Becoming black is the act of embracing nigrescence or creating a racial identity. Black psychology research is significant for comprehending the experiences of African Americans, both individually and collectively. Cross, 1995, explains that African-American individuals are assimilated into a culture, leading to diminished racial identification. With time, these individuals undergo different psychological stages that enable them to develop self-pride. Thus, nigrescence leads to the formation of racial identity and understanding of the role of race among African Americans. This essay examines the idea of nigrescence in my life by answering the question, why are you black? We respond to this question by looking at different works by different researchers.
Cross’ pre-encounter stage involves denigration of the view of the black world and having an idea of the traditional white world. Individuals form anti-black attitudes and behaviours, thus separating personal identity from group identity (Worrell et al., 2023). The individuals may also begin to accept the negative attitudes and stereotypes of individuals towards the black community as they strive to achieve their ‘American dream.’ My pre-encounter phase was characterized by a vague sense of who I was (Worrell et al., 2023). As I was growing up, I frequently minimized the importance of being Black by blending in with mainstream society. Media and cultural conventions cultivated my sense of separation from my roots. I was highly motivated to accept the American culture and become a part of it, and in the process, I lost my “blackness.”
The encounter stage is characterized by the view that one must find one’s identity. During the encounter stage, pivotal instances made my prejudices uncomfortable. The awareness of creating your own identity is brought about by events in your surroundings that provoke your inner thinking, making you reevaluate your relationship to the black and white cultures (Burlew & K 2019). My involvement in a program for cultural exchange was a significant event. I got an invite to a black community get-together, which was the start of accepting my roots. Getting to know people who are proud of their African roots made me reassess who I was. I started to doubt the general public’s stories and looked for a closer bond with my heritage. Although such events made a positive impact on my life, accepting my identity came with feelings of confusion about whether I was doing the right thing, feelings of hopelessness and sometimes loneliness. I had to find my own identity by accepting my racial status in society.
According to Cross, the immersion stage is characterized by complete acceptance of being black (Worrell et al., 2023). Psychological and physical changes occur, and a black racial identity thoroughly dominates the individual. Having “felt” black, I began acting and participating in activities that are described by society as being a part of the black culture. Participating in African literature, attending community activities, and appreciating traditional music became essential to my identity development (Laniyonu, 2020). There were times when I was utterly immersed, struggling with the prejudices and stereotypes that society attached to being Black. Introducing myself to black culture created a sense of self-acceptance and black self-identity. At this point, I was fully immersed in the black culture and went a step further to re-develop my damaged relationships with my friends and some family members (Laniyonu, 2020). The success of the relationships further improved how I behaved and acted in various environments.
I am in the internalization stage right now, and I am proud and strong because of my Black identity, although I sometimes wish I understood my ‘blackness’ earlier. I actively participate in preserving my culture and have embraced its positive features. A network of encouraging people who recognize and appreciate the richness of Black heritage, such as friends, mentors, and family, has influenced the process of internalization (Laniyonu, 2020). Events such as family get-togethers, cultural celebrations, and educational opportunities have greatly influenced my identity as Black. Reinforcing a positive racial identity has been greatly aided by strong, positive role models in the community (Burlew & K, 2019). My awareness of being Black has been further enhanced by trips to Africa, establishing ties to my ancestry, and participating in movements that support social justice. This stage is a continuous process of growth and development, both mentally and physically, towards a secure and positive sense of identity and belonging.
In conclusion, psychological changes are undergone in the journey of self-realization and the development of an identity. Different researchers explain the journey to embracing blackness as involving emotional and sometimes physical changes. Emotional changes involve feelings of confusion and hopelessness, which are most common because one is losing a part of themselves and gaining another. The cross model gives a comprehensive guide to “being black, ” which has guided me in embracing my blackness. This journey is an ongoing one with no particular destination; thus, continuous efforts to foster my identity are to be put in place. Such include having a supportive family and relationships, developing a sense of awareness, developing goals to enhance my relationship with self and other black individuals, and continuously gaining knowledge on blackness and identity affirmations for an empowered sense of self.
References
Burlew, A. K. H. (Ed.). (2019). Research and theory in African American psychology. African American Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826150066.0002
Laniyonu, A. (2020). Dimensions of blackness: Racial identity and political beliefs. By Jas M. Sullivan, Jonathan Winburn, and William E. Cross Jr. Albany: SUNY Press, 2018. One hundred ninety-four pp., $31.95, paperback. The Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics, 6(1), 285–287. https://doi.org/10.1017/rep.2020.16
Worrell, F. C., Vandiver, B. J., & Fhagen, P. E. (2023). Nigrescence theory from 1971 to 2021: The critical contributions of William E. Cross, Jr. American Psychologist, 78(4), 389-400. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001052
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