What does “woke” mean?

Woke is a slang term that refers to a heightened level of social awareness regarding issues of social and racial justice. It is often used to describe someone who is actively involved in advocating for equality and challenging societal norms and structures that perpetuate oppression. The term originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained mainstream popularity in the 2010s, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. While some people may use the term sarcastically or dismissively, it is generally considered a positive attribute to be “woke” and to be engaged in the fight for social justice.