As another February comes and goes, for some companies, so will the time of retweeted MLK and Malcolm X quotes; pictures of historical Black figures posted by various industries; the promotion of movies and TV shows headed by Black casts, writers, animators, and directors. However, while brands dust themselves off to bring in March, they often forget about the history makers right under their noses: the unsung heroes whose voices remain buried by the world both in and outside of their workplaces. The single mothers, the first-generation college students, the immigrants—every Black person constantly making a way out of no way.
Authentically embracing Black History Month is more than pulling quotes from the past. It’s more than adding #BHM to a username or bio on social media. It’s more than giving BHM posts a “like” or “heart.” If that was enough to lift Black voices up, perhaps we wouldn’t be where we are now, having to watch people get it twisted with #AllLivesMatter; even witnessing Black HBCU professors making inappropriate jokes about Trayvon Martin (and during his birth month/death, no less).
I’m not saying companies need to forget about the past. And I’m certainly not saying that there’s no purpose in recalling the struggles of those who paved the way for Black people. In fact, it’s cases like the situation above that are precisely why revisiting old wounds can benefit everyone. Otherwise, people get it in their heads that it’s okay to treat such sore subjects lightly, or that we’ve “gotten over it” as a community. They overestimate how many strides the country has taken towards equality and underestimate the work that still needs doing. It will always be necessary to keep those who came before us in our hearts and minds as we move forward as a society. As the saying goes, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (And repeat it has, though that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms.)
The world is a different place than it was 70 years ago, or even 10 years ago. Black people have seen many victories and suffered world-changing losses. Have had to swallow plenty of bitter pills, reminders that there’s always going to be someone who would like nothing more than to see us fail, dead, and/or forgotten. Have had to break out the BLM hashtag too many times over the last eight years.
Have had to break the movement itself down for those who just don’t understand how the distribution of power works, unable to grasp the concept of privilege; educate people on what should be common sense, like saying a group that’s had a boot on their neck for centuries asking for equal rights is not a threat to their own rights. (Yes, the #StraightPride fiasco left a foul taste in my mouth too, but I digress).
Have had to watch publishers and streaming services make the switch from keeping Black people on the sidelines, to hiding behind Black visibility and “colorblindness” to exploit them for sales.
At any rate, now that I’ve mentioned what truly celebrating BHM doesn’t look like, let’s talk about what it does look like.
It looks like getting to know the Black people around you is more than a face to slap on a company photo to prove you care about representation. Thinking of them as more than your “Black friend/coworker” to use in conversation about how #woke you are. Actually listening to their voices and stories, and how they came to be where they are now.
It means thinking twice before commenting on a Black woman’s hair (seriously, just don’t do it). Not perpetuating the fear that Black men already face outside of the workplace by making them feel less than, or preventing them from emoting. And, of course, never leaving Black trans lives out of the discussion.
It means asking questions on topics you’re less familiar with (and being mindful of how you word the questions to ensure you don’t make them uncomfortable, as with any marginalized group). Understanding that you will never fully understand their struggle, but knowing that doesn’t excuse you from trying to get at least part of the picture. Looking out for Black organizations and content creators all year round; and, when you’re able, putting a little something in the pockets of those groups or the young people around you, because greatness doesn’t always come cheap (but nor is there a time limit). Asking how you can improve their work environment, which small Black-owned businesses you can support, and maybe buying them a ko-fi when you’re looking to use their experiences on projects.
And never forgetting that the U.S. was built on the backs of slaves and immigrants and that Black history is American history.
At the end of the day, retweet and “like” and post to your heart’s content. Just don’t let that be the end of your engagement. Black people don’t disappear on March 1st, and nor do their struggles. So, do yourself a favor and look around. They’re constantly making waves, coming out, and showing out for their friends, families, jobs, and communities. History is happening all around you, and you might just be in the Zoom where it happens.
penned by Diva Ferrell
