Sometimes I worry that Black History Month is counterproductive. Yes, it’s nice to have a platform to celebrate culture and shed light on the ongoing struggles around race in America. And I’m glad it’s a month (originally It was only a week!). But BHM commemorations often feel like checking a box: “This is the time of year when I remember to support Black causes, businesses, and artists.” How wonderful would it be if, instead, these things were simply part of our lives, all year round?
That’s my dream, so this Black History Month, I’d like to highlight some favorite things to enjoy all year long…
An IG account that keeps me learning: @ashleytheebarroness He creates videos about dark, sometimes intentionally ignored corners of history, tracing each topic to the present. I have learned more from her than from all my high school history classes. A recent post discussing white supremacy (“white narcissism,” as she calls it) made me completely in his claws and saying: “Amen!” Watching Ashley is like sitting in a lecture with a charismatic and insightful professor.
A favorite poem: When I was a teenager, I won a contest for my recitation of for my people by Margaret Walker. I remember wishing I had chosen a shorter poem because it is long. But it’s also epic and beautiful, and brimming with pride and resilience. We could all use more poetry in our lives and more artists speaking truth to power, which Margaret did so elegantly.
Home decoration with message: how inspiring they are these pennants of Lightning and Honey? They make great gifts. I also love their bags, key chains, and pens, and the fact that they are a business built from the heart of a black woman.
A must-have skin care product: I recommended Beauty Stat Vitamin C Serum as a favorite product when I made CoJ’s Beauty Uniform. Five years later, my passion remains for this brightening serum, created by a pioneering black chemist.
A TV show I will always watch again: For five seasons, Insecure – starring Issa Rae, Natasha Rothwell, and other incredible actresses – made me laugh, cringe, cry, and agonize over a fictional love triangle I was more invested in than my own love life. Tell me if you’re Team Daniel or Team Lawrence. (Additional recommendations: survival of the thickest, harlem, Run the worldand of course, the classic OG, girlfriends.)
Wine from two sisters: Red wine calls to me on these cold, dark winter nights. The red mixture Black Girl Magic Wines It’s one of the best of all time, but really, you can’t go wrong with any of their bottles; They are of great quality at a reasonable price. And if you need new glasses, check out the great sets of Estelle colored glass (the amethyst! How pretty!).
A novel I can’t wait to read: When Tayari Jones publish a book, it’s an event. His fourth novel, Relativescomes out next week and the excitement has been building for MONTHS. It’s about two friends from Louisiana, whose lives take very different turns. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
A gem of a bookstore: In recent years there has been a gratifying increase in the number of black-owned bookstores. Kansas City Happiness books is run by two sisters who dreamed of opening a bookstore together (awww!) and actually did it! I love too Loyalty booksin Silver Spring, Maryland, my hometown. And if you’re in New York, check it out Liz’s Book Bar, The little bookstore and The illuminated bar.
A beautiful night of party: It’s true that I’m not the most cultured person when it comes to fine arts, but I love (love) dance. I have seen the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform several times and it is moving. The company was founded in 1958 to “enhance the African American experience while transcending the boundaries of race, faith and nationality with its universal humanity,” and nearly 70 years later, they remain steadfast in their mission. Art funding is so precarious right now, especially BIPOC art, it needs our support.
A timely article that had me feverishly nodding my head: I read a lot of long-form journalism: a batch – and I’m still thinking about this recent article on the Atlantic by Clint Smithwhich made so many points about why black history is important and why it is so critical in our current moment that we continue to fight against its erasure. Other Black journalists I admire for their insightful opinions and staying current: Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mitchell S. Jackson, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
A cause I am happy to support: As a child of the 70s and 80s, I can’t forget the iconic television commercials of the United Black College Fund (especially This The ending still makes me cry!) In the post-civil rights era, UNCF helped launch a generation of children into the middle class by giving them access to education. Decades later, their good work continues. I used one of the events in my book to raise money for UNCF and I can’t think of a better way to honor BHM than by supporting this valuable organization.
What are your own recommendations? I hope you will also share them with us.
christina pride is a writer, book editor, and content consultant living in Harlem, New York. His latest book is All the men I’ve loved againand you can read her previous Cup of Jo posts here.
PS: A reading challenge and five more things I want to tell my white friends.
(Photo by christina pride by Cristina Han for the Cup of Jo.)
