Black Identity

An anthology

Living and Identifying as a Person of African Descent
Identity is no more than a social construct; a compound of endless meanings that are adaptable by YOU. People of African descent have the right to establishing their identity as Black individuals to whatever extent they wish—they all share similar values pertaining to their culture and nuisances concerning society, regardless of where they choose to identify themselves on the “scale”.

Works

A Brief Introduction to the Media/Texts Analyzed in this Anthology

Podcast (non-fiction)

Reparations And The Elusive Definition of Black Identity

Code Switch | NPR

In this podcast from NPR, journalists of colour discuss how racial identity impacts all aspects of society. In this episode, they address some opinions as to which Black people should/shouldn't receive a payout. Does the way they identify themselves on that scale influence what they deserve? Do they all face the same societal nuisances and share similar values regardless of what they choose to identify with? 

Watch the Podcast 

Poem 

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Langston Hughes

In his brief but eloquent poem, Hughes manages to encapsulate the historical travels of an African-American and identifies himself with his ancestors dating all the way back to the construction of the pyramids. See how he chooses to identify with his roots traced back as far as he did below!

Read His Poem

Short Story

Everyday Use

Alice Walker

Walker's story explores themes such as character development, vanity as downfall and identity crisis. We are introduced to sisters Dee and Maggie. It is up to their mother to decide who is more deserving of the quilts, depending on their identity with their African roots and understanding of the heritage. Who will she choose?

Read the Full Story

Essay #1 (non-fiction)

Leaving Identity Issues to Other Folks

Phyllis Allen

Allen recounts some of her past experiences and reflects on how society influenced her beliefs regarding her identification while growing up Black in the late 20th century. She proves, however, that her values remained the same over the course of all those years, regardless of society's countless labels.

Read Her Essay

Essay #2 (non-fiction)

Being Content with Myself

Kamaal Majeed

Majeed describes his past experiences of racially-oriented stereotypes throughout his high school career. From being taunted for attending Honours classes to wearing proportionately-appropriate clothing, he disproved many of his classmates’ stereotypes against Black people. Majeed identifies himself based off of his own values as a Black person and continues to thrive on his own.

Read His Essay

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