I strongly believe in Black empowerment. My second major in college was African American Studies, which heightened my sense of self and heightened my sense of awareness of the workings of society. Because of my experiences as a Black female and as an AFAM major, I have commensed to sharing what I've learned to others to help make them more aware, more conscious, of the roles of race in our society.
With that said, some of my friends think I hate white people, which is not true. They got this impression of me because I tell a history story that is not quite like the ones they read during History and English class, where slavery, Black inventors, and Black authors were left out. They got this impression of me because I cut all of my hair off and now rock the natural. They got this impression of me because I support Black businesses. Most recently, they got this impression of me because I started a Facebook group called "Amour Noir" or Black Love.
(They got this impression of me, in all fairness, for other reasons as well. See "Excuse Me for Being Overly Race Conscious)
Amoir Noir's purpose is to support Black marriages: "With the nucleus of the Black family threatened everyday by varying influences, it is imperative that we recognize and support the love that thrives among black marriages." We, as Black people, receive a lot of negativity about Black men, Black women, and Black marraiges. All I wanted to do was encourage young Black couples and let them know that they are not alone.
So then, one of my friends, who was being fecetious, asked, "If I marry a white woman can I be invited to the group?" I told him, "No." Then I went on to explain that his marriage would not be a "Black marriage." He went on to aruge that he was Black and I replied with but your wife was n
ot. While we're having this discussion, another one of my friends was sitting next to me. She is engaged to a white man. Then she said, "So you wouldn't invite me?" And I said, "No because that would not be a Black marriage either." So then I was called a racist.I didn't know that supporting Black marriages, or Black artists, Black businesses, or Black whatever meant that I didn't support white endeavors (it is almost impossible to live in America and not support white _________ (fill in the blank)). Believing in myself doesn't mean that I don't believe in someone else. I think some people have Black Power confused with "White Power" (say this with a country twain). White Power meant the oppression and death of a people by an entire society with governmental support (this is the abbreviated version). Black Power means, get up and do something with yourself, believe in yourself, support yourself, stop lying to yourself, seek truth for yourself, give back to your community, stop blaming others, etc. It's so much more than "I hate white people."
Now, some "Black Power" people may not love white people, but thats not me. Don't get it twisted. I love all people and there is nothing wrong with supporting my Black brothers and sisters and being honest about whats really going on in our society.
So with that said--
Black Power
(with my fist raised, my afro picked out, and my afro pick in my back pocket.)
