Excellence, greatness, and resilience – these words frequently are at the forefront of our guests' minds when we ask them to define Blackness in their own words. As we delve deeper into our guests’ journeys, we discover that our tenacity and ability to achieve despite our hardships only scratches the surface of who we are as a people. Blackness is not homogeneous – it encompasses a plethora of shades, hair textures, spiritual beliefs, and traditions. However, our Blackness is the common thread that holds us together regardless of our differences. The concept of linked fate, also associated with Ubuntu, is commonly referenced by guests on Identity Unboxed to describe our shared experience on a global scale – “I am because we are.” Our history and shared struggles ignite an innate desire to pursue justice for all, as we carry forward the work of our ancestors in the ongoing fight for Black liberation. Often imitated but never quite replicated, we create waves across the globe as African American culture has become mainstream. While our originality and innovative concepts are frequently stolen, leaving us unaccredited, we continue to raise the bar and bring our beauty and unique expressions of Blackness in every space we occupy.

You can now watch the visual episode of our Season 3 Finale, ‘What Does Blackness Mean to You?’ on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for our Black History Month Series, Legacy Lens, that is set to release in February of 2026. In the meantime, you can send nominations for future guests to [email protected].

We are wishing you a safe and celebratory New Year!