This Black History month was one of my favorites, for one reason and one reason only — celebrities, amongst others, have become so unapologetically black that it’s started a deeper conversation about race relations in America. Within the recent years race relations in our country have been particularly under the microscope with movements like #BlackLivesMatter amongst others, that have called to light the systematic racism that has plagued our nation. Artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, and TV shows like "Black-ish," have used their artistry to bring to the world, what it is to be black and what it is to be unapologetically so.

America, it's time to get in "Formation."

On February 6, 2016, Queen Beyoncé got us in "Formation" when she gave us a self-love and a politically charged video. "Formation" features references to Hurricane Katrina, antebellum creole culture, police brutality, and racism.

Beyoncé used "Formation" to show her appreciation and love for black culture and people.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is unapologetically black with lyrics about her fathers Alabama and Mothers Creole Louisiana roots is a heritage she's proud of.

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy let us know that baby hair and Afros are beautiful regardless of white cultures perception of natural hair. The beauty of the "Negro Nose" and 'Jackson five nostrils' should empower blacks and not tear us down.

Then, she went further to point out systematic oppression of her people by showing a young black boy in a hoodie dancing in front of police officers.

And finally, Queen Bey topped herself by giving a statement clear as day: "Stop shooting us." This was in light of the copious amounts of police brutality and abuse to those of color.

February 15th, 2016, Kendrick Lamar walked onto the Grammy stage bound to other mock inmates, slouchily walking with a twitch to follow rhythm every few seconds . These men bound in chains, surrounded by jail cells, soft melodies played by Jazz saxophonist. Kendrick placed his chained hands over his mic and began "Blacker the Berry," stating "I’m the biggest hypocrite of 2015."

Performing only the first verse, a passionate Kendrick Lamar, confronts White America: "You hate me, don’t you? You hate my people, your plan is to terminate my culture... Pardon my residence.. Came from the bottom of mankind...My hair is nappy...my nose is round and wide...I want you to recognize that I’m a proud monkey.” This undoubtedly was confirmation of how unapologetically Kendrick is for not only his physical features but his culture and our history.

After making his claims that White America is trying to kill our blackness, the mood on stage changes- the chains came off of the prisoners and day-glo patterns illuminated the once gloomy stage. Kendrick rapped “I’m African American, I’m African / I’m black as the moon, heritage of a small village" while being visually transported to Africa.

Hope.

On the 16th episode of ABC original show, "Black-ish" writer Kenya Barris tells the story of police brutality. "Hope" keeps the Johnson family together in their living room, watching news coverage of an incoming verdict on a case of a police officer McQuillian for killing an unarmed black man.

The Johnson family tries to remember which case McQuilian's actually is, alluding to the increasingly depressing amount of the many instances of unarmed black people dying at the hands of the police.

The police officer in question is found not guilty despite the irrefutable evidence, and the Johnson family is filled with anger and confusion and the characters find themselves feeling what every black family in America felt when Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland and Eric Garners killers escaped the justice system.

Character Dre connects the episode name "Hope" with President Obamas 2008 Campaign slogan. Anthony Anderson, who plays Dre, asks co-star Tracee Ellis Ross, "Do you remember when Obama got Inaugurated? Remember when he got elected, and we felt like maybe, just maybe, we got out of that bad place and maybe to a good place? That the whole country was really ready to turn the corner." Obviously, that corner is the systematic injustice against People of Color.

The "Hope" our grandparents pray for has systematically been kept from us.

Finally, Anderson speaks on President Obamas Inauguration day, "We saw him get out of that limo and walk alongside of it and wave to the crowd, tell me that you weren't terrified when you saw that. Tell me that you weren't worried that someone was gonna snatch that hope away from us like they always do."

This Black History month blackness was highlighted- appreciated by some, hated by many. The uncomfortableness of those who cant empathize with the struggle of being black in America, shows the progression of out cause and movement. When things become uncomfortable, the universe aligns for progression- so continue to be comfortable in your blackness. The purpose of my article was to highlight three examples of being unapologetically black and how important it is to stay unapologetically black.

Embrace your melanin — it's powerful.

Stephon