“The Colored Museum,” recently directed by Deborah Asante for the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company, brought Black stories and culture to life in an incredible way. George C. Wolfe’s play shares a series of glimpses of Black life that are simultaneously moving, hilarious and revealing.
The past weekend saw the return of Black: A Festival of Joy, which many described as one of their favorite events of the year. Full of smiling faces, dancing (including a Jiggalate contest hosted by Midwest Leak), music, food and good times, this festival was a chance to unapologetically celebrate Black joy.
And this week, the Indiana Black Expo is in full swing with the Summer Celebration where many will enjoy events such as the All White Affair and the Music Heritage Festival.
While there is no one way to define the Black experience, these cultural events offer more narratives about Blackness.
But let’s not stop at festivals, shows and events. We can celebrate our Black joy every day by how we talk about ourselves.
Defining ourselves
I have heard many Black people define our culture as one of resilience, as a people who overcome one challenge after another. That is part of the story, but it still places the definition in contrast to the mainstream standard. In other words, we are ‘like this,’ because we are not ‘like that’ as in we are resilient because we did not crumble under oppressive systems.
Far too often, I hear people, and yes even Black people, associating Blackness with poverty, criminality (a.k.a. savagery), and a lack of couth. As some say, we just can’t seem to ‘get it right.’ While many of us know these ideas are false, there are still others who have adopted these false narratives.
Poverty affects all demographics around the world and has since the beginning of time. Therefore, it makes no sense to associate it with Blackness. The same is true for criminality. Crime has been in existence since the days of Cain and Abel, if you believe the Bible. Thus, crime can’t possibly be a Black thing.
Historically, we know these myths were used to dehumanize enslaved Africans to justify using their whole lives for profit. But why do we continue to accept or perpetuate these narratives?
And if you think you are immune, let me give you some homework. Starting right now, pay attention to how often you or someone in your presence says, “Black people don’t know how to…” or “Black people can’t…” The idea that we associate Blackness with a lack of ability or knowledge is beyond unfortunate and we have passed the time to let it go.
Owning and defining Blackness is only partly an outward experience — an event we attend or a cause we support. Another major part of self-determination (see: the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia) is the definition itself.
We have Black joy, not just in contrast to our circumstances, but because we are joyful. We are innovative, colorful, vibrant, creative and powerful. We are not relegated to only defining our narrative to combat past or current injustices. We get to define our own narrative because it’s ours.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at camikej@indyrecorder.com or 317-762-7850.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
