National Woke Day

A diverse group of individuals engaged in thought-provoking conversations, wearing trendy clothing, urban city setting.. — National woke day illustration

Hey there, folks! Get ready to stay woke because it's time to celebrate National Woke Day! This is one day where we encourage everyone to embrace awareness and stay informed. So, let's dive into the fascinating history of this internet-born holiday!

When is Woke Day?

It's national woke day on the 28th February.

The Woke Origins

National Woke Day originated in the depths of the internet on February 28th, 2016. On this fateful day, a wave of social consciousness crashed onto our screens, flooding social media feeds with hashtags like #StayWoke and #WokeAF. The term 'woke' itself had been around for a while, but it gained popularity as a slang term for being socially and politically aware, especially within African-American communities.

As people started realizing the importance of staying informed about social issues, the idea of dedicating a day to promote woke culture gained traction. The goal? To remind everyone to remain engaged, educated, and vigilant in the face of systemic injustices that persist in our society.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Woke Day is all about raising awareness and promoting constructive conversations. Here are a few fun ways you can get involved:

Organize a community event or panel discussion to address social issues that matter most to you and your loved ones.
Engage in activities that broaden your understanding of different cultures, social inequalities, and historical events.
Take the opportunity to educate yourself about important social and political topics through books, documentaries, or online resources.
Participate in peaceful protests or rallies that align with causes dear to your heart.

A Fun Twist on Woke

In the spirit of keeping things light and fun, here's a fascinating fact for your 'did you know' section: Did you know that the term 'woke' was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017? It gained enough popularity and cultural significance to earn its spot in the prestigious collection of words!

History behind the term 'Woke'

2008

Emergence of 'woke'

'Woke' originated as African-American slang, primarily in the African-American community. It was initially used as a colloquial term to describe someone who was socially and politically aware of systemic injustices and willing to challenge them.

2014

Woke enters mainstream usage

The term 'woke' gained traction and entered mainstream usage through social media platforms like Twitter, Tumblr, and Black Twitter. It became a popular hashtag and was widely used to discuss issues related to racial inequality, police brutality, and social justice.

2016

'Stay woke' popularized

In 2016, the phrase 'stay woke' gained popularity and became a rallying cry during the Black Lives Matter movement. The phrase was used to encourage individuals to remain vigilant, informed, and aware of social and political issues.

2017

Inclusion in dictionaries

Due to its increasing popularity and cultural significance, 'woke' was added to major dictionaries such as the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster. It was defined as 'alert to injustice in society, especially racism'. The inclusion of 'woke' in dictionaries solidified its position as an important term in contemporary culture.

2018

Commercialization and controversy

As 'woke' gained more mainstream popularity, it also became a marketing buzzword. Companies started using 'woke' to promote their products or services, leading to criticisms of 'woke-washing' or appropriating social justice issues for commercial gain.

2020

Global protests and further impact

The killing of George Floyd in 2020 sparked global protests against racial injustice. During these protests, 'woke' and related terms such as 'stay woke' resurfaced as powerful slogans and signs. The term continued to represent a commitment to challenging systemic oppression and discrimination.

Present day

Ongoing cultural impact

'Woke' continues to evolve and is widely used to describe individuals and communities who actively advocate for social justice, marginalized groups, and equality. It serves as a reminder for individuals to stay aware, informed, and engaged in issues affecting society.