Enlightenment for the Enlightened

3 min read

Just now

There’s irony in how “enlightenment” is framed in America; too often, it’s a White spiritual quest from ignorance to awareness — centering White feelings, rather than the wisdom of Black Americans.

Enlightenment conversations can’t stay White-centered. It’s not about how quickly or comfortably White people feel woke. The real issue: Black Americans have always carried this awareness.

We’ve been the mirror — truth-teller, empathy adopter. Black people extend understanding despite centuries of condescension, systemic disrespect, and daily indignities disguised as politeness.
(“You’re so articulate!” “Can I touch your hair?” “I don’t see color,” and my favorite “Wow, you’re really smart!”)

Meanwhile, Mr. Charlie earns applause for pronouncing “Juneteenth” correctly.

Understanding ≠ Equal Burden

When Mr. Charlie says, “We just need to understand each other,” it sounds nice — a Hallmark card from the Department of Denial. This phrase erases power dynamics. Here, “understanding” isn’t mutual; it’s a road paved with Black patience.

Black Americans have understood through slavery, segregation, redlining, incarceration, police brutality, and daily indignities. Black folks have PhDs in understanding.