CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE By: Clarissa Del Rio Staff Writer and Layout Designer America has had a long history of silencing, belittling and blatantly erasing the contributions and advancements of Black individuals in this country. Our nation intentionally stripped the identities, cultures, languages and histories of each person that was kidnapped and stolen from their land to build a country that gives nothing in return. The America we know and celebrate today would not be where it is without the innovation, persistence and exertion of Black people. The topic of race often makes people uncomfortable in America. We often like to lie to ourselves and say that racism and civil rights are things of the past, that “that time” was a dark and far away place that is no longer relevant to the present. This lie functions as a way to alleviate the guilt, shame and accountability we must confront. This marginalization and violence persists to this day and led to the rise of the biggest international civil rights movement of 2020. Now more than ever, it is crucial to support, include and celebrate our communities of color and their achievements. Despite every obstacle Black individuals face, they continue to innovate, make meaningful contributions and be inspirations.
something or creating an initiative to push our people forward. Black excellence isn’t a word to describe just one person but it’s used to describe a movement to me. It’s about breaking generational curses, feeding habits, and knowledge into the community that we once didn’t have access to.” Stephen also speaks on how Black excellence needs support here at USF. “As far as supporting and celebrating Black accomplishments at a predominately white institution, it’s important to not fall silent when major breakthroughs are made for the Black community even when the majority of students who may not be of color can’t relate. Showing genuine support for its Black student’s accomplishments should be normal. It is important to genuinely learn about ways to halt microaggressions within predominantly white institutions and to uplift the Black student the same way you would any other. It is not an aspiration to be treated differently but to be treated equally.”
Assistant Director of Residence Education Cedricka Carver shared her thoughts on what Black excellence means to her by stating, “... Black Excellence is such a complex and layered concept. It is being able to see, recognize and nurture the fullness of Black and brown people. It is the fundamental belief that in all our greatness, we must Looking from 2020 and beyond, there have been substantial allow our creativity, confidence, skill, talent, and authentic selves to achievements for the Black community in every area one can think shine in any space and on any platform. Black excellence is admiring of. In music, The Weeknd’s “record-shattering single” Blinding that so many things were invented, created and brought to life by Lights led to “breaking records for the most weeks spent in the top Black people. Black Excellence is the Obamas taking seats at the five and the top ten among all titles in the Billboard chart's 62-year White House and gracefully exiting at the end of their term. Black history,” according to Billboard. We also saw progress in the political excellence is Colin Kaepernick taking a knee against police brutality. landscape as Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to Black Excellence is Imelme Umana making history by becoming hold the position of Vice President. Black excellence was also seen the first Black president of Harvard Law School. Black Excellence in science, with the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is black women being named as the most educated women in the being led by the African-American female scientist, Dr. Kizzmekia United States. Black Excellence is acknowledging all the firsts- the Corbett. It is difficult to imagine how life would be without the ones who are still striving and the ones who are thriving amidst all contributions of people of color in America. the adversity.” USF senior Mikeya Stephen shared, “Black excellence to me means anyone within the African American community achieving
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Carver also expressed how Black excellence carries with it a hefty responsibility. “Although Black excellence is all these things and
