The Co-Opting of 'Woke' Erases Its Legacy of Black Vigilance

In an opinion piece, author Andrea D. Pringle argues that the term 'woke' has been stripped of its historical meaning as a call for Black awareness and survival, becoming a political punchline. She cites Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's recent dismissal of 'woke' positions as an example of how even allies may discard the language. Pringle contends that the underlying vigilance remains essential for confronting systemic injustice.