Due to its numerous contributions to our modern society—from entertainment to fashion to even leadership—Black culture cannot be undervalued. Black people have endured oppression throughout their entire history, yet in spite of it, they have developed into one of the most influential and vibrant cultures in the world. In fact, given that they have come to define worldwide pop-culture, African Americans have arguably had the most impact on world culture of any other ethnic group.

Music is one way through which Black culture has influenced society. Rap and hip-hop genres’ popularity in these communities conveyed proud honor to the outside world and served as a platform for black people to express themselves. If you listen to the radio everywhere in the world, you will hear individuals trying to imitate African-Americans in terms of their speech patterns and musical output. A discussion of contemporary music in practically any nation would be almost impossible without first addressing how African-American music inspired it. Popular musical genres that are essentially synthesizes of regional rhythms and dialects with African American music can be found almost everywhere.

Black culture has greatly influenced and popularized contemporary streetwear. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, streetwear fashion rose to prominence as hip-hop music grew in popularity in urban centers like Los Angeles and New York City. Hip-hop labels dominated the fashion business by the middle of the 1990s. Notable musicians who wore this urban streetwear include Tupac, Snoop Dog, Ice Cube, Aaliyah, and others. Even well-known television programs and motion pictures, including Boyz N the Hood, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Poetic Justice, used streetwear attire. Despite the mainstream acceptance of streetwear, African Americans are

still not given credit for the widespread adoption of many of your favorite fashion trends, like the sneaker culture, oversized apparel, bucket hats, giant hoop earrings, and many more.

Unfortunately, preconceptions that are emphasized in the media or that people view from the news, protests against injustice, sexually provocative music videos, drugs, and violence frequently cast a shadow over the black community. Every group in the world can undoubtedly provide instances of identical factions, acts, attitudes, and reactions, especially in oppressed areas. The saying “black is beautiful” however encourages cultural pride in modern-day black accomplishments and calls for an awareness of the black history as a valuable legacy. Black culture is a living thing that is continually evolving. About who we are as a people and as individuals, we are still learning.