Black Consciousness Day 2023: Black Consciousness Day, observed on November 20, holds significant importance in Brazil. Its purpose is to honor the pioneering leader of the resistance against slavery, Marcus Zumbi, and to invite reflection on the catastrophic injustices that have been inflicted upon the Black community and African descendants throughout history. This day is a social movement committed to protesting against massive-scale racial discrimination and recognizing the incomparable value and contributions of African Americans in the United States through observance of their existence. In Brazil, Black Consciousness Day is observed as a national holiday in and around several hundred cities. As we wholeheartedly observe this day, it is imperative that we address the issue of education among African Americans and assist them in pursuing their aspirations through the provision of black student scholarship resources.
The History of Black Awareness Day
Historically, Black Consciousness Day was observed on May 13, the date of Brazil’s official abolition of slavery. The date was altered to November 20 to commemorate the life of a black hero, thereby increasing the historical importance of the occasion.
Zumbi dos Palmares, a Brazilian of Kongo descent, was a commander of one of the ‘quilombos’—a metaphorical settlement comprised of emancipated African slaves who had managed to escape their brutal masters. Zumbi was a legendary black hero and liberation fighter. At the tender age of six, he was sold into Portuguese slavery. Nine years later, he managed to escape and return to Palmares, his place of birth. Upon his return, he promptly initiated an anti-slavery movement in opposition to Portuguese oppression.
Assisting in the accommodation of escaped slaves and other oppressed minorities, the campaign performed miraculous deeds for enslaved African-American communities. Zumbi’s valor and vigilance led a great number of his adherents to regard him as immortal. On November 20, 1695, he was apprehended by the Portuguese after being betrayed by one of his own subjects. Immediately following his apprehension, he was beheaded and displayed as a deterrent to other rebellious slaves.
Black Consciousness Day has been observed with academic, sociopolitical, and cultural activities, including public demonstrations against racism, discrimination, and inequality, since the 1960s. Later, the date was changed to November 20 to commemorate the life of the national hero and living symbol of the slave struggle, Manuel Zumbi. On occasion, this day is also referred to as Zumbi Day.
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FAQs (Black Consciousness Day)
What did the Black Consciousness Movement seek to accomplish?
“The charismatic activist Stephen Biko founded the Black Consciousness movement in South Africa in 1968.” According to Britannica, the movement’s goal was to promote a sense of unity and self-awareness among black intellectuals, professionals, and students.
Historically, what does black consciousness mean?
According to Oxford Research Encyclopedias, “Black consciousness came to be defined as “a mentality” or “a way of life” of black people who believed in their potential and worth as black people and saw the need for black people to collaborate for a holistic liberation.”
Who are some historically renowned African-American heroes?
Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou
Black Consciousness Day 2023 Activities
Honor the contributions of Black individuals
The black community is among the most intelligent communities on the planet. They, as cultural artists, entrepreneurs, rap performers, and app developers, have contributed significantly to global jubilation. Highlight their efforts by providing examples of their work to family and friends, both on and off social media platforms. The hashtag #BlackConsciousnessDay may be utilized.
Contribute to groups that advocate for racial justice
Over time, solidarity and global consciousness regarding the injustices committed against African Americans have grown. Contribute to one of the local nonprofits dedicated to the eradication of prejudice.
Learn to alter racial expressions and inform all individuals.
This will require considerable courage. Promote a social media trend wherein one ‘racial’ expression is highlighted, such as “blacklist,” and encourage the substitution of “forbidden list” in order to eliminate the association with the color black. “Black market,” “black sheep”—quick, succinct?
Five Unknown Facts About Black Americans Who Made History
The initial self-made millionaire
Myra Walker achieved the historic feat of becoming the first African American to achieve self-made millionaire status through the invention of the inaugural hair-straightening formula.
The recipient of an Oscar
Regrettably, Hattie McDaniel became the inaugural African American to be honored with an Academy Award for her performance as a devoted slave governess.
The inaugural billionaire
Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, became the inaugural African American to achieve billionaire status; Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan subsequently followed suit.
The first African-American president
Barack Obama became the inaugural African-American president of the United States.
Prominent Scientist
Black scientist George Washington Carver invented three hundred derivative products from peanuts.
BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | November 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 20 | Saturday |
