The Racial Purity Test
The notion of Blackness is not static but instead dynamic and inclusive

The recent claim by some conservatives that Kamala Harris is not Black has sparked a heated debate, especially among students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a diverse group of young adults, HBCU students have varying opinions on what it means to be Black and where this identity originates.
First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that Blackness is complex and multifaceted. For many HBCU students, being Black is not solely defined by one’s ancestry or physical appearance but rather by a shared history, culture, and experience. The African American experience in the United States is deeply rooted in a legacy of resilience, struggle, and triumph over centuries of oppression and discrimination. This shared history forms the foundation of Black identity for many HBCU students, regardless of individual ethnic backgrounds.
“Blackness is not something that others can define. It’s a deeply personal and cultural identity that should be respected,” says Marcus, a sophomore at Morehouse College.
Moreover, the notion of Blackness is not static but instead dynamic and inclusive. It encompasses a broad spectrum of identities, including Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino, and African immigrant experiences. HBCU students often embrace this diversity within the Black community and recognize the importance of solidarity and allyship across various Black identities.
Regarding Kamala Harris, her mixed racial heritage has been subject to debate and scrutiny. Some conservatives have attempted to diminish her Black identity by highlighting her Indian and Jamaican heritage, arguing that she does not represent the authentic Black experience. However, many HBCU students reject this narrow and exclusionary view of Blackness. They argue that Black identity is not determined by a specific set of criteria or purity tests but is a deeply personal and communal affirmation of one’s heritage and shared struggle.
“Kamala walked the same halls that I am walking right now. She has been through the same things I have. Being Black is not just about how you look or where your ancestors come from. It is about shared experiences and a sense of community beyond physical appearances,” says Kinsley, a junior at Howard University.
“Conservatives are trying to use this tactic to separate Harris voters, but I refuse to let those around me fall to this foolishness. The only people questioning her background are people who aren’t going to vote for her anyways,” says Miyah, a senior at Clark Atlanta University.
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that attempts to invalidate Kamala Harris’s Blackness are rooted in a long history of colorism and racial gatekeeping within the Black community. These divisive attitudes only serve to undermine the unity and collective strength of the Black community, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and internalized prejudices.
“I do not think anyone has the right to police someone else’s Blackness. We need to celebrate our diversity and stand together as a community,” remarks JaBriyah, a senior at Spelman College.
HBCU students’ opinions on conservatives claiming Kamala Harris is not Black reflect a commitment to embracing the richness and diversity of Black identity. They understand that being Black is not confined to a singular narrative or phenotype but a celebration of resilience, culture, and shared history. By engaging in these conversations, HBCU students actively challenge outdated notions of blackness and advocate for a more inclusive and affirming understanding of what it means to be Black in America.
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