For generations Black communities have operated by the use of the “Black Tax”—the adage that you have to work twice as hard to get half as much in a world that has made it a point to marginalize African descendant people.
Black women and men are faced with being overqualified for positions that less qualified oftentimes white men get to fail upwards into. We are seeing that play out in real time as the Trump administration has placed some of the most unqualified people in charge of departments and agencies throughout the Federal government.
You see it in the heads of Departments like Defense, Homeland Security and agencies like the FBI. Look no further than Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. An unqualified anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist tasked with the health and wellness of the country.
Under his watch we have seen measles outbreaks and the return of both polio and leprosy. Not to mention a spike in food safety outbreaks spanning lettuce to blueberries to salmon and so many others. His presence is equal parts embarrassing and dangerous. As we watch this play out in real time I have seen online chatter say that “Anything goes” now. I interpret that as folks saying that the lack of qualifications should be normalized. I couldn’t disagree more.
As a community the “Black Tax” has produced some of our greatest thinkers. Scientists, engineers, mathematicians and inventors who have given this country and the world invaluable information and genius. Whether it’s Benjamin Banneker designing Washington, D. C. or Dr. Charles Drew saving countless lives through the development of blood plasma or Dr. Katherine Johnson doing the math that ultimately landed a man on the moon, Black genius has been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, discoveries and inventions.
So yes, I reject the notion of accepting mediocrity because racism and bigotry make it convenient. As Black people we have never been in competition with our white counterparts, but rather we have been on a mission to showcase our genius in spite of their constant acceptance of mediocrity. Our goal has always been to push humanity forward. Whether it was the development of the pyramids in Egypt or establishing libraries and universities in Timbuktu or bringing our agricultural know-how in the growing of sugar, tobacco and rice here in America and the Caribbean. Black people have contributed more to the world than anyone will ever give us credit for.
Our exceptionalism is what enrages racists and our genius frustrates bigots. Our ability to adapt, survive and thrive is our super power. Black Excellence isn’t just a slogan, it is our birthright. We can never lose sight of that even in the face of overwhelming incompetence and buffoonery from Donald Trump and his Cabinet full of idiots. We clearly deserve better, but history has proven that Black folks can show you better than they can tell you.
Dwight M. Bullard is a former Florida state senator and the senior political advisor of Florida Rising. Follow me @flrising and @dwightbullard_ on Instagram.
