The system has created a narrative that Black people are outsiders, undeserving of taking up space in what has been deemed white havens. But when we challenge that narrative, especially concerning the alternative scene, there’s a thriving subculture.
At its genesis, the alt and punk scenes were anti-fascist, anti-nazi, and pro-inclusivity. With its insidious nature, white supremacy permeated the scene and changed the narrative. Suddenly, Black alternative bodies were no longer wanted or safe in the spaces they created.
At concerts and festivals, in theaters, and on the street, we have ventured forth, living outside the societal expectations of what Blackness should look like. We have created bigger spaces like Afropunk and the Bla/Alt Festival to celebrate alternative Blackness for everyone to see.
Artists like Meet Me @ The Altar, Body Count, and Magnolia Park have begun a modern revolution. Black alternative artists are standing loud and proud in the face of those who want to minimize our existence in alternative spaces.
New laws limiting how people live are popping up everywhere. They are attacking many of the myriad ways we live and express ourselves. Blackness is not a monolith. Anything we do is for the culture. Take up space everywhere. Be free and be yourself.