I’m Woke Y’all: Taking Back the Meaning from Florida’s Appropriation
“I’m woke y’all!” has become a rallying cry for those who are aware of the social injustices and systemic inequalities that persist in our society. Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes challenged us to “Wake Up Everybody” back in the 1970s, and John Legend revived the tune a few years ago. Today, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have woken us up for a time such as this. However, the term “woke” has been appropriated by those who seek to use it as a pejorative. In Florida, conservative leaders are seeking to ban the teaching of critical race theory, calling it “wokeism.” But being “anti-woke” means you are comfortable sleeping while the challenges, injustices, and marginalization continue. This is the reversity in full effect.
It is time to take back the meaning of “woke” from those who seek to use it as a weapon against progress. Being “woke” means being aware of the systemic injustices that persist in our society and actively working to address them. It means recognizing the lived experiences of marginalized communities and working towards a more just and equitable society for all.
The appropriation of “woke” is just one example of how the voices of marginalized communities are being suppressed. Conservative leaders in Florida are seeking to ban the teaching of critical race theory, which examines how laws and institutions are used to perpetuate discrimination and inequality. By banning the teaching of critical race theory, they are seeking to suppress the voices of those who seek to address these issues.
But we cannot afford to be complacent. We must continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, even in the face of opposition. We must continue to be “woke” and fight against the systemic injustices that persist. The challenges may be great, but we have the power to effect change. As Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes sang, “Wake up everybody, no more sleepin’ in bed. No more backward thinkin’, time for thinkin’ ahead.”
Effenus Henderson
