Being Black to me has many different layers. But I will attempt to help you see through my lens. For me being a Black person means being resilient, being empowered and being courageous. It’s fighting to achieve your goals even with the odds against us. Fighting to make changes in a system that has racism embedded at its core. For me, it means changing the narrative. Being Black means becoming a positive role model for other little Black girls to look up to. Being Black for me is showing others that my skin colour does not make me a threat or a thief. It does not box me into a stereotype. Being Black is embracing the heritage of my ancestors before me who paved the way for many others, including me. It is acknowledging and appreciating that my ancestors fought for emancipation so that we can live somewhat freely today. But our fight doesn't end here. Our job is to educate, uplift and motivate the souls of the next generation. To teach them that to be Black is to be beautiful, educated, successful, and rich in culture. To be Black is to claim our rights as melanin queens and kings.
- Ebony Nicholas