PSYCHOLOGY

Why High Racial Self-Esteem is Important for Black People

A positive racial identity is essential for those subjected to racism

Positive young African American woman touching hair on sunny day | Photo by Tola Adetunji via Pexels

“Say it loud. I’m Black and I’m proud,” the lyrics of James Brown’s iconic song became a slogan to encourage high racial self-esteem. This upliftment is essential in a society that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black people. They are often targeted because of their Afrocentric features. These ideas were so ingrained that in 1858, President Abraham Lincoln claimed “the superior position” in society was “assigned to the white race.” Another stereotype suggests Black people are lazy and thus less deserving of opportunities. The trope is ironic given that no group has worked more and for less money than they have, but it’s a persistent issue even in the modern era. One of the most harmful myths, though, is the one that suggests Black people are more criminal than other groups. White policymakers relied on this mischaracterization to justify racial segregation and discrimination. In the modern era, it’s often used to excuse the over-policing of Black communities. Given the constant drum of negativity, reversing this trend is essential.

In the absence of high racial self-esteem, Black people run the risk of developing internalized anti-Blackness. Let’s use the…