Black History Month 2017 is at it’s end, and next week I’ll still be black. Next week, I’ll still carry the burdens with my brothers and sisters. But I’ll also carry their strength. Our pro-blackness should last throughout the whole year, the empowerment, the self love, the support, the magic. Here is a list of seven things that black people should keep doing after the month is over.
Our pro-blackness should last throughout the whole year.
1.) Listening To Empowering Music
As Lauryn Hill once said “music is supposed to inspire.” They say that music makes the world go round, that it is food for the soul. Put on music that makes you feel good, listen to the lyrics, sing it, blast it, dance to it, do whatever helps you express yourself. Do it every day.
2.) Purchasing From Black Owned Businesses
Give your black dollars to black businesses as often as you can. We have to continue to help each other flourish in the business world. Can’t find any black owned businesses? Search Twitter, Etsy and Tumblr for online shops. Step out and find some local ones. (Pssst- Shifting your snack runs from Walgreens to the corner store makes all the difference.)
3.) Embracing Your Features
Love your hair, love your skin tone, love your plump lips. Love your blackness.
4.) Wearing Your Traditional Cultural Wear
From your head wraps to your dashiki’s, embracing your culture will never get old. Whether you grew up around it or you’re just now freeing yourself from assimilation, it’s never a bad thing to feel connected to your roots.
5.) Black Excellence
You do you. Whether you’re into medicine, art, music, science, or anything in between, pursue your dreams. Define the odds. We’ve had to fight harder for our opportunities, and we should continue to work hard, we’re great by nature, keep it that way.
6.) Uplift Each Other
Black people need black friends. (And be selective about who you decide to befriend, keep positive, uplifting people in your life.) We need to continue to boost each other, moral support is important if we want to see each other grow.
7.) #BlackOutDay
I have know that this will continue after the month is over, as it is pretty prominent within’ the black inter-webs. In fact, if you didn’t know, the next Black Out Day is March 6th 2017. Black Out Day is not only meant to empower one another, as said by its creators; Marissa Rei, NuKirk and T’Von, Black Out Day is meant to show that we are more than what the media portrays us as, it highlights how beautiful we are, how resilient we are, and much more. Personally, I’ve found that whether I sit out or join in, Black Out Days make me happy. I love the pure message and all of the positivity. It’s great for our community.
I have no doubt that your pro-blackness will last throughout every other month of the year. Keep your fist up, and let’s continue to prosper together.
