In Bell Hooks’ theory of Postmodern Blackness, it is described that ‘class mobility has altered collective black experience’. At the end of the Small Axe episode, Alex’s cellmate explains that class oppression is what allows white supremacy to remain prevalent.

Small Axe; Alex Wheatle. medium.com. https://medium.com/@leiladaisyj/small-axe-alex-wheatle-growing-up-rising-up-1b5df11ec957 <30/04/24>

He encourages Alex to educate himself, to learn about his past for a better future. Bell Hooks acknowledges in her theory that pre-existing stereotypes of black struggle are ‘rooted in class’. In present times, however, a blurring of class divides has been sparked by the rise of black individuals finding success, such as Alex Wheatle – a now renowned author.

As a result, we find ourselves in a place where class and race are not as intertwined as they once were. Unfortunately, as a consequence, black people now face forms of institutionalized racism. To summarise Hooks, paradigms of black identity represent blackness one-dimensionally – this reinforces and sustains white supremacy. As a result, the oppression and fear experienced by the main character who we follow the perspective of in Assembly can be seen as somewhat ‘illegitimised’ due to her not conforming with the pre-existing stereotype of black struggle, which is rooted in class.