I am of the belief that one of the most damaging legacies of Black America is not owning our identity. Or maybe it is owning an identity that is not whole, accurate or healthy. Perhaps it’s both and some other things I can’t quite articulate. But I do know that the damaging legacy is identity related.
Side note: Please don’t be turned off by the word “identity”. I hear lots of people confidently using the phrase “identity politics” in order to avoid or dismiss all conversations and matters of race. Ain’t nobody got time for dat. We can’t love our brother whom we see everyday if we refuse to see him and connect with him where he is. Part of connecting with someone involves connecting with who they are. So, the talk of identity is more than relevant in the public square and private table talk.
Does identity matter to our heavenly Father? Yes! How do I know? The Bible tells me so…..
Abram –> Abraham
Sarai –> Sarah
Jacob –> Israel
the Son of Pharoah’s daughter –> Moses
Simon –> Peter
Saul –> Paul
…et cetera, et cetera, et cetera….
God, Himself, pronounced these name changes as a declaration of calling, transformation, and identity. Even today, we accept deliberate acknowledgment or rejection of identities in favor of new ones. Married women take (or choose not to take) their husband’s last name. Artists deliberately choose not to be known by their given name. Individuals pepper their personal property and possessions with the insignia of their political party, fraternal organization, social causes or religious affiliations or lack thereof. Some display identity through the things they buy or wear. The truth is, we are all, identifying with something or someone all the time as an expression of who we believe ourselves to be.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….:
Identity is rooted in a person’s story, whatever that may be. Thus, it matters who writes and interprets the story. The power of a narrative can be inestimable. For centuries, the most prominent and influential stories of the black identity have come from people whose perspective of blackness is rooted in white supremacy. Let me just side step here for clarity….. Whenever one reads the words “white supremacy”, one must set aside the picture of the KKK costume. Not that the KKK and other extremists groups are not guided by white supremacists ideologies, but it becomes too superficilly convienient to absolve oneself by automatically defending that one is not a member of aforementioned organizaed groups. Again, please suspend the equation of white supremacy = costume or organized groups. Understand that white supremacy is far more pervasive than cringy outfits. White supremacy is a mindset; an underlying philosophical compass that points in the direction of whiteness as supreme at all times. Perspectives, routines, hobbies, beauty standards, norms, evaluations, assessments and so forth are all viewed through lenses made of “white is right ” prescription. All around the world these lenses are worn, promoted and even worshiped. This would be the perfect time for me to talk about toxic skin lightening creams sold in Asia and Africa, eye surgeries for Asians who desire a “western” look, or the disdain many have toward black natural hair styles. However, I think I have enough going on in one post for now. Feel free to research these topics on your own.
Back to identity………it is the reason for Black History Month and so many other “Black” projects, organizations, associations and businesses that black people choose to initiate or participate in. Black folks seem to be in an ongoing struggle to possess or own the rights to our identity (think copyright concept). It is disappointing that many white Christians find such self-determining efforts unnecessary, offensive or un-American. Black Americans are now fortunate to have the freedom and agency to do the things that we know help to build our community. And, if we don’t do it, who is going to? Until recently, many black Americans have lacked the information and resources to know, let alone own our story beyond the previous generation. The emergence of Ancestry.com, the digitization of federal, state and local government documents, and social media have elevated black genealogy and the black story to a place where knowing and owning our story are tangible to the masses. More than ever, stories are being told, histories are being discovered and truths are being shared, widely, in the voice of “ black”. It makes a difference and I think you should support it. I get that, for some, there is a real sense of fear that the world is turning into something very unfamiliar. The natural impulse is to fight, resist or try to ignore. But when you do that, please understand that you are fighting, resisting and ignoring your brothers and sisters in Christ, whom for generations have pleaded with you in love for a Christ-like response. Praise God for and a shout out to those of you who continue to respond accordingly.
By the way, I have never heard anyone complain that March 15th or the month of March are celebrated in the United States. March 15th honors an awesome man of God who’s ministry was not in our country. How is celebrating Christianity in Ireland, American? But I digress. This example is only for illustrative purposes as I am not opposed to celebrating St. Patrick’s day. I love wishing my friends of Irish heritage “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” because I know the joy that come from public recognition of one’s culture. I encourage all of us to joyously celebrate the heritage and cultures of Americans who identify as people of color. Who’s with me? For your reference:
February – Black History Month
May – Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
November – National Native American Heritage Month
When we get to the point where we are able to acknowledge our full American history and inclusively celebrate the triumphs and equality of all peoples, then Black History Month as well as all “heritage celebration months” will no longer serve a purpose. Not sure that we’ll get there on this side of eternity. Nonetheless, the body of Christ should be FIRST in demonstrating, in the most elaborate ways, love, appreciation and celebration of each other
every
day
of
every
year
until we meet in our eternal home.
John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
blackandwhiteandshadesofgreen 