Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

Forget “blind love” and chest-thumping anthems. Patriotism, for us Fierce Millennials and Gen-Xers, especially Black women, carries a different weight. It’s not about blind allegiance, but about holding our nations accountable to their ideals. It’s about loving our communities fiercely and striving to make them better for everyone.

Lacking patriotism doesn’t mean we don’t care. It means we see the flaws, the injustices, the unfulfilled promises. It means we channel our love into action, demanding better from our leaders and ourselves.

So, what does patriotism look like for us? It’s:

• Speaking truth to power, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Fighting for equality and justice for all, regardless of race, gender, or background.
• Empowering ourselves and our communities through education, activism, and entrepreneurship.
• Holding ourselves accountable to be better citizens, neighbors, and allies.

This is our fierce brand of patriotism. It’s not about waving flags; it’s about waving our voices and taking action. It’s about building a nation that truly lives up to its ideals, a nation where every voice is heard and every dream has a chance.

Join the conversation! What does patriotism mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.