Expanding the Definition of Blackness During Black History Month
As a multiracial person, Black History Month has always been a time of reflection, confusion, questioning, and, ultimately, deeper self-discovery. Growing up, I often felt caught between worlds and between sides of myself. I was not quite sure where I fit within the broader narrative of black identity, and I had a hard time figuring out what being part black meant to me.
It has taken me some time, but I’ve come to realize that blackness is not monolithic — it’s a vast, complex, and beautifully diverse tapestry. Blackness moves, breathes, and adapts. Blackness is resilient, connective, and complex. This month, I want to share what Black History Month means to me and why it’s essential to celebrate the different ways black people experience their identity.
Celebrating the Diversity of Blackness
When we think of Black History Month, we often focus on iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. While their contributions are undeniable, there’s a whole wide world out there. Many folks, known and unknown, have contributed to the black experience, as Blackness spans continents, languages, and cultures.
In the United States, an estimated 48.3 million people self-identified as black, making up 14.4% of the population. In 2020, 33.8 million people identified as multiracial. These numbers are large, and yet they are comprised of distinct individuals. The black experience varies widely from person to person based on geography, class, family history, and personal experience.
In my experience, being multiracial has meant constantly navigating multiple spaces and identities. Over time, I learned that my blackness doesn’t have to look or feel the same as someone else’s, and that’s okay. And for me, this month is a reminder that there isn’t one "right" way to be or feel black.
Reflecting on Representation and Identity
Growing up in Utah, I rarely saw people who looked like me. Occasionally, I would encounter a character in a book or on TV that was similar to me, but it usually some kind of stereotype. It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered mixed-black trailblazers who refused to be categorized or forced into a box. From Frederick Douglass, who was of mixed heritage, to contemporary leaders like Kamala Haris. There are so many examples of blackness existing at the intersection of multiple identities.
Representation matters because it helps us see ourselves in the broader story of this country and the world. Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of mixed-black individuals while celebrating the spectrum of blackness in all its forms.
Recognizing Privilege
It would be disingenuous not to acknowledge that being mixed often comes with privileges. I’ve felt the tension of being "too black" in some spaces and "not Black enough" in others. These experiences have taught me to be mindful of my personal privilege while I continue to explore a more inclusive understanding of blackness.
Expanding the Narrative
Black History Month is about more than revisiting the struggles and triumphs of the past—it’s about creating space for all black voices to be heard and amplified. This means hearing from and acknowledging the contributions of all types of black people, from Afro-Latinx individuals to Afro-Indigenous communities to people like me who exist at the intersection of multiple identities. It means telling stories that haven’t been voiced and celebrating the resilience, creativity, and innovation that are a rich part of the black experience.
The Call to Action
This Black History Month, I encourage you to look beyond the surface. Explore the stories of people who don’t fit the assumed traditional mold of what it means to be black. Listen to and reflect on the experiences of those who navigate blackness. And most importantly, I encourage you to uplift and celebrate blackness in all its forms—not just this month but beyond it.
For me, this month is a reminder that being black, being mixed, and being human are all interconnected. These identities are just one part of who I am, but they connect me to cultures and histories of the past and present. So consider this your invitation to embrace the complexity of identity and to celebrate the incredible diversity that makes the Black community so vibrant, unique, and dynamic.
Want to Go Even Deeper?
Here are a few reflection prompts to guide you!
What does Black History Month mean to me personally? How will I honor and celebrate the black community during this month?
In what ways do I benefit from the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and artists?
What are some ways I can better actively support and uplift Black voices in my community?
Where can I consume and support more diverse voices in literature, film, and media?
