The 1 thing everyone in society needs to remember. I’m black everyday, 365 days.
I’m not black because someone says I am. Im not black because it’s stated on a t-shirt. I’m not black because it’s February. I’m not black because of several hashtags often used most in certain times: #blackownedbusiness #28daysofblackcosplay #blackartist #blackgraphicdesigner #blackhistorymonth & so on.
I’m black because it’s my race. I was born black — light or not – I’m still a black woman. I’m black when I’m in cosplay or out or when I’m just out in public as a human being. I’m black when we’re facing everything society puts in front of us. Im black when they are strangling us, shooting us, beating us, racially profiling us, and talking our last breath while we’re running away from those who are trying to kill us off. I’m black when even our own melanin and the world is against us.
Now, here’s a light history lesson. Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history. This is the textbook everyone knows, here’s and sees.
But did you know that it was Negro History Week first? The ideal was coined by Carter G. Woodson with the intention to really focus and broaden the nation’s consciousness. This was in the 1960’s. However, isn’t our race supposed to be about the lived and shared experiences of black people?
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
― Carter G. Woodson
Let’s stay “woke”. In terms of what Lead Belly says at the end of an archival recording of the song that he’d met with the Scottsboro defendants’ lawyer, who introduced him to the men themselves. “I made this little song about down there,” Lead Belly says. “So I advise everybody, be a little careful when they go along through there — best stay woke, keep their eyes open.”
Unfortunately, black people became “woke” after the police brutality — after Trayvon Martin’s murder when our eyes should have been beyond the term “woke” from centuries of evil and old racist conditioning! Don’t just be “woke” be 1000% aware.
You can tell the freaking world. I was told I’m not black enough but more black than most of the people that are out here. Hate me because I’m weird & black. Hate me because I have anxiety and depression while black. Hate me because I have fibromyalgia and chronic pain while black. Whether you hate me or not, I am who I am. I rather you do hate me because I’m always going to be unapologetically black. Hate me for who I am but I won’t be something I’m not.
Generous – yes!
Kind – yes!
Passionate – yes!
A fool – Absolutely not!
I make the rules about me until God takes me home. We are our own visual & hidden brand identity.
That’s all!
Cosplay: Harley Quinn (mallet made by me)
📸 @ivan_aburto
Convention: @animeexpo
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