We live in an anti-Black/African society. Every week, we learn of cuts to educational services in the US and conflicts throughout the diaspora that threaten our existence. Despite challenges, we must remain grateful for Blackness.
From the textures of our hair to the soles of our feet, being Black is beautiful. The lights our souls carry are worthy of daily recognition and not limited to Thanksgiving, Thankstaking, or whatever we call this week’s holiday.
Recent experiences at the 21st Annual Umoja Community Education Foundation conference reaffirmed the need to pause for gratitude. Held at the San Jose Convention Center, the event attracted over 1,400 participants. Attendees consisted of students, teachers, faculty, staff, elders, and guest speakers.
Throughout the conference, I witnessed ancestral libations, academic presentations, and poetic celebrations of Blackness.
When I returned home, I read Nana Kwaku Berko I-Ifagbemi Sangodare, Dr. Wade W. Nobles’ (2006) book, Seeking the Sakhu: Foundational Writings for an African Psychology. In Sketch 19, he writes about the concept of wayne bibi. He states, “The wayne bibi is the unlimited and total expression of energy and power that represents human possibility, probability, and potential.”
Among the Sonay people of Mali, wayne bibi is synonymous with black sun. The black sun or wayne bibi illuminating from inside us warrants gratitude every day of the year. Reflecting on Umoja’s conference and reading Nobles’ words fostered deep feelings of gratitude.
As some of us sit and eat meals larger than our stomachs can digest this week, remember to appreciate yourself, your ancestors, and others who identify as Black, African, and African-American. Bradford acknowledges the act of recognizing the Maafa as Nakumbuka. Love and gratitude can also extend beyond the social-historical construct of race and the political land boundaries of ethnicity, but, as with many monumental accomplishments, everything starts with us.
Blackness stems from our glorious past, magnificent present, and unfathomable future. We are not perfect people, but we are pioneers in math, science, education, the arts, athletics, and technology. After seeing our story ignored in psychological circles, we created Black/African psychology.
The struggle gave birth to the Association of Black Psychologists. Pioneers taught us how to interpret community violence, respond to racism, honor ancestors, raise our children, and create mental health practices. We have much to be grateful for today.
I didn’t always embrace Blackness as a child.
In many ways, I didn’t give race much thought. My family, friends, and neighbors resembled shades of the sun; I took Blackness for granted.
Colorism influenced self-hate and challenges at home and in my community. I called others and responded to names like “blackie, yellow, red-bone, and light bright.” During my youth, racial slurs morphed into terms of endearment.
I gave my first book the title Yellow Monkey because it was a frequent insult I received as a child. Friends and family compared my lighter skin and big ears to a monkey. An editor recommended changing the book’s title to “When Pretty Boys Become Men: Critical Race and Education for Black Males” to capture the book’s messages and eliminate the offensive racial undertones.
In the book, I shared my first memorable experience with race. The story involves a Spring Break trip to Florida and a white girl in a pink bikini. It’s not something I need to rehash here, but the experience taught me about authenticity.
Writing poetry and becoming a student of Black Studies helped me love myself.
I am grateful for how experiences have shaped my awareness of race and gender. They’ve helped me mentor Black boys and men. They continue to show me how to partner with my wife and parent our children.
Blackness is a blessing.
Regardless of the latest downsizing efforts in the Department of Education and the ongoing wars throughout our beloved Africa, we can be grateful for Black/African identity. With this call to daily gratitude, I’m not suggesting we romanticize or ignore the devastation across the diaspora. We must discover pathways to love each other and create Pan-African solutions to our many challenges.
Sometimes we need events, holidays, and the words of others to remember that it’s possible to smile through struggle and recover from setbacks.
Take a moment today and appreciate the multiple layers of your identity. List three physical, mental, or spiritual features about yourself, your community, or your family that you appreciate. Share this article and your gratitude list with a friend or friends on social media.
If you struggle with writing a gratitude list and your mental health suffers during the holiday seasons, please access these supportive resources through the Association of Black Psychologists.
Dr. Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD
Dr. Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD is the Umoja Community Education Foundation’s Scholar in Residence. Through conducting research, writing articles, and leading professional learning workshops, he works to support Umoja's mission of enhancing the academic and cultural experiences of Black and non-Black students in California and Washington schools.
