Unbreakable Spirit: Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu and the Power of Perseverance in Celebrating Black Legacy
Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia Final Season Problogs
By Sterling, Founder of Black Cards Of History LLC
Opening Thoughts: Why Tetsutetsu?
Let me get this out of the way: I love saying his name. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu. There’s something about the bold repetition that sounds like a war cry for resilience, and maybe that’s part of the reason I connect with his energy. But beyond the phonetic fun, Tetsutetsu is one of those underappreciated characters in My Hero Academia who stands out—not for flash or flair—but for pure heart and unwavering determination. That, to me, makes him the perfect metaphor for how we engage with Black history, especially when viewed through the lens of Black excellence, personal ambition, and economic justice.
So, when I asked myself how Tetsutetsu would approach Black History Month if he were a student in our real world, I envisioned something rugged, grounded, and deeply loyal to the cause. And maybe even a little clumsy at first—but always genuine.
The Heart of a Fighter: Why Tetsutetsu Resonates with Black Struggle
Black history—particularly in America—is not just about remembering names or reposting quotes once a year. It's about recognizing the struggle and the strength. Tetsutetsu’s defining trait is his hardening quirk, but his real power lies in his unyielding grit. Whether it’s training, fighting, or competing with Kirishima, he keeps pushing, bruised but never broken.
Now think about Black icons like Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglass, Madam C.J. Walker, and Malcolm X. Their legacies weren’t built on comfort. They were built on relentless drive, strategy, and an “I will not be moved” mindset. That’s Tetsutetsu in spirit.
If he were participating in a Black History Month program, he wouldn’t be behind a podium giving a polished TED Talk. Nah. He’d be hauling chairs, setting up tents, painting banners, and getting his hands dirty—because to him, respect is an action word.
Honoring the Grind: How He’d Bring Value to Black History Month
I see Tetsutetsu being the kind of student who says:
"I’m not the best with words... but tell me what to do and I’ll get it done."
He’d be the backbone of any event team—handling logistics, constructing backdrops, and helping the AV team hang projectors, all while sweating through his shirt with a proud smile. But it’s not just about the muscle. Tetsutetsu is earnest. He listens when it counts. If a speaker shared a story about growing up Black in a system that wasn’t built for them, I believe Tetsutetsu would be front row, locked in. Not pitying—but admiring.
He’d connect deeply with stories about people who didn’t have the fanciest start, but who showed up and stayed solid. That’s how he’d tie it to his own ambition. Not everyone needs to be the flashiest in the room—sometimes you just need to be the one who never gives up.
The YouTuber Version: “Unbreakable Spirit: Celebrating Black Trailblazers”
If this were a class YouTube assignment—and Tetsutetsu were forced in front of the camera (probably with some encouragement from his classmates)—his video would be refreshingly honest.
Titled “Unbreakable Spirit: Celebrating Black Trailblazers”, it would be the kind of content that makes you sit up straight. Not because it’s the most polished, but because it’s sincere.
He’d spotlight Black heroes who persevered through poverty, imprisonment, racism, and systemic barriers—people like:
- Bayard Rustin, who organized behind the scenes, unshaken by exclusion.
- Sojourner Truth, who spoke truth with force, despite never having formal education.
- Jackie Robinson, who faced death threats just to play the game he loved.
- Fannie Lou Hamer, who didn’t just believe in voting rights—she fought for them.
Tetsutetsu would say something like:
"They didn’t fold under pressure. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They just... showed up, and they didn’t stop. That inspires me."
And honestly? That’s the kind of raw truth YouTube needs more of.
Final Words: Connecting Black Excellence to Economic Justice
There’s a quiet brilliance in tying Tetsutetsu’s character to the legacy of Black excellence. Not every leader comes dressed in a suit with a mic. Some come in hoodies and steel resolve.
In our current climate, economic justice remains one of the most vital—and underdiscussed—aspects of the Black liberation movement. When we build our own businesses, fund our own visions, and refuse to let hardship harden our hearts—we become living tributes to that "unbreakable spirit."
Tetsutetsu, in all his goofy, determined energy, would respect that hustle to getting himself a strong 8/10. He’d see the beauty in staying grounded. In showing up. In lifting others with effort instead of ego.
And me? I see a little of us in him.
Hardwired for impact.
Tempered by truth.
Unbreakable in the face of adversity.