Usher has gained a lot of respect in the black community with his decision to wear a wonderful t-shirt during his Independence Day performance at the Essence Festival.

The singer wore a tshirt July Fourth spelled out on it, but it was crossed out in red and blue. Under this was thh phrase Juneteenth in all capital letters. However, he didn’t stop there. Usher entered the stage with a black leather jacket on it that said “Have we truly achieved our independence” on the back.

Once the crowd recognized the wording on his jacket and shirt, they went crazy. Not long afterwards, the internet blew up in excitement and appreciate of the black celebrity sending a shout out to the black community on America’s birthday.

[ADSENSE2] Once the crowd recognized the wording on his jacket and shirt, they went crazy. Not long afterwards, the internet blew up in excitement and appreciate of the black celebrity sending a shout out to the black community on America’s birthday.

We praised his message and courage, but have been waiting for him to say something about the ordeal. He did so via his Instagram page speaking on the sentiment behind the shirt:

“If you’re gonna celebrate, know what you’re celebrating,” he wrote. “We must know who we are in order be [sic] our best selves.”

SOUND OFF: Do you think this will lead to future conscious, solidarity moments by Usher?