The notion of people being black and white (and yellow and red) has always seemed somewhat off to me. As though it had been artificially created by someone selling something cheap. What mainly disturbed me, was that from a visual perspective, black people were not black – they were brown. White people were pink. So where did these descriptive terms and the meaning that attached to them come from?

It was not until my recent visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., that I chanced upon the answer. It was tucked quietly away in one of the lower floors – not hidden from view – but easy to miss. The notion of “Black” and “White”, including all the related characteristics now attached to these, is stated to have been a creation of the slave trade. There needed to be a term that somehow dehumanised the subservient people being dragged into the land as labour, and “Black” served that purpose. “White” was put in place to represent those who were more human.

Over time, the notion that there was something fundamentally wrong with being black, and that being white was the right way to be, became entrenched. These precepts have crept into our every day lives and language has been an abettor. “White” is good – if I asked you to bring to mind the image of an angel, that angel (which is presumably good) would likely be white. This is how artists have portrayed them over the years. On the other hand, “Black” is bad – the devil, operates in darkness (and darkness is black). We have the black market and the dark web. Examples abound.  We need to relook at the meaning we attribute to these words.

The story of the inferiority of “Black” is told so pervasively and consistently that it has been playing in the subconscious of black people for over a century, affecting their self perception. I remember fervently cursing my blackness as a child. Today, let’s look at taking this word back. Words have power. The meaning we attribute to words, determines what those words mean to us. So how about we reinvent the concept of Black? Let’s jump right in!

1. Dark and Night

Sleep, this rejuvenating magical requirement that even the scientists don’t seem to fully understand, happens in the darkness of night.

Plants grow in the dark soil. A seed is planted in the soil, and has to spend some time in the dark growing its roots, before it can germinate and send out a shoot to the light. It is only after this period of darkness, and after having gained enough strength, that the shoot is able to face the light and the sun. The darkness here enables the access to light. You cannot have light without dark. Each is the absence of the other … and because of one the other came to be. Sort of like the dance of yin and yang.

The universe, that magnificent realm that holds up our tiny tiny planet is dark. That single source of everything is plunged in blackness!

Let’s take that back: night and dark are the source of life and energy

2. The Dark Continent

Africa has been touted as the dark continent, based on the ignorance of the invading foreigners. The continent has always been very well known by its inhabitants!

Africa is the source of untold wealth. It was the exploitation of African resources, that has brought the “West” to where it is today. As an example, the most magnificent centrepiece of the English crown jewels (Cullinan I, at 530.4 carats, being the largest clear cut diamond in the world) was taken from South Africa. The cobalt necessary for your mobile phone and laptop batteries most likely comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which holds almost 50% of the world supplies. Let’s not forget – humanity itself arose from the shores of East Africa.

Let’s take that back: the “Dark Continent” is the source of astounding material wealth and humanity itself.

3. The Dark Arts

Each African community had its own traditional practices. To the colonising Christians, these seemed “backward”. Pagan rites had already been vilified in Europe, and African customs were ripped away from communities, who were forced to abandon their very beliefs systems.

Fast forward to present day, and the proliferation of YouTube channels on spirituality, that embrace traditional paths. The world has woken up to appreciate that there was value in ancient practices. Everything from healing, balance, mindfulness, to purpose building is now sought after through these practices. What were thought to be regressive “dark arts” are now available as apps on our cell phones. Modern medicine learns from herbalists who have the ancient knowledge to match a given plant to a given affliction. Groups that practise the beating of traditional drums are now popular “fun” activities.

Let’s take that back: the “Dark Arts” are a source of inner healing and connection to mother Earth.

4. Power

Black is power. A power suit is black. The convoy of cars that the President of the United States of America travels in, is black. The high-end limo and the London taxi cabs are black. The limitless bank card that communicates the promise of untold wealth (and consequently power) is black. Batman is the dark night. In fact a number of comic superheroes such as Cat Woman and Black Panther, dress in black to signify their power. Guinness, a dark stout beer, is marketed as strong and powerful. A black hole is the most powerful force within the powerful black universe!

Let’s take that back: Black is power! Black is strong!

So as you go about your day today, and indeed about your life, help take this new appreciation of “Black” to all the corners of the earth. Please leave a comment with your own examples!