Ways to Begin Exploring Your Black Identity

By Tiffany Eve Lawrence

What you know about your Black identity is heavily influenced by where you get your information. Some sources are accurate and empowering, and some are filled with false, misleading information. Hearing inaccurate and negative messages about your identity can reduce your self-esteem and affect your mental health. However, you can protect your emotional well-being by learning more about your identity. 

Before you let a message about your identity or background affect how you feel about yourself, consider the source.

Messages From Families and Caregivers

Many foundational ideas about race come from parents through a process called racial socialization, which is how families communicate messages about racial and ethnic identity.  

These lessons are given both intentionally, such as teaching about the accomplishments of Black people, and unintentionally, like if a parent expresses fear every time they pass a police car while driving. As we grow, we take in these messages and they begin to shape our sense of ourselves and our race. 

Ideally, these messages help you appreciate and develop deep respect for your identity as a Black person.

Messages From the Mainstream

Popular culture often fails to present positive Black images. For a long time, for example, commercial beauty advertisements mostly showed white models, which sent the message that beautiful skin is white skin. It took creators such as Rihanna establishing brands like Fenty to make Black skin a focus instead of an afterthought. 

That’s just one example of how you can see race every day and begin to attach it subconsciously to your identity. Internalizing negative messages can cause you to question your worth and potential.  

Searching to understand your racial identity can lead you to grasp the broad spectrum of possibilities for who you can be and build your resilience and well-being.

Here are some ways to start.

Talk to Your Family Members

Ask your family members what messages in life shaped their ideas of race. Depending on their experiences, you could get all kinds of responses. They may light up at the chance to share some exciting and colorful stories, but it can also be an uncomfortable conversation about their exposure to prejudice and racism—something they may want to forget. It’s important to understand how their ideas about race were formed. Find out what their challenges were and what positive influences in their life and community empowered them to take pride in being Black.

After you start having these conversations, they don’t have to stop. It can be an ongoing discussion about what you see in the Black community that you want to celebrate and acknowledge in your home.

Do Your Own Research

There are some really good online resources that cover topics such as Black history, culture, and identity, which are good places to start.

Watch and Listen to Diverse Media

Be intentional about what you watch and listen to, and go out of your way to watch shows that celebrate you in a multifaceted way. Enjoy movies in which Black romance is represented or Black characters go on a journey of adventure and discovery. Movies like “Black Panther” are cultural celebrations of Blackness produced by Black creators.

Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Childish Gambino are well known for using their music to honor Black heritage and speak honestly about the experiences of Black Americans. Consider exploring some old-school music from singers of the past as well. Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Sam Cooke wrote about their experiences, and their music is a great way to see events of the past through their eyes.

Reach Out to Black Elders and Mentors

There are many great stories you can tap into. People with diverse experiences can demonstrate a broad spectrum of ways race contributes to identity. They can also share what they wish they’d known when they were your age. These conversations can start with your family, including grandparents, aunts, and uncles. You can also ask to sit down with older members of your church or leaders in your life, such as a coach. 

Here are some questions to ask:

• What did it feel like to be Black when you were growing up?
• What types of things made you proud to be a Black person?
• What is something you wish you knew about Black culture when you were young?
• Has the way you view Black identity expanded as you’ve gotten older?
• Can you give me any advice while I’m learning more about my racial identity?

As you learn and build a healthy picture of your racial identity, take time to enjoy each step. You’ll become more confident in the beauty of being Black while embracing all parts of who you are.

Learn More About Black Mental Health

• Celebrating Your Black Identity Is Self-Care
• How Exploring Your Black Identity Can Improve Your Mental Health
• How to Break Free of the ‘Strong Black Woman’ Stereotype
• Using Humor As a Healthy Coping Mechanism
• The Benefits of a Therapist Who Understands Your Cultural Background
• How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist
• How Knowing Your Identity Can Help When You’re Faced With Discrimination
• How You Can Cope With Racism and Racial Trauma
• How Black Youth Can Take Care of Their Mental Health After Racial Violence
• Getting Mental Health Support in Black Families