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.

Racial discrimination today (frequent cases):

Racial profiling: 

- Racial profiling is a reality, with Black people being the target of searches and arrests by the police on a daily basis.

 

Discrimination against on the labour market and when looking for accommodation: 

- The majority of cases take place in the private sector and in public, for example in the workplace, at school or when looking for accommodation.

 

 

Latent xenophobia:

- Cases of unequal treatment or offensive and aggressive language.

 

How to celebrate BHM 

- Cultural appreciation instead of cultural appropriation

 

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. 

Linguistics:

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, …

 

Fashion, music, literature:

• Get in touch with the Black culture, be it through fashion, music, books, language or Black history. Make sure you are recognising Black culture and not appropriating it. Below are some some names of influential Black people who have shaped the fashion or music industry:
• Fashion: Virgil Abloh, Oliver Rousteing, Dapper Dan, Aurora James, Tracy Reese, and many more…
• Music: Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Prince, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Etta James, Michael Jackson, and many more…
• Black literature: LINK

 

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. 

 

Supporting Black media and sharing informative posts on own social media

Despite their cultural influence, the amount of media dollars allocated to Black media outlets is still disproportionately low. While Black-owned media has observed growth overall on spending in their market, between 2021-2022, these networks only made up 1.16% of total ad spend.  

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. 

Donate to anti-racism charities

• The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) The ACLU has been at the centre of nearly every major civil liberties battle in the U.S. for more than 100 years. 
• NAACP Grassroots activism for civil rights and social justice issues in the U.S.
• Doctors Without Borders Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural and human-made disasters, and exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries.
• Save the Children Save the Children has worked in the DRC since 1994 to meet humanitarian needs of children, reaching more than 2.5 million people in 2022.
  
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Become antiracist
No one is born racist or antiracist; these result from the choices we make. Being antiracist results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection. In the absence of making antiracist choices, we consciously or unconsciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white-dominant culture, and unequal and unjust institutions. Being antiracist is believing that racism is everyone’s problem, and we all have a role to play in stopping it. Acknowledge and understand personal privilege, work to change internalised racism, and interrupt racism when you see it. 

 

TLDR:

• February marks Black History Month (BHM), originating in 1926 to spotlight Black history.

• Celebrate by appreciating Black culture in various forms: Music, fashion, literature, history.

• Support Black-owned businesses and Black media. 

• Contribute to anti-racism charities.

• Foster an antiracist mindset by consistently making equitable choices and challenging racism.

 

We wish you a Happy Black History Month!

 

Love from the Inclusivity Group