Say it Loud...I'm Black and I am Proud

Remember the famous Doll Study? In the 1940s, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted a groundbreaking experiment where young Black children were asked to choose between a Black doll and a White doll. When asked which doll was smart, pretty, or well-behaved, many chose the White doll. But when asked which doll looked most like them, they pointed—often hesitantly and with visible discomfort—to the Black doll.

That moment of dissonance revealed something heartbreaking: the insidious reach of racism into the minds of children. It showed how deeply white supremacy can seep into the psyche, shaping how Black and Brown people see themselves. This is internalized racism—absorbing the lies racism tells you until they feel like truth.

🧠 What Does Internalized Racism Look Like?

Here are just a few examples:

• Believing that anything associated with whiteness is better—especially lighter skin or straighter hair.

• Feeling pressure to “act mainstream” and avoid being “too ethnic.

• Stereotype threat—doubting your own abilities because of negative assumptions about your racial group.

Sound familiar? Know this: it’s not your fault.

White supremacy is like air—it's in the atoms. It’s everywhere, and it’s impossible not to be affected by its pollution. From media and music to politics, art, economics, housing, and literature, the bias is pervasive. It constantly spews negativity about Black and Brown people. So of course we’re impacted. Of course it gets in.

But here’s the good news: while we can’t avoid exposure, we can disrupt its impact.

🌟 Three Ways to Push Back Against Internalized Racism

1. Celebrate Blackness Daily

Start by naming five things you love about being Black or Brown. For me? It’s the flavor, the swag, the innovation, the resilience, and the rhythm of our history. Whatever it is for you—celebrate it. Seek out stories of your ancestors. Visit sacred spaces like:

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture

• The Juneteenth Museum in Galveston, Texas

• The Black Cowboy Museum

• Local cultural centers and historical landmarks

2. Affirm Who You Are

Affirmation is resistance. I have a friend who wears a different Black History shirt every day in February. She’s a teacher, and her students soak in those affirming messages too. Tools like the Being the Dot Affirmation Card Deck or Tender Reminders can help. Speak life into yourself. Every day. Especially when the world tries to do the opposite.

3. Make a Black Pride Playlist

Music is medicine. Create a playlist that lifts you up and reminds you of your power. Some favorites:

• Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)

• James Brown – Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud

• Run DMC – Proud to Be Black

• Kendrick Lamar – Alright

• India.Arie – I Am Not My Hair

Whatever your vibe, make it loud. Make it yours.

💬 Final Word

The messages of white supremacy are everywhere. It’s impossible not to be impacted. But you don’t have to believe what racism says about you. You are brilliant. You are beautiful. You are worthy. And you are enough—exactly as you are.

Let’s keep breathing truth into ourselves and each other. Every day.