Afrilition: Understanding Black Identity and Its Complexities

The Mercator map shows how identity can be distorted.

In discussing Blackness as an identity, I faced the problem of how it simplifies our real complexity and diversity. This reduces the true strength of Africanness from being the start of humanity to just a stereotype based on skin color. From being called Negro to embracing the power of Blackness in all its shades, we still overlook the deeper complexities of African identities.

Writing Afrilition is tough because Blackness as an identity is serious. Many have died for it, and many face oppression because of it. For some of us, it is a source of self-love and pride. This identity has shaped my life and my role in my community and for my children. At first glance, it seems clear: the visible world is black. This can unite the wider diaspora and future generations.

Recently, Togo took the lead at the United Nations to change the Mercator map. This map has misled the world since the 1600s and helped Europe create its empire while keeping Africa misrepresented. It claimed to make sea travel easier, but it did not help educate children about the world's complexities. This reflects the usual Western trickery that offers simple solutions but ignores deeper wisdom and dignity.

The African Union adopted the Equal Earth projection in February. This map gives a fairer view of the world, even against the objections of the United States. A fair world starts with a fair map, said the Togolese Foreign Minister. Who can disagree with that? Especially when African unity gets global backing and challenges the only superpower.

In understanding Blackness as an identity, I still see how it oversimplifies our diversity. It reduces Africanness from being the source of humanity to just a stereotype based on color. From being labeled as Negro to celebrating the power of Blackness in all its shades, we still miss the rich complexity of African identities.

The fear that drives many to deny their African roots highlights another aspect of Afrilition, which is choice. Africa does not need to force itself on the world or create a hierarchy. Even though it is the root of all modern humans, identifying with it must be a choice made freely and joyfully, not out of pressure.

To emphasize our origins, we reacted to those who harmed our people. We used skin color to explain differences and melanin to define uniqueness. If only it were that simple. All humans are from Africa, but not everyone is black. Not all dark-skinned people share the same background. Africa is the source of humanity, even if not everyone identifies as African.

The fear leading many to reject their African roots shows the importance of choice in Afrilition. Africa does not need to impose itself or create a hierarchy. It is the mother of all modern humans. Choosing to identify with it should be a joyful and voluntary act, not forced. All people trace their lineage back to one African woman, our genetic Eve. Yet denying this origin denies part of our humanity.

Looking forward, the challenge is how the diverse humanity in Africa can create a strong future that goes beyond the harsh capitalism of what is called Western civilization. Many believe that the way forward is unity under an ideology that lifts us up instead of dehumanizing us.

We have two generations to discover ourselves. This starts with self-love that acknowledges our cultural flaws. It means loving ourselves enough to want better. We must recognize that our differences within our ethnic groups are greater than those with outsiders. Afrilition opens the door to our unique variety, celebrating our diversities and promoting discussions that help us adapt.

We have two generations to unleash our discovery within ourselves, starting with self-love that recognizes our imperfections. It is about loving ourselves enough to want to improve. Understanding that our differences within our ethnic groups are larger than those we see as outsiders. Afrilition is about embracing our shared humanity through love, struggle, and kindness. We aim to create a space where future generations can learn to cooperate while respecting different views.

Black identity is simple, yet even that simplicity faces challenges. Those who defined this identity often did so in response to the idea of whiteness. In Afrilition, Africa is the main identity, but we do not reject those who embrace Blackness. Being black carries a heavy price, and we must build a future that holds everyone who wants to express their humanity based on its origins. This remains the source of a deep spiritual awareness. It is in what my ancestors call òye, which shines a light on what we often overlook. Afrilition is òye set free.