Every so often a rumor begins to circulate and, for whatever reason, you think: “I hope it’s true.” I had such a moment this week.
After President Obama decided to rename Mount McKinley to Denali, a meme spread across Facebook timelines alleging that “Denali” was a “Kenyan word” for black power. Unfortunately, this rumor was not true.
But I am here to tell you that we need Black Power Mountain. Not only do we—the American people—need it, we deserve it.
Look, it’s been a rough few years for blacks (and by years, I mean lots of years—centuries full of years). A mountain affirming our monumental impact on society—in politics, television, sport, business, education, film, music, etc—would be a true testament to the enduring contributions of trailblazers like Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Arsenio Hall, LeVar Burton, my mom, Anita Baker, Julian Bond, ‘70s R&B group LTD, Angela Davis, and you—fellow black person!
And what better place to have Black Power Mountain than in a state that is 70 percent white?
It’s not too late to change your mind, President Obama.
[Image via AP]