February 1 marked the start of Black History Month; when the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world highlight and commemorate the contributions and lives of Black people, particularly Black Americans, and reflect on historical injustices and inequality that continues today. It’s an opportunity to learn the deeper stories of those who went before us, to celebrate remarkable individuals, and to commit to the continued fight for racial justice and equality.
We’re sharing a few stories we’ve enjoyed this week honoring Black women in particular. From recommended reading and Black women’s health to learning about trailblazing Black women and making good on our commitment to racial justice, we believe it’s crucial to uplift Black women—now and all year long.
Protect Black Women Isn’t Just a Slogan. It Requires Real Work., from The Huffington Post—“The undisputed dignity of Black womanhood, as it turns out, is the highest form of self-preservation, not in spite of her family, her friends, her communities or the world, but because if the BLACK WOMAN can experience freedom, then everyone else can follow. Perhaps that’s why the stories and words of Wells, Cooper, civil rights activist Gloria Richardson, freedom fighter Fannie Lou Hamer, lawyer Pauli Murray, transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson and so many others ring as loud wake-up calls to jolt us toward action.”
32 Books Bestselling Authors Recommend To Honor and Celebrate Black History, from Today—“Harris followed her debut picture book, ‘Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea,’ with a story about a young girl who sees a strong woman labeled as ‘too ambitious’ and discovers the ways girls and women ‘can reframe, redefine and reclaim words meant to knock them down,’ she says. ‘I wrote this book for anyone — of any age or gender — but particularly for women and Black girls who have ever been underestimated or overshadowed.’”
The Incredible Black Canadian Women You Should Know, from Refinery29—“I hope all the ‘listening and learning’ and feigned wokeness of last summer starts to pay off in tangible ways this month. This is the time for allies to prove they’ve actually been listening. It’s their time to pick up the burden. I hope this month is different not just because non-Black people are promising to do better, but because they are actually following through.”
This Black History Month, Stop Asking Black Women To Do the Most, from Bustle—“Black women don’t just need praise for all of this. We need sponsorship. We need fair wages for freelance work and an end to the income gap disparity. We need college loan debt forgiveness. We need strong allies and mentors.”
12 Organizations That Support Black Women’s Physical and Emotional Health, from Women’s Health—“As caregivers, mothers, essential workers—and having to deal with racial injustice and challenges of living as a Black person in America—Black women can find immense comfort in organizations that provide culturally competent care, meaning care and treatment that effectively factors in and is tailored to meet a patient’s unique cultural and social experiences and needs. […] These 12 organizations span the health and wellness spectrum and are advocating for the physical and mental vitality of Black women, and supporting them on their personal wellness journeys.”
