Black Resistance is Black Excellence

Musings on Black History Month 2023

“Sometimes we have to do the work even though we don’t yet see a glimmer on the horizon that it’s actually going to be possible.”

—Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundation of a Movement

For over four hundred years, the Black diaspora has been resisting systems of oppression. It’s 2023, and we’re continuing to change our narrative from being enslaved to being seen as equals. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Resistance.” To me, Black Resistance is Black Excellence; from my experience, when people talk about Black history, much of it is centered around our struggle: slavery, segregation, police brutality, economic inequality, etc.

Picture taken at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

These inequalities exist, but acknowledging and celebrating Black people’s achievements, given the barriers institutions have placed to ensure we fail, is also an essential part of our history. Our achievements throughout history transcend the inequalities we have encountered. Despite inequitable social systems, we resist, progress, and excel. We’ve maintained our cultural, intellectual, and spiritual autonomy for generations after generations. Lastly, Black resistance methods have been the blueprint for other social movements in the United States.

Picture taken at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.”

—W.E.B. Du Bois; The Souls of Black Folks

WEB Dubois describes double consciousness as an internal conflict people from historically marginalized communities experience. Black people experience double consciousness because they navigate society with the awareness of stereotypes/labels society has put on them. It’s the struggle African Americans face while trying to remain true to Black culture while simultaneously conforming or resisting the dominant white society. Double consciousness means adding a hyphen when describing your identity; you aren’t just American. You’re African-American, Cameroonian-American, Nigerian-American, Jamaican-American, etc.

Although Black history warrants a celebration all year, during this time of the year, I wake up each morning and set my intentions to be unapologetic Blackity Black Black. There’s no need for me to code-switch; I do my best not to dwell on stereotypes, acknowledge those who have lost their lives due to systemic inequalities, and, most importantly, celebrate Black Excellence.

Picture taken at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles