As a tribute to Black History Month, itâs essential to recall some highlights of black culture. Black people, despite the oppression and bitter past, have one of the brightest and most loving culture you will ever encounter. The music is lit, the food is good, and the athletes are amazing. The stereotypes and political tension cannot overshadow the greatness of this culture. In this short list, let me highlight some of the achievements of black excellence from all over the globe.
1. Black music
How can you talk about black music and not mention Bob Marley? Yes, the legendary Marley, a.k.a Tuff Gong, the soul of reggae music who sang of love, equality, dignity, and unity. Marley, who plead for the cause of Africa and black people around the world, died young at only 36 years old following cancer. However, his music and ideology are forever in our minds and hearts.
2. Black food
If you know, you know; and if you donât, watch and learn! Soul food has been and remains the heart of many African American families. The term soul food, which became popular in the 1960s and early 1970s, originated from the Southeastern U.S. during the black power movement. Traditional soul food consists of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fried okra and collard greens…yum!
3. Black entrepreneur
The richest black man in 2019 according to Forbes is Aliko Dangote with a net worth of 10.9 billion USD. Dangote is a Nigerian business magnate, investor, and owner of the Dangote Group, which has interests in commodities in Nigeria and other African countries. Aliko Dangote has a foundation with the main objective to reduce the number of lives lost to malnutrition and disease.
4. Black athlete
Colin Kaepernick, a.k.a the âJust Do Itâ guy, is an activist and a former footballer quarterback in the National Football League. In 2016, Kaepernick began remaining seated during the national anthem, quoting that he couldnât stand up for a flag in a country that oppresses black people and people of color. In the 49ers’ fourth and final preseason game of 2016, Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than sit as he did in their previous games. Also in 2016, Kaepernick founded the “Know Your Rights Camp,” a free campaign for youth founded to raise awareness on higher education, self-empowerment, and instruction to properly interact with law enforcement in various scenarios.
5. Black art
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Yinka Shonibare is a British-Nigerian artist. Shonibareâs work explores issues of race and class through the media of painting, sculpture, photography, and film. Shonibare questions the meaning of cultural and national definitions. Shonibare was a Turner prize nominee in 2004 and was also awarded the decoration of Member of the âMost Excellent Order of the British Empireâ or MBE, a title he has added to his professional name. In January 2019, Yinka Shonibare was awarded the decoration of CBE.
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âLiberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.â – Marcus Garvey
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