In a moment that captured both defiance and dignity, Kendrick Lamar’s overall Super Bowl Half Time performance including “They Not Like Us” resonated deeply with many in the Black community. Even facing a pending lawsuit, Lamar chose to make his statement on one of the world’s biggest stages. His performance wasn’t just about music – it was about the undeniable power of showing up authentically in spaces where others might prefer our silence.
In today’s climate, where certain political forces seem determined to minimize our voices and contributions, Lamar’s performance serves as a powerful reminder: We cannot and will not be dismissed. The attempts to silence Black voices – whether through legal challenges, political maneuvers, or systematic barriers – often reveal just how impactful our presence truly is.
Consider this: Why do they work so hard to silence voices they claim don't matter?
The truth is, our contributions, our perspectives, and our excellence have always been transformative forces in society. From business to arts, education to technology, Black innovation and leadership continue to shape the future, regardless of attempts to minimize our impact.
Here are three powerful ways we can continue showing up, unapologetically:
Lead with Excellence
Lead with Excellence Excellence is our protest. When we deliver outstanding results, build successful businesses, and create remarkable innovations, we make it impossible to ignore our contribution. This isn't about proving our worth - it's about expressing it.
Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or creating content, focus on delivering excellence that speaks for itself. Let your work be so good they can't look away.
Build Collective Power
Individual success is powerful, but collective progress is unstoppable. Connect with other Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Share resources, create opportunities, and build networks that amplify our collective impact.
This means:
➡️Mentoring others in your field
➡️Supporting Black-owned businesses
➡️Creating platforms for shared success
➡️Building strategic partnerships
Document and Share Our Stories
Our narratives matter. In an age where some would prefer to erase or rewrite our history, documenting our journeys, successes, and even challenges becomes an act of resistance.
Share your business journey. Talk about your innovations. Celebrate your wins publicly. Your story might be exactly what another Black entrepreneur needs to keep pushing forward.
Remember: They’re not trying to silence us because we’re weak. They’re trying to silence us because they understand our power. Every Black business that scales, every Black innovation that transforms an industry, every Black voice that inspires change – these are testimonies to our undeniable impact.
As we navigate 2025, let’s take inspiration from Kendrick’s bold stance. Let’s continue building, innovating, and leading with excellence. Let’s show up not just for ourselves, but for every Black entrepreneur who needs to see what’s possible.
Our presence is our power. Our excellence is our protest. And our success – despite every attempt to diminish it – is our greatest statement.
Keep building. Keep innovating. Keep showing up.
Because they’re not like us. And that’s exactly why our voice matters.
