What is 'Woke’?

Woke comes from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). It means to be alert to racial prejudice and discrimination against the Black community.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Did you know that the term "stay woke" dates back to the 1930s?

Back then, it had the same basic meaning referring to awareness of social and political issues affecting Black people. It was first mentioned in music in a recording by Lead Belly. Decades later, Erykah Badu would mention it in her music in the 1990s