Black Power

The term "Black Power" was popularized by Stokely Carmichael and Willie Ricks during a speech in 1966. However, Richard Wright's book entitled Black Power was published in 1954. Since then, there have been several terms that celebrate Black Empowerment, (#BlackGirlMagic, #BlackGirlsRock, #BlackLivesMatter, #BlackisBeautiful, #ImBlackandImProud, #BlackPride, #BlackExcellence). All of these terms resonate within the Black community. 

I finally saw Black Panther. I posed with my fist in the air next to signage. I dressed in all black. I encouraged my daughters, mother, and mother in law to do the same. We posed with our stuffed T'Challa beaming with pride. Representation matters. Gianna and Jai'Lynn will remember that three generations of their family went to see Black Panther on a school night. They will remember the Dora Milaje. They will remember the pretty little girl in the bathroom with dashiki. They will remember Shuri, the STEM genius. 

Black Power is about representation in the global marketplace. It is about economic, social, and political empowerment. It is about positive media representation. It is about reclaiming our time, our talents, and our heritage. 

Power

A friend of mine asked me, what's your superpower? I'm a Marvel fan. So, my mind immediately started thinking of all my favorite superheroes. I'm not an Inhuman. I am not genetically engineered. I didn't have any freak accident that bestowed me with any superhuman abilities. I'm not a billionaire with an iron suit. I'm just me, and you are just you, but we do have power. Power by definition is the ability to do something in a particular way. It is the capacity to direct or influence the behavior of others. Power is a ripple in a pond. Power is a kind word. Power is a hug. Power is a word of encouragement. Power is a prayer. Power is a gesture. Power is an action. You have superpowers. Are you using them for good? 

Below is a link to custom superpower tees: 

https://squareup.com/store/totally-unique-tees