Culture is the customs, arts, social institutions,  and achievements of a particular nation, people, or social group. Since being brought here many years ago black people in America have been through many trials and tribulations. Having to move to a country that is foreign to you and live in a completely different way was definitely a culture shock to my ancestors. Although we had to learn a new way of life in America we still found a way to create our own culture here. From music to fashion, and food black Americans have plenty of cultures.

Music

It’s no doubt that black people are pioneers in the music industry. Jazz, Rock, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, and many more genres were created by black people. Some of the greatest artists in the world are black Americans. Michael Jackson is arguably the most famous musician of all time and he was not only loved by black people but all races. Music is a form of expression and we listen to or make it when we go through various emotions. We always leave our souls on the track. Furthermore, we have influenced many to make great music like us.

Fashion

Now our fashion is my favorite thing about us. We are the blueprint when it comes to things like streetwear and sneakers. We influence all people all over the world with the way we dress. It started back around the 80s with rappers wearing jogging suits, gold chains, and sneakers. In recent years people who are not black have been getting into streetwear and sneakers, which is not a problem. But it is ironic because a few years ago black people were called ghetto for dressing the way that everyone loves to dress now. Thanks to TikTok I have noticed a shift in the way a lot of people dress. Again, nothing wrong with trying new styles and participating in trends just as long as you acknowledge who influenced you. Due to people getting more into sneakers like Jordans, people have not been able to buy them because they sell out in seconds. Years ago it used to be a tradition to go to the mall on a Saturday to wait in line for the newest pair of Retro Jordans, but that phase is now long gone. I like that black culture is admired by some people, but I wish we could get more recognition for the things we started.

Language

Black people have their own lingo or slang called AAVE which stands for African American Vernacular English or also known as Ebonics. Examples of AAVE include chile, wanna, finna, and period. It’s very interesting because all black people in various states all have their own lingo but we also all speak AAVE. I just think it’s really cool. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding AAVE on social media because people who are not black have been caught faking their lingo or slang to sound like us. That is disrespectful because it is a form of mockery. If you did not sound like that your whole life, it’s not okay to get online and decide you want to cosplay a black man or woman for the day. Considering the fact that black people are seen as ‘ghetto’ for doing the very same things that some nonblack people do.

Food

I love the food my people make. It’s so different across various states in America but they are all special in their own way.  Like black people in Texas make some great bbq and soul food. And black people in Louisiana make the best seafood and gumbo. We always have food at every celebration or gathering. I think of it as a way of showing love.

Celebrations

Black people love to through a cookout for any and every occasion. If someone is having a baby there’s going to be a cookout, if someone is graduating, there’s going to be a cookout. It’s a way family and friends gather and just spend quality time together. There’s food, music, games, and just a lot of love and fun to go around. When you gather with your loved ones at a cookout you forget all of your troubles and just live in the moment. Cookouts are a staple in the black community, a tradition that has been passed down for many, many years.

Black people were brought to a country they weren’t born in, forced to work for free, and then hated for the color of their skin. To still prevail and overcome those challenges is so powerful. Not only have we made a name for ourselves all over the world, but we are taking over, and rightfully so! My ancestors suffered over 400 years of trauma it’s about time the world sees us for who we are and not by how we look.  Black Americans are the blueprint, we have influenced so many across all nations and it is flattering, but I just hope they remember where it all started. It took us so long to get some respect in this world and we are still fighting for it to this day.