Black Privilege

We often talk about privilege in the context of White and male, but as a Black woman, I also recognize Black female privilege. A Black man inspired this article, after a conversation with him at the conclusion of a diversity conference. We chatted about White privilege and we agreed that other groups of people also experience privileges. This article is respectfully written, not to stereotype or limit the Black experience, but to share examples of how some Blacks may benefit from their race and culture.

This article is written to uplift our race and culture and to encourage us to continue to use the opportunities we are afforded to make a difference in our family, community, and the world.

We walk in a predominantly Black neighborhood and do not get stares or people wondering about what we are doing. We get stopped for a minor traffic violation, and a Black Police Officer appears from his patrol car and we are not afraid. We are taught by Black Teachers and we know they care about educating us and ensuring that we are reflected in the curriculum, in books, and in classroom discussions. We can apply for scholarships targeted to our race and benefit from contributing to the diversity of homogeneous groups. We are provided contracts that prefer (all else being equal), Blacks and Black women. We are invited to participate and are included on teams because of our historical talents, skills, and abilities. We can file charges and make grievances based on race and gender. We can hold the hands of our Black men, kiss them publically, and be at a restaurant with them without hateful looks and/or ignorant comments. We can identify with the Black men we love because we know their plight, we do not deny or dismiss their experiences. We have empathy and compassion for them as we actively listen to their struggles and frustrations at work and/or their walk in this world. We uplift and understand them in a unique and genuine way that only we can truly know.

We move melodiously in a way that depicts our dance history and our souls are connected to the beat. We sense the hitting of the African drum although we are miles away. We feel good and free as we shout in church, nod our heads, tap our feet, move our necks, clap our hands, hit the tambourine, and dance to the music. We preach with passion and hear the sermons of our ancestors through a voice in the present. We speak in different tongues based on our geographic region, local community, and education. We make music, create art, and do vibrant performances. We influence art and culture all around the world.

We go to a soul food restaurant and happily eat as our stomach digests some comfort... we feel at home. We eat meals that reflect our past, our creativity to survive oppression, and celebrate our present. We sit around the family table and talk about memories, history, and our futures. We share our hopes and dreams as we laugh, cry, and enjoy quality time. 

We become activists, politicians, and respected members of our community. We rally and march and feel directly connected to the cause. We fight for justice and freedom to benefit our people and make life better for our children. We give birth to pretty babies and brush their lovely textured hair, we touch their soft skin, and look deeply into their eyes. We see their souls and give them names to honor the generations before them and to give them hope to live up to their greatness.

We wear our hair in different styles and can change our texture, length, and color. We wear our afros, perms, curls, weaves, relaxers, braids, twists, dreads, and plaits all beautifully and gloriously. We come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. We are a rainbow of shades of blacks, browns, yellows, and tans. We are short and tall, lean and husky, thick and skinny. We sit in the sun and enjoy the waves flow to the shore. We feel the warm sand between our toes as the sun gently caresses our skin without burning and tearing our flesh. We wear lively colors that reflect the natural glow of our complexion. Our bodies are shapely and beautiful representations of our ancestors. 

We are strong and powerful. We come from a land of warriors, Kings, and Queens. The blood that flows through our veins is the source of life for the entire human race. We are regal beings who have evolved to live freely in a land that is rich, vast, beautiful, and full of life. We run fast, jump high, and hit hard. In addition to honoring ourselves, and learning about our past all year round, we also have an entire month dedicated to celebrating and sharing our history and culture. We also have days throughout the year designated to remember individuals and/or causes that impact our community. 

We have strong examples of Black women in history that have led, impacted change, and made the world a better place. We experience women in our community that have survived discrimination, harassment, rape, torture, abuse, and the absent male. We witness how these women have somehow made a way. We see dynamic women who have persevered. We learn how to make life work for us with barely anything. We know we can do amazing things and be anything we want to be, even when the world says, we can’t or shouldn’t. Why? Because we know how we have overcome and even when people doubt, demean, and try to damage us, we know our truth. We have seen it and experienced it. We are survivors of persecution and oppression and we recognize our power to love, heal, protect, and prosper. We know that we are the difference and can do anything we are determined to do.

We are so very privileged. Even though we encounter racism, constant micro-aggressions, hate, and injustice, it is important for us to also recognize that in times of darkness, there is a need to see some light. Reflecting on our privilege and being grateful for our blessings will provide us with the source of energy we need to continue to survive in a world that is not aware of and appreciate our power. “With great power, comes great responsibility”, therefore we must be purposeful in our efforts to work with others to ensure social justice, equity, and inclusion. We must embrace our privilege and responsibly use it as an opportunity to ally and make a difference in the world.

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