Antonio is the lead instructor of TAP/AACCI Program (African American Culture and Contemporary Issues)
One of the oldest philosophical questions known to humankind is, “Who am I?” It’s a question that can define our existence, yet one that I never grew up pondering. It didn’t matter because, like many others in my community, I was consumed by life’s stresses, anxieties, and worries. There was never time to sit down and reflect on such questions; honestly, I thought such a question was silly. But in reality, is it?
How many of our youth look in the mirror and ask themselves, “When I look in the mirror, who do I see?” or “Who am I?” When I posed this question to a group of young brothers I was working with, explaining the importance of the AACCI (African American Culture and Contemporary Issues) program, their responses were telling. Some said, “I see myself.” Others saw their parents in their reflection – a mother, a father, or a mixture of both. But one young man stood out when he said, “I see a demon.” He wasn’t joking. In that moment, I realized how critical it was to shift the perception of how our young people see themselves.
Because if they only see the bad within them, what do we expect to manifest in their actions and behaviors?
Identity is more than just a philosophical inquiry; it forms the foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world. It shapes our values, our goals, and even how we perceive our future. For African American youth, external forces—media, societal norms, and systemic bias – that try to dictate what it means to be Black in America, often challenge this foundation. Through AACCI, we aim to reclaim and redefine that narrative.
For many of us growing up in environments exposed to trauma, poverty consciousness, and limited opportunities, identity can feel like something imposed rather than something discovered. I remember my own upbringing in the Hurt Park neighborhood, where the possibilities seemed confined to either becoming an athlete, an entertainer, or someone trapped in the streets. I never heard my peers talk about growing up to be doctors, lawyers, or community leaders. It was as if we were boxed into predetermined roles by our circumstances.
Unfortunately, this isn’t just my story. Many young people today still grapple with the same narrow identity options. It’s one of the reasons why programs like AACCI are so vital – they provide a new framework for understanding who we are and what we are capable of achieving.
At the core of AACCI is the belief that education is key to identity formation. The program challenges students to look beyond external influences and question the narratives they’ve been handed. Through lessons on local and national African American history, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern-day activism, we teach our students that their identity is not defined by stereotypes or societal expectations but by their own choices and their deep connection to a rich cultural heritage.
When I ask students, “Who are you beyond what society says you should be?” I want them to reflect on the possibilities they’ve never considered. Identity is not just something we inherit – it’s something we actively shape.
We recognize that African American identity is deeply tied to history. Our ancestors faced systemic oppression, yet they left us a legacy of courage, innovation, and cultural richness. By understanding their sacrifices and contributions, we develop a deeper sense of pride in our heritage and recognize the power we hold as individuals and as a community.
In addition to education, healing is a crucial part of the AACCI program. For many young people, identity is a source of pain because it has been shaped by trauma, poverty, and systemic injustice. We must provide spaces where they can not only explore their identity but also heal from the wounds that have shaped it. Through mindfulness practices, journaling, self-reflection questions, open discussions, we help students process their emotions and learn how to cultivate self-awareness and self-respect.
That young man who saw a “demon” in the mirror? His view of himself didn’t develop in isolation. It was a reflection of the environment, the trauma, and the lack of positive identity models around him. Programs like AACCI are here to change that narrative – to show him and others like him that their identity is rooted in strength, resilience, and potential, not in the circumstances they’ve faced.
Healing through identity is about transforming pain into power. It’s about recognizing that no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we carry the strength and wisdom of those who came before us. When our youth understand this, they can begin to break the chains of limited expectations and redefine what it means to be successful, proud, and empowered.
The goal of AACCI is not only to teach history or provide a sense of identity but to empower young people to take ownership of their futures. When students learn who they are and where they come from, they are better equipped to pursue their goals with confidence. They see themselves not just as individuals trying to navigate a difficult world, but also as part of a larger, more powerful story – one of resilience, innovation, and possibility.
As we move forward, we invite students, parents, educators, and community members to join us in this journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Together, we can redefine what it means to be African American in today’s world and build a future that honors both the past and the promise of what’s yet to come.
The question “Who am I?” is not just a philosophical exercise – it’s a vital inquiry that shapes our understanding of self, our actions, and our future. The AACCI program serves as a platform for African American youth to explore and embrace their identity, one that is rooted in history, culture, and wellness. By providing education, fostering self-reflection, and offering the tools for emotional and mental growth, we empower the next generation to build lives grounded in pride, purpose, and possibility.
The journey to discovering who we truly are begins here.
