Although there is no official Merriam-Webster definition of the term “pro-black," many people have weighed in on what they feel is the true definition. Some are right, such as "The Reel Network" writer Evette Champion’s definition: having a sense of pride for the black race and having the desire to help the race succeed, even though society tries to hold it back. And some definitions are very wrong: hatred shown toward white people.
Nonetheless, if you’re a person who identifies as pro-black, you’ve probably heard these things a time or two:
“So, you don’t like white people.”
Starting off the list with one of the most annoying things to hear as a student who identifies as pro-black. For some reason, when I say “pro-black," people instead hear “anti-white." The love of black people is not synonymous to the hatred of white people, or any other race for that matter. Being pro-black simply means being proud of your heritage, proud of your race, and proud of your people. For other races it should be seen as a call for acceptance, not a threat. Today—whether you’re black, white, purple, or green—it’s extremely important to be pro-black, seeing as how unarmed black citizens are killed by law enforcement officers at higher rates than white citizens.
“ALL LIVES MATTER!”
Well, yeah, they do. That’s why we’re fighting for the black ones right now. All lives cannot matter until the black lives do. Until then, the phrase “All lives matter, except the black ones” would be more fitting, don’t you think?
In 2015, black men were nine times more likely to be killed by police officers. In fact, 25 percent of those African Americans killed by police were unarmed. My favorite way that the “All lives matter vs. Black lives matter” debate has been illustrated is this: imagine going to a 5K race supporting breast cancer awareness and shouting “All diseases matter!” How silly would you feel? Yes, they do, but we’re running for breast cancer right now.
As Tyler Huckabee, writer for "Relevant," put it, “There is a difference between something being true and something being relevant.” So before you start screaming and shouting the “All lives matter” agenda, at least try to listen to the counterargument.
“You know that’s like reverse racism, right?”
Reverse racism: a phenomenon in which discrimination against a dominant or formerly dominant racial or other group representative of the majority in a particular society takes place
The term reverse racism, in my opinion, is such a cop-out. It’s simply a way for a majority to undermine the legitimate reactions of oppressed minority groups. Anger is a legitimate reaction to oppression, okay? Also, using the term “reverse racism” to say that black people are being racist against white people is like saying that white people are the source of racism in the first place. Am I right?
“Seriously, stop talking about slavery already? It’s over.”
In a country that wants us to commemorate 9/11 and Pearl Harbor on every anniversary, why is it that talks of slavery are hushed? We teach about genocide that occurred in other countries, but try to brush over the same atrocity that happened in our own country. Yes, slavery may have ended. The impact it had on an entire people, however, still lingers today.
“Go back to Africa!”
I’m not from Africa. My ancestors were, however. And I don’t think I need to go through the whole spiel about how they got here in the first place, do I?
Also, if you’re really going to start telling people to go back to where their ancestors are from, then we’d all be packing up and leaving.
“You probably voted for Obama because he’s black.”
Or because I wanted affiliate myself with the Democratic party and candidates.
Or I really agreed with his platform.
But of course, pro-black students voted for him simply because he was black, right? Wrong. There may be some students who voted for President Obama solely because of the fact that he was black, and if they did, so what? No one’s complaining that some people didn’t vote for him because he’s black.
“Groups like Black Student Association are racist.”
Why? Because they celebrate and uplift students of color? Something that our country has been against for so long?
So, to sum it all up:
- Pro-black does not equal anti-white
- All lives will not matter until black lives do
- Stop being threatened by the acceptance, pride, and love that pro-black individuals display
It’s also important to remember that not all people who identify themselves as “pro-black” are black. So thank you to those who recognize the wrongdoings in this country and do everything they can to make their voices heard.
