The expression “stay woke” began as an affirmation of African Americans.
Over the past decade, some Republicans and some Democrats have been used as light-jours for those who appear to be “political correct.”
“Awakened” appeared in cultural and political fires. Eight months after his second term, President Donald Trump pledged to review the Smithsonian Association’s content, as it was the “awakening” of the Smithsonian Association, and so was “how scary our country is, how bad slavery is.” Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared in his state speech that the government would protect “wake” from universities and K-12 schools, including “wake gender ideology.”
Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses He said he had ended the military’s “awakening” culture, and that service was bumped into by political correctness. He referenced diversity efforts, transgender forces, environmental policy and other disciplinary rules.
“The United States is no longer awake under President Trump’s leadership. The word “wake” represents a radical ideology that divides Americans and harms our nation (and harms our nation).
It’s where we came from “wake” and how its meaning evolved.
Marcus Garvey is seen wearing military uniform during a parade in New York’s Harlem Borough in August 1922 (AP Photo/File)
History of “waking up”
“Wokeness” began decades ago as a cultural slang for African Americans that brings awareness and enlightenment about racism, injustice, privilege, or the threat of white supremacist violence.
Several historians trace the idea to a 1923 speech and compilation of articles by Jamaican-born black nationalist Marcus Garvey. In one essay, Garvey wrote, “Wake up Ethiopia! Wake up Africa!” In 1938, another reference was made to the song “The Scottsboro Boys” by blues artist Reedbury. The song follows the true story of four black youths who were unfairly convicted by all white judges of rape of two white women (later released). The lyrics warn black listeners, “Leave awake, open your eyes.”
Gerald McWorter, professor emeritus of African American studies and information science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University, says that “waking up” was a voice after hundreds of years of black people returned to the African slave trade.
The phrase also appeared in a 1962 essay by New York Times novelist William Melvin Kelly. Headline – “When I wake up, I’ll dig.” Kelly’s widow and daughter believes Elijah Watson, a pop culture writer and editor who wrote about Kelly, who passed away in 2017, believes he heard the term while walking through the Harlem neighborhood.
Erykah Badu posed at the premiere of “Piano Lessons” at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on November 19, 2024 (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
“Wake up” I woke up
In the 21st century, singer-songwriter Erikabadu is often believed to have revived the term “awakening.” The song “Master Teacher” from her 2008 album “New Amerykah: Part One” includes “I Stay Woke.” Badu picked up the phrase from co-writer and producer Georgia Anne Maldo. He heard this from saxophone player Rakesia Benjamin, whom she cooperated with.
The 2014 fatal shooting by 18-year-old white police officer Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, circulated “awakening” and “staying awakening” in the growing Black Life Matter movement.
The movement has gained support from other racial groups. “Awakened” was also popularized by white liberals who wanted to show that they were allies.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis smiles after it was released on April 22, 2022 at the Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School in Hialea Gardens, Florida, to HB7, also known as the “Stop Woke” bill.
Awakened war
The 2010s basked backlash against “awakening” and “hobbying” amid a discussion about including more black history in American history lessons. Many people said bringing a “critical racial theory” to schools is intended to program children to feel guilty about being white.
The debate came to the forefront and center in 2022 when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the “Wake Up Stop Act.” It banned education and business practices related to race and gender. ( The law is currently pending (after federal judges deem it unconstitutional).
For George Pearson, former chairman of Illinois’ Black Republican Coalition, “awakening” is an empty word.
He said he is a Democratic politician who claims that “champion” and Day’s “champion” and Day has done little for black people. Therefore, “awakening” does not shake as a cry of a rally. He also thinks it’s unfair that people who don’t support “wake” are told, “You’re racist. You’re a homophobic. You’re a prejudice.”
Even among liberal black Americans, it is debate whether the “awakening” intention is more harmful than good.
Jane Fonda will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on February 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Crispizzello, File)
Who says he’s just woken up?
In Watson’s experience, “awakening” is no longer part of the black slang. If he hears it from someone in a social circle, it’s almost always said to be “a joke.”
Some progressives are trying to get the word back. Academy Award-winning Actor and Activist Jane Fonda nurtured “awakening” While winning the Screen Actors Guildlife Time Achievement Award in front of an A-list audience.
“Undoubtedly, the empathy is weak and I’m not awake. By the way, awakening means caring about other people,” Fonda said.
Severa Hodges started his own business in 2018 as a DEI strategist for individuals and groups, calling it Woke Coach. She and her team will discuss everything from workplace interactions to top recruitment practices. She touches on inclusion in groups from people of color to breastfeeding mothers to breastfeeding.
“I woke up,” she said, and Day’s “bastard,” as a word similar to slurs, doesn’t bother her. For her, the core “awakening” thing that concerns awareness.
“The real summary is to help people develop a more serious level of emotional intelligence,” she said.
___
Associated Press Writer Christopher Megarian from Washington contributed to the report.
