Black History Month is Your Start
One of the things that we need to talk about as a community is that often Black History Month is used as a time for a lot of marketing and brands to push the agenda of inclusivity, but with where things are right now—at least for American politics—inclusivity and any DEI efforts are being pushed aside in favor of racism and more. This is why, more than ever, it's important that we recognize the importance of Black history and learning about what Black history means for our society.
One of the things that we can do better is recognizing the efforts and the actual history of Black creatives within our community and historically for how they contribute to our society as a whole. My hope is that in the time that you are reading this blog, you also take some time to take a look at our glossary of historical figures and learn about somebody new today. However, in the meantime, let's talk about ways that we can do a little bit better for our community during Black History Month, and the ways that you can truly make it your starting point rather than letting it be a buzzword or short trajectory of support for the 28 days of February.
This is a reminder that there is a hashtag for February that is meant to uplift and support alternative fashion members. I will link an archive that will show you resources and work that has been done by Pink Energy Productions, along with community members who have advocated consistently within the space.
#28daysofblackjfashion + #28daysofblackalternativefashion #28daysofblackcosplay
Make this month a reminder that it is a good time to connect with the Black community all over the world. While of course there is a lot of work done by us on Kawaii Riot for Black Americans, we do want to remind people that anti-Blackness is still very prevalent all over the world and is something that we are working on addressing and providing more information on in Kawaii Riot.
Black History Month is just the beginning. A lot of us are living within the horrific lens of anti-Blackness on a regular basis, but we do want to remind you that this is the month for you to start being a part of these conversations and learning and advocating for our community alongside us. There are so many ways that you can be supportive beyond these 28 days, but we do want you to take this time to make it your start so that you can make a difference and be more intentional about how you celebrate Black History Month and Black history and creatives all year long.
Explore Diverse Media: Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and read books about Black history. Use the curated resources linked in the blog to expand your understanding.
Read Works by Black Authors and Poets: Discover and read literature and poetry by Black authors to gain diverse perspectives often missing in mainstream media.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Integrate Black-owned businesses and restaurants into your regular shopping habits and routines to offer continual support.
Donate to Black-Led Organizations: Contribute to organizations that support critical issues within the Black community, such as mental health, housing, financial wellness, and education.
Learn About and Advocate Against Harmful Policies: Educate yourself about policies that negatively impact the Black community and engage with local politicians to advocate for change.
Follow and Amplify Black Creators: Support and share work from Black creators on social media to help elevate their platforms.
Check Out "Unlaced Beyond 28 Days" Zine: Engage with and support the upcoming zine that features Black alternative fashion, art, photography, and stories.
Participate in Book Clubs: Join book clubs that focus on Black literature to engage in meaningful discussions and community learning.
Create and Share Educational Content: If you're a content creator, share educational resources about Black history and current issues to help inform your audience.
Volunteer in Community Initiatives: Get involved in community service projects that directly benefit the Black community, like community gardens or fridges.
Promote and Engage with Black Media: Support projects and media produced by Black creatives that showcase Black art and culture.
Connect with Your Community: Build relationships with your neighbors and local community members to better understand and support each other.
WHAT IS BLACK LIVES MATTER?
“Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives” - BLM
HOW DOES BLM APPLY TO ALTERNATIVE FASHION?
Simply put Black people exist in alternative fashion spaces, and while representation of that presence is diminished severely in the global community its importance to recognize the racial bias and systematic oppression that occurs in society. This greatly impacts Black alternatives and the movement is to create a safer environment for those judged solely on the color of their skin.
WHY DON’T I SEE MORE BLACK ALTERNATIVES IN THE COMMUNITY?
Representation in alternative fashion is severely low. While the community is made up of several diverse backgrounds, social media and alternative brands focus on one look to further showcase these styles. It’s not that Black alternative fashion is absent it’s just not as supported in these spaces that rely heavily on one look for an aesthetic.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT BLM IN ALTERNATIVE FASHION COMMUNITY?
It all begins with acknowledging that the movement is important. Work towards encouraging, amplifying, and uplifting Black alternative fashionistas in all styles. Learn from the resources provided by Black alternative fashion icons.
BOOKS & ARTICLES
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity by C. Riley Snorton
Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington
Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-First Century by Dorothy E. Roberts
