A Musing Collective: Introduction

Have you ever had the thought, why Black History is important? I know you’ve wondered it at least one time. I know the moment I learn something new that is historically Black, I wonder why no one had taught me this. It makes me curious as to why there are certain traditions and behaviors as Black Americans that are very distinct and influential globally. Yet, specifically in the American education system, we are only taught the bare minimum keeping the same theme of slavery as if labor was the only thing enslaved Africans had contributed.  

However, that’s not the case at all. Black Culture has always been at the center of the United States identity. But it is hardly acknowledged and discussed as something that should be common knowledge. This leads to the term called social invisibility, coined by Dr. Anderson Franklin and Dr. Nancy Boyd- Franklin. Social invisibility describes the psychological toll on African Americans when their identity is disregarded by society. Because of this we are also subjected to hypervisibility. This is when a marginalized group of people are overly scrutinized or stereotyped as tokens or threats. The paradoxical experience causes us to be in a dual existence resulting in hiding our true selves. Making it difficult for our voices to be recognized.

Our history much like our culture is not a monolith. The truth is Black history is in our everyday lives. Our stories for generations have been both underrepresented and misrepresented. My goal for this series is to research and discover all the multifaceted richness of Black culture around the world. I am going to highlight the beauty of being Black and proud. As a Black woman, I believe representation matters. It helps us connect and validate our identities while giving the perspective of endless positive possibilities of what we can choose to be. So, welcome to where muses gather and be ready to inspire and be inspired with me.