLY happen by the hand of those most threatened by such distinctions. There has never been writings nor statistics that would cause blacks to suggest fear of a white planet. But, there are plenty of current and past writings along with statistics that suggest fear of a black planet.

The distinction of and preoccupation with race has and will always be a function of white/male supremacy.

There is no recorded determination of the “race” of people before the advent of white/male supremacy ideology in Discovery Age Europe. That is because they are of the same origin. Indeed it is phenotypical more than genetic today because its origins emphasize characteristics of being NON-WHITE. Race distinction was by white people for white people to develop a common xenophobic/ethnocentric identity vs. the indigenous world. The mortar between the bricks was of course Xtianity. All of the above mindsets are but the narcissistic supply that resulted in the WORLDWIDE EXPANSION (invasion/colonization) by this reborn (renaissance), graced, saved, divinely sanctioned, galvanized European continent.

******despite our pretensions, the attitudes which uphold white supremacy are alive and well.*******’

Indeed.

You do the name Nkrumah much justice, if I may say so.