When Black is Popular!

There have long been segments of people in our society, even in the midst of rampant racism, who were drawn to Black culture. In many ways, it was often looked upon as a secret desire, when a non-Black wanted to identify with us. It didn’t really matter whether the adoptions were clothing, music or speech, in some eyes it was cool even if not popular.

But now that our country, after many wrongs of the past, has elected an African-American president, it is more popular than ever before to be Black. No, not everyone shares my sentiments. But I do see a tide coming in that has begun to shred many of the stereotypical plagues of our African-American past.

Even before the world had heard of Barack Obama, mainstream American was inching into better understanding and appreciation for things so-called Black. But something else has transpired since this election, many people who were borderline in their beliefs about a culture , were forced to rethink things.

We are a product of our upbringing aren’t we? Knowledge, wisdom and experience are strong catalysts for change! They encourage a people, a nation, where unfair practices or thinking has produced rifts between races and nations, to start again. It’s okay to dialogue and debate the issues. People do not have to agree or to even love, but we do have to live together.

I know that I’m a part of a generation of African-Americans who have waited a long time to experience appreciation for who we are. It feels really nice to be alive right now, not simply because it’s popular to be Black, but showing my pride to be one.