The Brilliance of Blackness: An Essay
I settled into my seat by the window. People scurried in all directions as the city brimmed with activity. The light rail train passed by, ringing its signature bell. The seasonal aroma of cinnamon lattes, holiday treats, and fresh bread added to the cozy ambience. I must say the cafe was lovely; it was a wonderful place to read and write in the afternoon. “Thank you,” I smiled as the kind server brought me warm jasmine tea and the delicious chocolate chip cookie I’d ordered. Intrigued by the cover of the book on the table, she leaned in to get a closer look. Moments later, she was still standing there.
“Hmm.” I nodded slowly as she spoke with conviction. I understood that a good ear is hard to find these days. Everyone had the right to share their authentic thoughts and feelings without reproach, provided they were genuinely being respectful. Truthfully, I wasn’t obligated to engage. I just wanted to read my book and write in peace. Books about the Black experience always seemed to trigger some people, or in this case, invoke unwanted conversation. Black people truly want to be left alone. White people, we’re not always looking to have deep discussions with you about race, systemic oppression, or whatever else you deem important to us. Quite frankly, it’s rude and tone deaf to make that assumption.
Most of our lives, we’re navigating non-Black spaces that honestly don’t give a damn about our lives, stories, and struggles. This couldn’t be clearer today as the Government wages its invisible war on diversity. Black women have lost their jobs at a record pace this year. Let it be known, Black women are the most educated and qualified group on the planet. This attack on our people is disgusting and cannot be tolerated. It will not stand as our brilliance continually shines above the noise. Although our road has not and never will be easy, we persevere. We’re a resilient people.
They try to criminalize our love of self. Loving your Blackness is not an indictment against others. Enforcing our boundaries is not an act of war. We live in a world that prioritizes lies over the truth. We’ll navigate a post-truth society by embracing knowledge, history, and genuine love of our people. It’s how we invigorate the next generation of Black leaders. Our skin is not a crime. Our thoughts are not worthless.
We must teach our children to be thinkers. We must teach them to create. We must teach them to relish knowledge and truth. They must love themselves. For Black people, this is of the utmost importance. Our excellence is often rooted in our innate ability to create. Our brilliance shouldn’t be suppressed even in a society that usually attempts to reject and erase our contributions. We shouldn’t dim our light out of fear that we won’t be accepted. Acceptance isn’t the goal. We don’t owe anyone an explanation for existing as our truest selves. Often imitated, never duplicated, our art, music, literature, innovation, and scholarship matter.