North Star Editions’ Post

As Black History Month comes to a close, I want to state the obvious. Black History and the essential contributions of Black people in American History should be sought, learned, valued, and celebrated 12 months of the year, not just February. DEI initiatives should include programming centered around issues Black individuals face year-round, not just one month. It is not the responsibility of BIPOC to educate you on their lived experiences, nor is it the responsiblity of one Black individual to represent the Black community at large. Let Black History Month be a springboard for year-round, life-long learning. If you're up for the challenge, here are some tangible ways I plan to expand my personal knowledge and celebration of Black History this year: - Learn the story of Black History Month, how it began and why it's celebrated - Support local Black owned businesses - Watch 3 Black History documentaries or movies (I plan to watch "Black is King" by Beyonce, "The Black Beauty Effect" on Netflix, and "13th" on Netflix) - Read 2 books by Black Authors (I'm planning to read, "Fearing the Black Body" by Sabrina Strings, and "In Search of the Crown" by Catherine Grace Pope) - Listen to a podcast about Black Music History (For the Culture: The History of Black Music) I recognize these are very small things, but we have to start somewhere!

This Black History Month, we're highlighting influential Black voices and organizations who have made an impact on health equity and policy. In an October 2023 article, Zachary Dyer and coauthors discuss the Structural Racism Effect Index, which measures exposure to structural racism effects in nine domains, and is freely available online. Read the full paper: https://hubs.la/Q02l17NH0

How can arts and culture organizations forge deeper connections with Black communities? A report by The Wallace Foundation investigates this question, analyzing feedback from 50 Black Americans. It reveals key strategies for creating a welcoming environment through celebrating creativity, supporting self-care, establishing trust, and ensuring inclusivity—strategies that can provide a roadmap for meaningful engagement with this essential audience. Learn more in the report: https://lnkd.in/e_cxukfZ

🗣️ Happy Black History Month! 🎉 Let's celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of black individuals throughout history. Here are some suggestions on how you can observe and celebrate this important month: 📚 Educate yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that highlight black history and achievements. Expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of black individuals. 🎨 Support black artists: Visit galleries, buy artwork, or listen to music created by black artists. Show your appreciation for their talent and help uplift their voices. 🌍 Explore black culture: Try different cuisines, learn about traditional dances, or attend cultural events that showcase the diversity of black culture. Embrace the beauty and richness of their traditions. 💪 Support black-owned businesses: Shop at black-owned stores, dine at black-owned restaurants, or use services provided by black entrepreneurs. Help empower and uplift the black community economically. 👥 Engage in conversations: Have open and honest discussions about race, inequality, and the importance of black history. Share your knowledge and encourage others to do the same. 📢 Spread awareness: Share informative posts, articles, or videos on social media to raise awareness about black history and the achievements of black individuals. Use hashtags like #BlackHistoryMonth to reach a wider audience. Let's come together to celebrate and honor the incredible contributions of black individuals. 🙌✨ #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateDiversity

Have you read You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience? This powerful book weaves together deeply personal narratives that explore the intersections of vulnerability, shame, and resilience within the Black community. Each essay offers profound insights, fostering empathy and understanding while challenging societal norms. An essential read for anyone committed to social justice, personal growth, and the celebration of Black voices. I highly recommend it!

Every February, we observe Black History Month to celebrate the immense contributions, cultures, and histories of the Black community. For non-Black people, this month (and all months really!) must be about doing the work: the learning and the un-learning needed to show up as anti-racist allies. One way we like to do this is by reading and amplifying the work of Black female writers, such as Alice Walker and Maya Angelou who paint "powerful pictures of Black history and show how it shapes our present." Get nerdy with us and dive into these reads! Is there a book on your list that you're reading this Black History Month? Let us know in the comments. #blackhistorymonth #books #womenofcolour #blackauthors #diversityandinclusion

Give this a like if you've already read some of these books! ❤️ 📚 Embrace the power of literature this Black History Month with these thought-provoking banned books. Banning books, especially those focused on diversity, restricts access to essential perspectives and voices that need to be heard. These stories challenge the status quo, ignite conversations, and shed light on important issues faced by the Black community. 📖 By reading and sharing these banned books, we stand against censorship and champion the importance of diverse voices in our society. Which one will you pick up first? 

Black History Month should not be the only time that we learn and think about the contributions and experiences of Black Americans. Black people have contributed to every aspect of American society, culture, and politics, so telling our histories is about more than recognition — it’s about honoring our humanity and respecting our right to call America home. Learning about Black history provides a fuller, culturally inclusive perspective of America. Black history is for everyone, every day of the year. So this year, extend your celebration beyond February with learning and recognition of Black history throughout the year. 👉 Challenge your biases about Black people. 👉 Read books by Black authors. 👉 Watch films by Black screenwriters. 👉 Support Black businesses. 👉 Let Black people share their histories, and listen. Double tap if you agree that #BlackHistoryIsEveryDay. And learn more here: https://ow.ly/qvyn50QyVtv #RacialJustice #RacialEquity #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory #BlackHistoryMonth

As we begin Black History Month, let's reflect on the struggles against racial injustice, the impact of systemic oppression, and the resilience of Black communities. By recognising influential figures and pivotal events, this month aims to educate and inspire, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and ongoing challenges faced by Black people worldwide. With the theme "Reclaiming Narratives". And how do you plan to engage with this theme? #Blackhistorymonth #Blackexcellence #ProudofmyHeritage

TREAT BLACK HISTORY MONTH LIKE 🎄 CHRISTMAS 🎄 ! ✊ Black History Month ✊ = The well-meaning question ❓, “What can I do, as an ally,  to support BHM?” Talk about BHM like Christmas 🎅 .  Tell the stories and share the gifts 🎁 provided by the Black community. Decorate for BHM like Christmas.  Light up 🕯 your community and create awareness. Attend and host BHM parties 🎉 .  Invite people over, host events, and discuss BHM. Lean into the consumerism 💰 of Black artists and Black businesses.  Buy 💲 educational gifts and spend within the Black community. 🗣 Talk About It So Much I Don’t Need To 🗣.  Allow the Black community to take a rest from ‘pushing forward’ or ‘breaking through’ to those who still don’t realize the corporate and social benefits of an equitable and diverse society. Allies, YOU CAN DO THIS.  You are familiar with the 📖 playbook.  Literally, treat Black History Month like Christmas and watch how it changes your community.