For those who did not know, a word - as interpreted by me from the context in which the Black gay males of the 90's evoked the term - is a spoken testimonial that is so profound and emotionally moving. Now, in being neither male nor gay - but very much so Black - I do not claim that such definition is 100% accurate, but luckily, my racial-cultural identity has provided me with the privilege of accurately interpreting and understanding certain colloquial phrases (go figure, one of the perks of being Black).

Now, for those who are either willfully ignorant or painfully detached, the annual BET Awards took place tonight, and though I am typically reluctant to watch their programming because of its lengthy history of anti-blackness, homophobic undertones and misogynoir (which, like, how did a channel about Black people, FOR Black people, MADE BY BLACK PEOPLE, end up f*cking Black people over is...I can't) it was the promise of a stellar Prince tribute that had me hastily flipping through channels to tune in promptly at 8 pm. After getting my wig snatched clean off by the incomparable, uber talented Beyoncé with special featured guest, Kendrick Lamar and a host of other talented performances by Bilal, Janelle Monae, Desiigner, Maxwell and Sheila E - we finally reached the portionof the show wherein the Humanitarian of the Year Award was to be presented to the ever fine, Jesse Williams. What came next, I was not prepared for.

The ensuing speech - which can be found transcribed, here - was a word if I ever heard one. From praising Black women (the most under appreciated, underrepresented, most disrespected minority), to calling out the role Black men play in perpetuating the aforementioned behavior, to calling out celebrities and politicians alike who are more concerned about their money and status than societal issues, Jesse Williams had the church whoopin', hollerin' and definitely saying, "AMEN, BROTHER!" Jesse's call to elevating, celebrating and empowering Blackness on more than just a superficial, caricatured, costumed, consumer level rang loud and proud on BET, VH1, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2 and Nickelodeon (look at Viacom, using its superpower to educate the youth and shiii-) and touched the very essence of my 21-year-old core. These such messages are the ones that invigorate the soul, providing one with a renewed sense of strength and pride. To you, Jesse Williams, my woke, activist boo, I tip my Formation chapeau and join your outstretched hands in elevation and celebration. I thank you for speaking this word into the hearts and minds of - not only our youth, but our elders as well. This moment shall go down in my memory as one of the most magical, unapologetically Black and proud moments that I've ever witnessed, and such is what I relish in witnessing, firsthand. Now, for the people in the back, just because we're magic, does not mean we're not real, so get in formation for the restructuring of this nation - if not, get left behind.

Love,

Simone