IS ‘BLACK EXCELLENCE’ A SCAM?

Rapper and educator Vic Mensa (@vicmensa on instagram) reminds us in this video that a few Black people achieving certain social status, recognition, fame or wealth, is not - and should not be mistaken for - the progression of Black people as a collective. In his words, 'Black exceptionalism' is nothing more than a concept produced by the individualistic capitalist system, which props up individuals to create the illusion of collective advancement.

Mensa points out how despite making up the labor force of most of the entertainment industries, from sports to music, Black people do not have ownership of said industries. For example, three of the largest record labels, which have a monopoly over music, namely Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, all lack any Black majority owners, yet remain heavily dominated by Black talent. According to the university of Southern Carolina, "systemic inequality in leadership positions extends to all aspects of the music industry."

In contrast, Mensa argues, the Black Panther era of Black Power, which was replaced by 'Black excellence', was a period that focused on better communal outcomes for the collective in the US. The Black Panthers, did not just seek political solutions to the issues of discrimination in the US, but also implemented over 60 social programs that served the immediate needs of their communities. These programs ranged widely from service based, such as ambulances, to skills based, such as consumer education classes and drama classes.

Do you agree with his take? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Video credit: @vicmensa (on instagram)