Great piece with plenty insights, Paulina. But I needed to point out that, while the "Black is Beautiful" movement shouldn't be necessary in a just society, our society isn't just. And as a result, it has, and still does save plenty of Black lives. Mine included.

I'm an old broad, born and raised in the American South, to whom that movement meant EVERYTHING for my survival. Because the majority here made everything associated with blackness so negative (as you noted), we needed that affirmation in our becoming to negate their efforts to dehumanize and destroy us. What it does today, is keep our young folk energized in the knowing who they really are, instead of what they're still being told they are.

I'm glad your awareness has informed your high school teaching as it has -- because to that one student, you have to know it means the world!

Following for more insights you have to share!