Breakdown:

1. Introduction: The Power of Words and Identity
   • Introduction to Smokey Robinson’s powerful performance at Poetry Jam, focusing on his exploration of identity, race, and what it means to be Black in America.
   • Explanation of the poem’s significance in addressing the complexities of self-identification and the historical context of naming within the Black community.
2. The Love for Blackness and American Identity
   • Discussion on Robinson’s pride in being Black, American, and a Black American.
   • Exploration of how Robinson differentiates between loving his Blackness and loving being American, emphasizing both identities without contradiction.
3. Historical Context and Changing Identities
   • Analysis of the historical journey of Black Americans, from slavery to freedom, and the evolution of their names (from “Niger” slaves to being called “Colored,” “Negro,” “Black,” and “African American”).
   • Commentary on the forced renaming of Black people over generations and how this reflects broader societal perceptions and discomforts.
4. Blackness Before and After the Atlantic Slave Trade
   • Acknowledgement of the presence of free Black people in America before the transatlantic slave trade, challenging the narrative that all Black Americans are descendants of slaves.
   • Robinson’s reference to free Black communities interacting with Native Americans, and the diversity of the Black experience in early America.
5. Critique of the Term “African American”
   • Robinson’s personal discomfort with the term “African American” and his preference for being called “Black.”
   • Exploration of his argument that the term “African American” is a recent label that does not fully encompass the diversity of experiences and identities of Black Americans.
6. Unity and Division within the Black Community
   • Reflection on intra-racial conflicts, colorism, and the historical impact of societal divisions within the Black community.
   • Robinson’s desire for unity among Black people, celebrating a shared cultural heritage rather than divisions based on skin tone or perceived status.
7. Pride in Blackness: A Call to Honor Ancestry and History
   • Robinson’s celebration of the 1960s Black pride movement and the continued importance of embracing Black identity.
   • Emphasis on the idea that Blackness is a source of strength and pride, rooted in a deep history of resilience and resistance.
8. Challenge to Modern Racial Politics
   • Critique of modern trends and politics that Robinson views as regressive, including debates over racial terminology and identity.
   • Robinson’s argument that fixating on labels distracts from progress and the real issues facing the Black community today.
9. Call to Action: Voting and Civic Engagement
   • Robinson’s call for Black Americans to use their power and privilege to vote and enact change, rather than getting caught up in debates over identity.
   • Encouragement to focus on concrete actions that advance equality and justice, rather than symbolic or superficial changes.
10. Conclusion: Embracing Authentic Identity
    • Summary of Robinson’s message that each individual should have the freedom to define their own identity without societal imposition.
    • Reiteration of his pride in being “Black” and “American,” emphasizing the importance of self-identification and unity in diversity.

This breakdown captures the essence of Smokey Robinson’s poem, focusing on themes of identity, historical context, pride, unity, and action. It addresses the complexities and emotions surrounding what it means to be Black in America and challenges listeners to think deeply about the power of self-definition and collective progress.