Celebrate Darkness All Year Round
Each year in the United States there is a short 28-day window to celebrate Blackness. It’s nice to carve out a time when the whole country pauses to honor the accomplishments of blacks (although the fact that this happens in the shortest month of the year makes me wonder), blacks don’t only exist in February. Even if you had a black fist as your avatar last month, black recognition should happen for the entire year.
While black people are responsible for making the United States a truly democratic nation , there is a long way to go and respect for black lives. We continue to celebrate many innovations , and if we continue to support and celebrate black excellence throughout the year, we will take great strides towards an anti-racist society.
Lifehacker has provided several ways to recognize Blackness in our daily lives by publishing articles filled with tools , book and movie recommendations, and tips on how to conduct these important conversations . Here is a set of complementary ways that you can devote each day to the continuous development of black lives.
Expand the activity by 365 days
Instead of cramming all of your black history lessons into the shortest month of the year, schedule regular classes to expand your knowledge. Papers of Freedom lists books, playlists, documentaries, and guides to help Allies create a comprehensive and proactive plan that benefits their own growth and knowledge.
Incorporate current events into your regular study practices. Often times, Black History Month events focus on the past accomplishments of black people who have contributed to society. This is good, but in addition to laying a solid foundation in Black’s history, include current milestones. For example: Lieutenant Madeline Svegle recently became the first black female pilot of a tactical jet in the United States Navy. Milestones like Lieutenant Svegl happen every day and can be celebrated and celebrated all year round.
Have a regular conversation with your family about race and racism. The consequences of slavery and systemic racism affect everyone in this country, and action must be taken on a daily basis to instill anti-racist practices in the minds of all Americans. The University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center has published 10 Keys to Combating Racism Everyday, offering introductory steps to rethink your mind and make you think more seriously about anti-racism. Chief among these are education and intention, key factors in creating the habitual manifestations of anti-racism. While black people should think about racing every day of their lives, everyone else should think the same.
Racism exists in the housing industry, the prison industry, the war on drugs and the trade. Include weekly or daily lessons that demonstrate the connection between historical racism and the present. For example, prison labor is legal due to the 13th Amendment , which states that slavery is illegal unless the person is punished for the crime. As a result, black men and women (who are incarcerated at much higher rates ) are forced to work with little or no pay to produce the products we use every day. These exercises will help you understand how black history and systemic racism are intertwined in modern society. From there, you can take action: become a more informed voter, stop shopping in places where prison labor is used, or act as an advocate in some other way.
Shop in black business all year round
Whenever you get the opportunity, buy something from a black-owned business. Visit places like We Buy Black where you can get the same products you can find at Target but sold by black-owned businesses. Change your usual shopping habits and you will celebrate black entrepreneurship.
Make monthly donations to Black charities and projects . One of the biggest problems with systematic racism is the lack of support for black professionals in various industries. Donate to Black Creators, Black Initiatives and Black Lives Matter .
Host regular film nights featuring black
Just like you follow youtubers you like or the streaming services you like to help them become more successful, you can support black-created entertainment. Find movies and TV shows that have strong black leaders. Streaming services have tried to devote entire sections to influential black programming. Hulu’s Black Stories tab offers award-winning programs such as Atlanta, This Is Us, and United States vs. Billie Holiday . HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video offer a wide variety of Black media to educate, entertain, and encourage critical thinking.