A

• Afrofuturism – A cultural movement that blends science fiction, technology, and African heritage to imagine Black futures.

• Ally – A person who supports and stands up for the rights of marginalized groups, even if they are not part of that group.

• Anti-Blackness – Discrimination, prejudice, or systemic oppression specifically directed toward Black people.

• Assimilation – The process of adopting the dominant culture, often at the expense of one’s own heritage.

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B

• Black Excellence – A term used to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals in various fields.

• Black Lives Matter (BLM) – A movement advocating against systemic racism and violence toward Black people.

• Black Wall Street – A prosperous Black business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

• BIPOC – An acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, recognizing the unique experiences of marginalized racial groups.

• Brotherhood/Sisterhood – A term expressing unity, love, and solidarity within the Black community.

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C

• Civil Rights Movement – A historic movement during the 1950s-60s that fought for equal rights and an end to racial segregation in the U.S.

• Colorism – Prejudice or discrimination within the same racial or ethnic group based on skin tone.

• Culture – The shared traditions, beliefs, and customs that define a community or group of people.

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D

• Diaspora – The global community of people of African descent who were displaced due to slavery and migration.

• Discrimination – Unfair treatment of people based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.

• Double Consciousness – A concept by W.E.B. Du Bois describing the internal conflict of being both Black and American.

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E

• Economic Empowerment – The process of increasing financial stability and opportunities within the Black community.

• Emancipation – The act of being freed from slavery or oppression, such as the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.

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F

• Freedom Fighters – Individuals who actively work to end oppression and fight for justice.

• FUBU (For Us, By Us) – A phrase emphasizing Black-owned businesses and self-sufficiency.

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G

• Gentrification – The process of wealthier individuals moving into historically Black neighborhoods, often leading to displacement.

• Golden Age of Hip-Hop – A period during the late 1980s and early 1990s known for innovative and socially conscious rap music.

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H

• Harlem Renaissance – A cultural and artistic explosion of Black creativity in the 1920s centered in Harlem, New York.

• Heritage – The traditions, achievements, and history passed down from ancestors.

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I

• Intersectionality – A term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how overlapping identities (race, gender, class) impact experiences of discrimination.

• Institutional Racism – Racism embedded within laws, policies, and social systems.

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J

• Juneteenth – A holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. on June 19, 1865.

• Justice – The pursuit of fairness, equality, and rights for all people.

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K

• Kwanzaa – A week-long celebration of African heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1.

• Kwame Nkrumah – A leader in African independence movements and the first president of Ghana.

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L

• Liberation – The act of achieving freedom and equal rights.

• Legacy – The impact and contributions a person or community leaves for future generations.

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M

• Microaggression – Small, often unintentional comments or actions that reinforce racial stereotypes.

• Motown – A Black-owned record label that shaped American music with legendary artists like Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.

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N

• NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) – An organization founded in 1909 to fight for civil rights and justice.

• Natural Hair Movement – A movement encouraging Black people to embrace their natural hair textures.

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O

• Oppression – Systematic mistreatment or unfair control over a group of people.

• Overcoming Adversity – The act of persevering through challenges and obstacles.

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P

• Pan-Africanism – A movement advocating for unity among African nations and people of African descent worldwide.

• Privilege – Unearned advantages based on race, class, or other factors.

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Q

• Queen Mother – A title of respect for elder Black women who serve as community leaders and nurturers.

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R

• Racial Identity – One’s sense of belonging to a particular racial group.

• Reparations – Compensation given to descendants of enslaved people for historical injustices.

• Resistance – The act of standing up against oppression and injustice.

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S

• Self-Determination – The ability of a people or community to define and control their own future.

• Soul Food – Traditional Black cuisine with deep cultural and historical roots.

• Stereotype – A generalized belief or assumption about a group of people.

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T

• Tuskegee Airmen – A group of Black military pilots who served in World War II and broke racial barriers in aviation.

• Trailblazer – Someone who paves the way for others, especially in breaking racial and social barriers.

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U

• Underground Railroad – A secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

• Unity – The principle of coming together as a community for collective progress.

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V

• Voting Rights Act of 1965 – A landmark law that eliminated racial barriers to voting in the U.S.

• Voice – The power to speak out and advocate for oneself and one’s community.

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W

• Wakanda – A fictional African kingdom in Marvel’s Black Panther, symbolizing Black excellence and innovation.

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X

• X-Clan – A hip-hop group known for promoting Afrocentric themes and knowledge.

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Y

• Young, Gifted, and Black – A phrase celebrating the talent, intelligence, and potential of Black youth.

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Z

• Zulu Nation – A hip-hop organization founded by Afrika Bambaataa promoting peace, knowledge, and unity.