The term 'woke' has often been thought to be a new concept, but its origins trace back to earlier decades, including a 1940 statement from the Negro United Mine Workers. This reflects a longer history of awareness around social inequalities particularly affecting people of color. The evolution of 'woke' signifies a cultural shift in understanding systemic injustices. The linguistic patterns seen in Black English show a broader trend of language simplification that continues to influence mainstream English usage.
The term 'woke' can be traced back to as early as 1940, with roots in African American culture, evolving to signify awareness of social injustices.
Huddie Ledbetter's 1938 recording urged people to 'stay woke', highlighting the need for awareness about power disparities in society.
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