In America, the traditional routes to black identity have hardly been normal. Suicide (disappearance by imitation, or willed extinction), violence (hysterical religiosity, crime, armed revolt), and exemplary moral courage; none of these is normal. Votes: 3
I think that Michael Jackson, just as an entertainer, as a figure who embodies the contradictions of black identity and the possibilities of R&B music in the '70s and '80s, will continue to be one of the most recognized and formidable human beings that we've ever produced in our tradition. Votes: 3
My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman. Votes: 1
I was trying to establish an identity in music, and black and white had nothing to do with it. Votes: 1
It comes down to this: black people were stripped of our identities when we were brought here, and it's been a quest since then to define who we are. Votes: 1
There was no United States before slavery. I am sure somebody can make some sort of argument about modern French identity and slavery and North Africa, but there simply is no American history before black people. Votes: 1
Body piercing and baggy clothes express identity among black youth, and not just beginning with hip-hop culture. Moreover, young black entrepreneurs like Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs and Russell Simmons have made millions from their clothing lines. Votes: 1
I feel that sometimes, holding yourself as black, saying that is your sole identity, can sometimes stand in your way of being a member of the humanity of man, being a member of the family of the divine. Votes: 1
By dismantling the narrow politics of racial identity and selective self-interest, by going beyond 'black' and 'white,' we may construct new values, new institutions and new visions of an America beyond traditional racial categories and racial oppression. Votes: 1
No other group in America has so had their identity socialized out of existence as have black women... When black people are talked about the focus tends to be on black men; and when women are talked about the focus tends to be on white women. Votes: 1
Being transgender, like being gay, tall, short, white, black, male, or female, is another part of the human condition that makes each individual unique, and something over which we have no control. We are who we are in the deepest recesses of our minds, hearts and identities. Votes: 1
When I was growing up, Forest Park was full of integrated families. It was amazing. One my best friends was Vietnamese. Another one was half-Mexican, half-black. Another one was from Colombia. Another one was born in the U.S., but his mom was from Germany and spoke with a German accent. So we all had multiple identities. Votes: 1
But you see, our society is still trapped in this binary, black/white logic and that has had some very positive implications for our generation. It's had some very negative ones as well and one of the negative ones is that it creates enormous identity problems for people who have one black ancestor and all white ancestors for example. Votes: 1
Young black men in America have an identity ascribed to them that is a direct legacy of slavery. Votes: 0
Literature is one of the few areas left where black and white feel some identity of purpose; we all struggle under censorship. Votes: 0
We've gone through the namesNegro, African American, African, Black. For me that's an indication of a people still trying to find their identity. Who determines what is black? Votes: 0
Body and soul, Black America reveals the extreme questions of contemporary life, questions of freedom and identity: How can I be who I am? Votes: -1
The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness. Votes: 5 Marcus Garvey
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Votes: 6 Mahatma Gandhi