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

His designs have a magnetic quality that speaks to confidence, creativity, and a celebration of Black excellence. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025

Kendrick Lamar leads the way with 10 nominations for the 25th BET Awards, which were announced Thursday honoring Black excellence across music, TV, film and sports. —Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 8 May 2025

Domingo, Hamilton, Rocky and Williams all individually grace four special covers of the fashion bible’s May 2025 issue — celebrating their views on Black excellence, resiliency, and power. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025

Considering the theme is a celebration of Black joy and Black excellence, these hats not only compliment the 'fits looks but add flare, spirit, and embrace fun textures. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 6 May 2025

Tonight is so special, especially celebrating Black excellence, dandyism. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 6 May 2025

For us, dandyism is just our culture, our heritage, Black excellence. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 5 May 2025

This week, Black excellence was on full display coast to coast. —Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025

Programming runs the gamut, from a celebration of Black excellence in San Diego and women-focused wine tasting to salsa dance lessons. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1