The concept of “Black Excellence” is rooted in capitalist achievement and can lead to overwhelming pressure and expectations for Black professionals, particularly Black women, in predominantly white spaces. Let’s discuss it.
👩🏾💻Watch Next: Black women deserve more than “luxury.” https://youtu.be/z7OY2l5gb2w
👩🏾💻Watch Next: The Talented Tenth Luxury Aesthetic https://youtu.be/IVNrpM7eqKI (💲)
TLDR: The concept of “Black Excellence” is rooted in capitalist achievement and can lead to overwhelming pressure and expectations for Black professionals, particularly women, in predominantly white spaces.
00:00 Challenging the concept of “Black Excellence” rooted in capitalism and appearance, and redefining it through community voices and historical context is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of Black history.
19:09 Black excellence is important but comes with challenges, including the impact of affirmative action, backlash against diversity programs, and the constant need to prove oneself.
30:03 The speaker questions the impact of “Black excellence” mindset, discussing burnout, resentment, and societal expectations, while reflecting on the election of Barack Obama and their own experience with socioeconomic stratification.
40:05 Black Excellence often benefits white people more than Black people, and the speaker questions its overuse and lack of real substance in addressing systemic oppression and economic inequality.
57:32 The concept of “Black Excellence” may no longer be helpful as it overlooks the reality of people’s situations and the diminishing class mobility, with younger generations facing different financial challenges.
01:08:18 Black excellence in media should not be the only representation of Black women, as vulnerability and authenticity are essential for true equality and human representation, leading to a shift in societal and institutional roles and the need to redefine excellence.
01:19:56 Black Excellence can be problematic as it often promotes assimilation and elitism, and the solution is to redefine what it truly means.
source
