Real Talk: Acknowledging Black Identity

It was such an honor being a panelist for The Plantory‘s Real Talk: Acknowledging Black Identity event. I shared my experiences and/or perspective on a numerous topics ranging from black identity, the importance of black history month, why black youth don’t know their history, Black mental health, & more.

There was a time where I wouldn’t have agreed to being apart of this panel because I didn’t feel black enough. I was too black for the white kids and too white for the black kids.

I used to (and sometimes still do) get social anxiety around my own people because I thought I had to act a certain way for people to accept me & my blackness. However, the realization of me not being the “stereotypical portrayal” of a black man made me feel like I had no true value as a black man. School didn’t teach me about my people. I didn’t know any better. My identity was really broken until I got into college...

I say all of this to say to all the black boys, girls, men, and women, your blackness needs no verification or validation. Your blackness is beautiful. Do not run from your identity because you don’t feel apart of the community. Regardless if you’re dark skin, brown skin, or light skin, your blackness is beautiful! Many of our people have been conditioned to see blackness in contrast of the dominant culture’s whiteness. Don’t settle for what you’ve been taught. Continue to learn our history, ask questions, and build upon the path that’s been paved by blood, sweat, & tears! We are beautiful. We are strong. We are worthy!

- NM