The Importance of Visibility: Celebrating the Rich Culture of the Original Black Inhabitants of America

Have you ever considered how vital cultural heritage is to shaping our identities? For many, it is the foundation on which we build our sense of self. Understanding where we come from provides not just context but also pride. Growing up with a Yoruba father instilled in me the notion of being part of a respected ancient lineage and myself being a beautiful African Queen from the time I was a tiny girl; what that meant and how to face the world knowing the privilege and weight of the culture, heritage and traditions I come from and am called to continue.

When I became older, I feel I was blessed to see myself in the beauty of Yoruba artifacts, including intricate carvings and bronze sculptures. This visual connection laid the groundwork for my identity, instilling a sense of self-identity, self-esteem and self-worth that transcends geographical borders and religious inheritance. Yet this thought brings me to a pressing question: what about the Original Black Inhabitants (OBI) of America? Their excellent, ancient, rich contributions and artistry not only to the nation but to the world, deserve celebration and recognition.

Featured: The Crowned Head Ooni. This is a pre-colonial bronze currently housed in the British Museum's Africa, Oceania and the Americas department.

Ooni means ruler. This bronze among Yoruba is called "The Head of Ife." Ife is where my father is from. Many ppl might be familiar with this world in connection to religion such as Ifa (love ifa/ife ifa) Without being too complicated about the culture and history of my origin, Yoruba people give "home is where the heart is" new meaning. You may also recognize Ife as signifying expansion. I'm only speaking in terms of genetics, ancestry, cultural cosmology, world history and geography. Today, Ife is called Ogun State, Nigeria. This is not completely unlike Babylon being called Iraq today. Persia being called Iran. The true seat of Oduduwa's ile-ife (currently Ogun State) being called Giza, Egypt. This bronze was stolen by foreigners during war. Though I'm not posting them in this article, there are many doors that tell the stories of Yoruba palaces being invaded, battles, royal births, marriages, legacies and ultimately, succumbing to the modern diaspora. Its important that decedents of all peoples are able to see themselves in properly documented and credited historical artifacts.

The Weight of Legacy

Every culture has a legacy—an intricate tapestry made up of history, art, and social norms that define its identity. For example, Yoruba culture brims with ancestral order and protocols, spirituality, oration, quantum mathematics and artistic expression that highlight contribution, conduct, heritage, community and individuality. The artifacts and customs of the ancient Yoruba's serve as powerful reminders of their significant legacy, linking us to our uninfluenced identity.

In contrast, the cultural legacy of the OBI has often been trespassed, stolen and appropriated worldwide without permission or credit, while their voices "as original creators" have been suppressed in larger narratives. This beautiful, remarkable, culture of excellence and might, marked by incredible resilience and creativity, has contributed greatly to the fabric of world history and uncountable societies. Just consider that Black Americans account for over 13% of the U.S. population yet their contributions, which are frequently at the forefront of American culture—and then adapted by the global population while they are discounted as creators. This reality points to an urgent need for recognition—a clarion call to honor OBI, respect, credit and amplify their rightful ownership of uncountable contributions.

Bridging Cultures: The Role of "Visibility" vs. Representation

Visibility is crucial; it’s not just about being seen or being accurately portrayed—its about the respect of providing those portrayals, filling those roles, being present, included, accredited for those contributions; its about obtaining their permission and approval. Be Well & Co., champions of black heritage, embodies a connection with the OBI. We share heritage and artistic expressions highlighting black influence and culture and the Godliness that comes from embracing diversity—as God has created a diverse world which would not be worth living in, were it limited in its beauty of diversity.

This representation offers a sense of respect and appreciation for black' heritage, which can significantly boost self-esteem. In a world that often seeks to possess and diminish ownership narratives, not just advocating but just putting forth visibility has become essential to righteous equity and human equality which is long, inappropriately overdue. By amplifying ownership of the OBI contribution, we can shine a spotlight on credit that is often overlooked, helping to build respect and moving on pass limited thinking and beliefs.

Honoring Contributions: A appreciation of creators

Appropriately putting forth visibility (with permission and accreditation) also means celebrating the myriad contributions of OBI to American culture and beyond. Their artistry encapsulates the complexities and beauty of their experiences, which enrich the cultural landscape of many nations.

Yet, many of their contributions, from impactful literature to groundbreaking inventions, often go uncredited. This lack of acknowledgment not only undermines their culture, might, resilience, ingenuity, innovation, creativity, generosity and achievements but also cheats future generations' from walking in the full historical glory of American culture. Emphasizing these creators can influence a comprehensive narrative, enriching the global tapestry for everyone.

The Path Forward: Building Visibility in Everyday Life

At Be Well & Co, our unwavering commitment to keep these creators and culture visible around the clock reflects the importance of simple human decency, boundaries and respect. Displaying OBI creators in our content—through fashion, art, and lifestyle—creates an environment where honor, excellence and fearlessness can flourish.

By highlighting creators in our content we can cultivate greater normality, empathy, and respect. Such visibility not only educate but also help forge deeper connections with these owners of great contributions.

Embracing the Beauty of Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity provide more than just opportunities for dialogue; they encourage comprehension and respectful appreciation vs. disrespectful appropriation, across different backgrounds. By honestly and transparently crediting unique cultural contributions, we nourish equitable wellbeing among individuals and foster collaborations that lead to innovation and lavish, joyful, exceedingly, abundantly, useful creations.

Inviting OBI artists to share firsthand within mainstream contexts can open doors to greater possibilities for all. This celebration of OBI culture, contributions and creators allows us to tap into the wealth of diversity present on earth and in humanity, laying the groundwork for a brighter, healthier, well global world population.

A Call to Action

As we traverse the landscape of capitalism the need for visibility becomes clear. Just as understanding our heritage enriches our self-esteem and identity, respecting fellow global citizens enhances the entire human collective.

Appropriately, keeping OBI visible for their contributions, does better to reveals the incredible cultural richness for which they deserve credit and respectful boundaries for. It is time for OBI creators to be visible—not just as an afterthought, or curated external narrative, not as an internal trespass, theft and appropriation but as proven essential threads in the fabric of world history and modern western and world culture.

Traditional textile showcasing the intricate patterns and colors of African culture.

The importance of visibility and narrative is that they empower wellbeing. Let’s commit to invitations, credit and normalizing visibility, ensuring that the contribution of the OBI is transparently documented and presented for generations to come. Let's surrender stagnation to enjoy a brighter, more abundant and fabulously inclusive, lavishly enjoyable world together.