Invisible but Impactful: Toru Hagakure and the Power of Celebrating Black Culture Through Joy
Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia Final Season Problogs
By Sterling, Founder of Black Cards Of History LLC
Introduction: Joy Is Not Surface-Level
When we talk about impact, it's easy to get caught up in numbers, headlines, or overt activism. But sometimes, impact is created through joy—through the simple act of showing up, uplifting others, and creating safe spaces where everyone can feel celebrated. That’s where Toru Hagakure, the invisible heroine of My Hero Academia, shines.
While she might not carry the same gravitas as Aizawa or the strategic depth of someone like Momo Yaoyorozu, Toru’s bubbly personality and infectious energy make her a strong candidate for someone who would be a vibrant, if unexpected, contributor during Black History Month.
Let’s be honest: Not everyone expresses support through deep dives into systemic injustice or passionate speeches about historical legacies. Sometimes, the most heartfelt allyship comes in the form of joy, inclusion, and vibrant participation—and that’s exactly how I see Hagakure showing up and why I would give Toru a 7/10.
Section 1: Her Heart—Joy As A Form of Resistance
There’s something revolutionary about joy, especially in spaces where Black people have historically been marginalized or excluded. Toru, whose superpower literally makes her invisible, understands what it’s like to feel unseen. That empathy is what connects her to the deeper emotional thread of Black excellence—because to be excellent while being overlooked is a shared experience.
Hagakure wouldn’t need to give a speech on redlining or quote Angela Davis to show that she cares. Her actions would speak through glittery photo booths, inclusive fashion shows, and culturally inspired outfits that uplift—not appropriate—Black culture. She’d be the one curating an experience that screams: “You deserve to be celebrated, you deserve to be seen.”
Section 2: Her Humility—She Wouldn’t Make It About Herself
One thing I appreciate about Toru is her humility. Despite being a core member of Class 1-A, she often steps back and lets others shine. That same humility would carry over into how she engages with Black History Month.
She wouldn’t center herself in the celebration but would instead amplify Black voices—literally and metaphorically. Whether it's encouraging her classmates to wear clothes by Black designers, promoting a playlist filled with Black artists, or asking her more outspoken peers to lead the way, Toru would understand that support sometimes looks like stepping aside to let someone else hold the mic.
Section 3: Her YouTube Assignment – “Black Culture Glow-Up: Celebrating Style and Fashion”
Picture this: A glitter-filled YouTube thumbnail with bold colors and glowing fonts. The title? “Black Culture Glow-Up: Celebrating Style and Fashion.” It would be fun, but don’t let the aesthetics fool you—there’s a deeper message underneath.
Toru would break down iconic Black fashion moments—from the Harlem Renaissance to the afrofuturistic looks of Janelle Monáe. Her video would include runway re-creations by her classmates, styling challenges featuring traditional prints like kente and Ankara, and playful commentary that ties fashion back to self-expression, resistance, and identity.
She’d probably say something like:
“Clothes aren’t just clothes. For so many Black visionaries, fashion is rebellion, celebration, and culture—all sewn together.”
And she’d be right.
Section 4: Black Excellence, Personal Ambition, and Economic Justice
Fashion and visibility go hand in hand—and economic justice is woven into the very fabric of what people wear and who gets paid for creating it. Toru, intentionally or not, would support this concept by promoting Black-owned fashion brands, accessories, and stylists in her video.
Even if she didn’t write an essay about economic inequality, the message would be clear:
Support Black creativity, buy Black, and uplift Black entrepreneurs.
Her spotlight might inspire her classmates to shop more consciously, wear their values on their sleeves (literally), and rethink how personal ambition intersects with collective progress. Black excellence, after all, isn’t just about historical accomplishments—it’s about continuing to break barriers today, including in industries like fashion, beauty, and design.
Final Thoughts: Hagakure Might Be Invisible, But Her Intentions Would Glow
In the grand landscape of My Hero Academia, Toru Hagakure is often easy to overlook. But when we talk about supporting Black history and Black futures, her approach reminds us that allyship isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Whether it’s through a joyful celebration, a playful but meaningful YouTube project, or using her energy to spotlight others, Hagakure proves that visibility doesn’t require volume—it requires intent.
And sometimes, it’s the quietest acts of celebration that echo the loudest.