My mom is a Pan-Africanist. My dad is still Orthodox Sunni Muslim, but he's super fun. He worked in television for years. He was a Black Panther.

In this quote, SZA gives a glimpse into the diverse and rich backgrounds of her parents, which have shaped her worldview and identity. She mentions that her mom is a Pan-Africanist, a term referring to the belief in the unity and solidarity of African nations and people of African descent. This suggests that her mother values African heritage, empowerment, and global unity. On the other hand, her dad is described as an Orthodox Sunni Muslim, reflecting a different cultural and religious background, but SZA notes that he is "super fun," showing that despite their differences, her parents maintained a vibrant and loving dynamic.

SZA highlights her father's involvement in television and his past as a Black Panther, which points to his active participation in social and political movements aimed at securing justice and equality for the Black community. The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary organization in the 1960s and 70s, known for its focus on self-defense, Black empowerment, and addressing systemic oppression. By sharing this, SZA connects her father's historical activism with the values of resilience and social justice.

The juxtaposition of her mother’s Pan-Africanism and her father’s commitment to both Islam and the Black Panther Party reveals a blend of cultural, political, and spiritual influences in SZA's upbringing. She presents a unique and multi-layered perspective on how her parents’ identities shaped her own understanding of identity, community, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

SZA’s quote reflects the complexity of her family’s background, revealing how intersectionality plays a significant role in shaping one's identity. By acknowledging both her mother's political activism and her father's involvement in the Black Panther movement, SZA emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse influences and finding strength in one's heritage.