The Messiness of Black Identity
Briefly

The capitalization of "Black" represents more than linguistic adherence; it symbolizes a recognition of identity's weight and the cultural unity that can emerge from it.
W. E. B. Du Bois argued passionately in the early 20th century that the lowercase 'negro' was not just an insult but a refusal of recognition for millions.
Regarding the capitalization of cultural identifiers, Du Bois highlighted how language serves as a vessel for dignity and collective identity in response to systemic racism.
The shift from lowercase to uppercase is a significant act, marking a transition from invisibility to visibility for a culture historically marginalized.
Read at The New Yorker
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