Black excellence

noun

variants or less commonly black excellence

1

: extreme excellence demonstrated by Black people despite racist systems, beliefs, etc. that make it harder for them to achieve success or to be recognized for their accomplishments

We celebrate Malcolm X when he's told by his teacher right in the face, you can't be a lawyer. And he's able to overcome that. We celebrate the Black excellence in the face of resistance and oppression.

—James Forman, Jr.

He was met with resistance, but the Navy had no choice but to admit him because he scored so highly on his entrance exams. By 1948, [Jesse L.] Brown had completed his training and received his Naval Aviator Badge. The media began to take notice of Brown's achievement and he went on to become a beacon of Black excellence in the US military.

—Madison McGee

Recognizing exceptional individuals who have made contributions to their respective fields, these awards celebrate black excellence and leadership on a global scale.

—FinancialWire

also : the determined pursuit of extreme excellence by Black people as a means of resisting and overcoming racist systems, beliefs, etc.

… the language of "Black excellence," or the long-held belief among African Americans that they must work twice as hard for half as much as white people receive.

—Tanisha C. Ford

It's what Black parents have been telling their children for decades: If you want to keep your place on the team, you need to overperform. Black excellence is a survival strategy …

—Donald Thompson

2

: a person who demonstrates Black excellence

… [author Charise] Marie … chose to attend after a few friends told her about the festival and that "she is Black excellence" …

—Selena Vazquez

You are black excellence, and I am proud, we are all proud to be standing on your legacy and strong shoulders as young activists, pioneers and dreamers.

—Shaquel McCoy, quoted in Redlands (California) Daily Facts

Examples of Black excellence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From viral triumphs to historic milestones, these graduates and speakers showed us the true power of resilience, community and Black excellence. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 June 2025

Hosted by Kevin Hart, the BET Awards celebrated its 25th year on Monday with a three-hour ceremony honoring Black excellence in music, movies, sports and beyond. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 9 June 2025

This year, the BET Awards is set to commemorate 25 years of Black achievements, affectionately coined as Black excellence. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

This ticketed event, hosted by San Diego Black Artist Collective and held at the Diversionary Theatre, spotlights Black excellence across visual art, dance, music, dance and acting. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025

The vibrant musical, a salute to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and ’30s, celebrates Black excellence, creativity and joy with exuberant and passionate singing and dancing, gorgeous period costumes and ebullient choreography. —Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025

Whether gracing galas, red carpets, or daytime talk shows, these stars reminded us that Black excellence is always on display. —Okla Jones, Essence, 18 May 2025

Combs was like many Black entrepreneurs who frame their material success as revolutionary while preaching about Black excellence. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025

His designs have a magnetic quality that speaks to confidence, creativity, and a celebration of Black excellence. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1