Table of contents:
Black History Month (BHM): A short history lesson
How to celebrate BHM (on and outside of gSm)
Cultural appreciation
Digital blackface
Currents (the Congo, Sudan and how to help)
Supporting Black media and a selection of accounts to follow
Support Black owned businesses
There will be a short summary at the bottom
Black History Month (BHM): A short history lesson
February is Black History Month (BHM). BHM began in the USA in 1926 back then as Black History Week. The African-American historian Carter G. Woodsen initiated the week of action. Woodson wanted to draw attention to the marginalisation of Black history in the USA. As a result, schools, museums and universities developed similar weeks of events and extended them to the whole month of February.
February was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of former US President Abraham Lincoln and civil rights activist and writer Frederick Douglass. Both played an important role in the abolition of slavery. Since 1976, every US president has officially declared February as Black History Month in the USA.
Although BHM is not officially recognised in most countries, it is increasingly being celebrated in Europe as a result of awareness-raising in the media. Racism against Black people is still widespread in our society despite a movement like Black History Month.
This year’s BHM theme in the USA focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people (ASALH.ORG).
How to celebrate BHM (on and outside of gSm) - A selection
Cultural appreciation instead of cultural appropriation
Definitions:
Cultural appreciation is when someone seeks knowledge about a culture with a genuine interest to learn and gain a greater perspective, while respecting and acknowledging the culture and its origin.
Cultural appropriation generally refers to a controversial practice with negative connotations. In the broadest sense, it describes the utilisation of things, practices or traditions from a cultural context that is not one’s own.
Digital blackface (one of its characteristics)
Digital blackface refers to instances where individuals who are not Black impersonate, mock or appropriate Black identities online, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
It‘s been frequently discussed whether it‘s appropriate for non-Black people to wear the dark(est) skin on gSm. In the past, there have been situations with users deliberately presenting themselves as Black to reinforce stereotypical behaviour.
Therefore, and as a general rule of thumb and in consideration of the community’s comfort, we recommend avoiding the use of the dark skin tone and to always listen to and amplify the voices of Black people.
But it’s just pixels?
Please see to the definition above. Blackface and harmful practices also exist in online spaces.
But I’m a Black person and I don’t mind.
Even if you don’t feel uncomfortable, this remains a general rule of thumb. Many Black people have expressed feeling uncomfortable regarding this issue. It’s still a societal aspect of racism that can‘t just be dismissed based on the views of a single individual within the group.
What about fantasy characters that have no direct connection to Black people?
We still recommend avoiding the use of the skin tone, as many Black people find it upsetting when it's used as an accessory for a costume.
Currents and what you can do
The Congo: The increasing number of industrial cobalt and copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to the displacement of entire communities.
What can I do?
Boycott big tech industries (Apple, Tesla, Google, Chinese-owned tech companies)
Don’t buy new electronics (refurbished or used instead of brand new)
Rethink your consumer lifestyle choices
Information: https://friendsofthecongo.org
Sudan: The conflict in Sudan is a genocide, driven by non-Sudanese forces following the collapse of a power-sharing agreement. Since April 2023, violence has escalated, resulting in thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and widespread atrocities, with foreign support worsening the crisis.
What can I do?
Boycott the UAE and all products/services associated with the UAE
Information: https://www.sudancoup.com
Supporting Black media and sharing informative posts on own social media
Black media outlets have long been at the forefront of highlighting Black experiences, achievements, and challenges. They provide spaces for meaningful dialogue and storytelling, addressing issues such as systemic racism, social justice, and empowerment.
Black voices to follow - A selection.
red_maat
sudan.updates
congofriends
chakabars
Supporting Black owned businesses
Economic inequality is still a pervasive issue and Black-owned businesses are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to white-owned businesses. On top of the normal challenges of running a business, Black business owners must also navigate the considerable funding gap between white and Black- owned businesses.
Linguistics:
Definition and origin of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE): AAVE is a variety of English spoken by African-American population in the US. AAVE emerged from African slaves coming in contact with indentured servants and learning their dialect in order to communicate with the servants and each other. Over time, this dialect evolved into AAVE. Social media convey detached terms and linguistic turns of phrase. It is therefore important that we understand the historical background of this dialect. AAVE is by no means overused or a GenZ language, but part of an identity of African-Americans.
Examples of AAVE: no cap, thick, hood, my bad, on god, lit, shook, man, bro, cool, …
SUMMARY:
February marks Black History Month (BHM), originating in 1926 to spotlight Black history.
Celebrate by appreciating Black culture in various forms: history, linguistics, ...
The happenings in the Congo and Sudan and how you can personally help.
Support Black-owned businesses and follow Black media.
Now it’s your turn! Share some aspects you find inspiring and that celebrate Black culture (for example music, either modern or classic. or anything else) or drop some fun facts HERE
Let's Celebrate Black History Month!
Love from the Inclusivity Group