Often when you see a young, white male behaving in a thuggish manner and wearing his pants closer to his knees than his waist, he's labeled as “acting black.” This labeling mostly comes from black people. Engaging in violent and reckless behavior is not limited to African Americans, but somehow these ways have become a characteristic of the race. Behaving like a thug is not part of the African American culture and we should stop treating it as such. Why is it that when someone decides to go to college it is not considered “acting black”? Throughout history, there have been many accomplished black people, and we spit on their legacy by reducing blackness as synonymous with derogatory behavior. Here are people who fit my definition of “acting black:”

1. Mansa Musa (1280-1337)

He was the African emperor of the Mali Empire and is credited with being the richest man ever. His net worth has been estimated to $400 billion. No one has yet to surpass his wealth. He actually gave away so much gold he depreciated the value of it across Egypt.

2. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-present)

She invented the Laserphaco Probe. It uses a laser to remove cataract lenses. Cataracts can cause blindness and many people owe their eyesight to Dr. Patricia Bath and her invention.

3. Mikaila Ulmer (2005-present)

Though she is only 11 years old, Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of BeeSweet lemonade. Her lemonade is sweetened with honey rather than sugar for a healthier option that saves the bees. She received an $11 million contract from Whole Foods and her lemonade is sold in 55 Whole Foods stores.

These are role models to follow if one wishes to “act black.”