đ Shine On, But Learn the Shadows Too
Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia
By Sterling, Founder of Black Cards Of History LLC
⨠Character Focus: Yuga Aoyama â 6/10
The Flamboyant Flash vs. the Real Weight of History
When I first started brainstorming the Rise Beyond Legacy collection, I knew this series had to be more than just anime references mixed with dashikis or Afro-inspired overlays. It had to be intentional. It had to speak truth to power. And, to be honest, when it came time to think about what Yuga Aoyama would do during Black History Month, I had mixed feelings.
Aoyama is... a lot. Flashy, self-absorbed, and hopelessly enamored with himself, heâs the type of person who might show up to a Black History Month panel wearing rhinestones and quoting BeyoncĂŠ out of context. But that doesn't mean his presence is unimportant â it just means it would need a little guidance.
đ Artistry Meets Awareness
If thereâs one thing Aoyama brings to the table, itâs drama. From his bedazzled belt buckle to his need to âtwinkleâ at every opportunity, he sees the world through a lens of performance and fashion. And in a way, thereâs power in that â because art has always been a vehicle for revolution.
Think about it. Black history is filled with individuals who used art to challenge systems, uplift voices, and redefine beauty: Josephine Baker, Basquiat, Eartha Kitt, Prince â the list goes on. These are people Aoyama would naturally gravitate toward, not because of their politics (at least not initially), but because of their aesthetic boldness and unapologetic individuality.
In that sense, I believe Aoyama would genuinely want to honor Black excellence â just in his own over-the-top, theatrical way.
đť The YouTube Assignment: âTwinkle Through Time: A Black History Month Fashion Showâ
Now, if Class 1-A was assigned a YouTube video to celebrate Black History Month, you already know Aoyamaâs submission would be dripping in glitter and feathers. His concept? A fashion show dedicated to Black cultural icons. Picture him modeling inspired outfits:
- A shimmering tuxedo-channeling Prince, complete with a purple backdrop and fog machine
- A 1920s cabaret look to honor Josephine Baker, complete with pearls and jazz playing softly
- A Black Pantherâinspired runway strut for Huey Newton, blending leather with protest symbolism
- A gold-trimmed high-collar tribute to Pharaoh Taharqa, representing Black royalty and resistance
- It would be visually stunning. But I wouldnât be surprised if the history part was more footnote than focus.
đŹ The Challenge: Shine with Substance
Hereâs where I get critical â but lovingly so. Aoyamaâs heart would be in the right place, but the question becomes: Is intention enough when talking about Black history?
We live in a world where Black culture is often celebrated, yet Black people are marginalized â where the style gets uplifted, but the struggle gets silenced. So when characters like Aoyama â and even real-life influencers â jump in to "celebrate" without doing the work to understand, it can feel hollow.
Still, I donât think we should dismiss his efforts. Instead, we should challenge people like him to go deeper. Why? Because we donât just need supporters â we need allies. And allies arenât afraid to learn, to listen, and to show up beyond the camera.
đ¤ Black Excellence Meets Personal Ambition
Whatâs interesting is that Aoyamaâs obsession with being seen â his need to sparkle â has parallels in Black history. So many Black creatives, thinkers, and leaders had to fight just to be acknowledged. They didnât have the luxury of blending in. They had to shine despite systems working against them.
So maybe Aoyamaâs journey isnât just about glam â maybe it mirrors the tension between wanting to be yourself and being seen as âtoo much.â And thatâs a very Black experience, too.
In a world where Black ambition is often misunderstood or punished, celebrating Black excellence isnât just about gold outfits and bold vocals â itâs about economic justice, representation, and reclaiming narratives. Iâd love to see Aoyama, in his own way, learn that lesson.
â Final Thoughts
Would Aoyama be the deepest contributor to a school-wide Black History Month celebration at U.A. High? No. But would he show up with heart, energy, and an open mind? Absolutely.
And sometimes, thatâs where the work begins â showing up, being willing to listen, and learning that the real shine comes not from rhinestones... but from respect.