Black excellence

noun

variants or less commonly black excellence

: 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

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In a world that reveres Black excellence over Black humanity, Viola Davis is an easy beacon to reinforce that mindset. —

Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025 After a tumultuous period for Hollywood, seeing Black excellence take such a central role is a welcome sight. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 2 Jan. 2025 There was a time when Jefferson represented the best of Black excellence in Los Angeles. —

Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024 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

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Black excellence was in 1965

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Black excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20excellence. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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