Black excellence

noun

variants or less commonly black excellence

1

: extreme excellence demonstrated by Black people despite racist systems, beliefs, etc. that make it harder for them to achieve success or to be recognized for their accomplishments

We celebrate Malcolm X when he's told by his teacher right in the face, you can't be a lawyer. And he's able to overcome that. We celebrate the Black excellence in the face of resistance and oppression.

—James Forman, Jr.

He was met with resistance, but the Navy had no choice but to admit him because he scored so highly on his entrance exams. By 1948, [Jesse L.] Brown had completed his training and received his Naval Aviator Badge. The media began to take notice of Brown's achievement and he went on to become a beacon of Black excellence in the US military.

—Madison McGee

Recognizing exceptional individuals who have made contributions to their respective fields, these awards celebrate black excellence and leadership on a global scale.

—FinancialWire

also : the determined pursuit of extreme excellence by Black people as a means of resisting and overcoming racist systems, beliefs, etc.

… the language of "Black excellence," or the long-held belief among African Americans that they must work twice as hard for half as much as white people receive.

—Tanisha C. Ford

It's what Black parents have been telling their children for decades: If you want to keep your place on the team, you need to overperform. Black excellence is a survival strategy …

—Donald Thompson

2

: a person who demonstrates Black excellence

… [author Charise] Marie … chose to attend after a few friends told her about the festival and that "she is Black excellence" …

—Selena Vazquez

You are black excellence, and I am proud, we are all proud to be standing on your legacy and strong shoulders as young activists, pioneers and dreamers.

—Shaquel McCoy, quoted in Redlands (California) Daily Facts

Examples of Black excellence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This week, Black excellence takes center stage as your favorite stars light up events coast to coast. —Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024

Zumbi, the hero of the kingdom, is still remembered by most Brazilians as a symbol of the power of Black excellence and leadership. —Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

The 2024 Ebony Power 100 Gala celebrated Black excellence and achievement across multiple disciplines. —Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

With the return of ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN, the platform continues to solidify its place as a hub for powerful storytelling and Black excellence in entertainment. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

Combs was like many Black entrepreneurs who frame their material success as revolutionary while preaching about Black excellence. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 31 Oct. 2024

This past week, Black excellence was on full display as some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, and business were spotted at major events across the country. —Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Oct. 2024

This week saw Black excellence on display as celebrities lit up events coast to coast, from New York City to Los Angeles and Atlanta. —Okla Jones, Essence, 7 Oct. 2024

The annual football game has been a celebration of Black excellence, bringing the athletics and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to Indianapolis for decades. —Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1