Here in the United States, February is Black History Month, a cultural heritage month in which we celebrate the achievements, accomplishments, and contributions African Americans have made in this country. Every year, we come together to learn, appreciate, and dig more deeply into our understanding of Black history and culture.
The theme of Black History Month 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. (USA Today)
Productive ways to celebrate Black History Month can include:
- Reading books by Black authors and poets
- Learning more about the history of Hip Hop
- Studying the lives of specific Black Americans, such as Benjamin Banneker
- Investigating the history of the Civil Rights Movement in your state
- Reading a biography of our first African American president, Barack Obama
Of course, another great way to celebrate Black culture is through exploring the marketplace and finding out what African American inventors, creators, and business owners are doing right now in 2021. Fortunately, our friends over at Amazon have made it easier than ever to do just that.
7 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month on Amazon
Amazon has gathered together collections of Black voices, artists, creators, inventors, and business owners. By gathering them together, they’ve made it easier than ever for us to discover new favorites. Click through to these dedicated Amazon pages to explore Black history, art, culture, and innovation.
1. Celebrate Black voices.
Black authors are the voices of their generation. They put into words all that the rest of us struggle to express. By taking their thoughts and putting them on paper, they’ve created a living record of their experience of being Black in America. Authors like Ibram X. Kendi, Jaqueline Woodson, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and Jon Meacham are stand-out writers whose works especially should not be missed.
A few bestsellers you may want to consider picking up:
- Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
- Michelle Duster’s Ida the Queen
- Jame’s McBride’s Deacon King Kong
Of course, if you’re looking for other ways to celebrate Black voices during Black History Month, there are myriad other great books to choose from. Be sure to take your time, peruse the titles, and choose a book you simply can’t put down.
2. Hear stories from small, Black-owned brands.
Every successful start-up has a past, and every product tells a story. This Black History Month, you have the opportunity to meet the faces behind the brands and learn more about the creation and passion behind several Amazon Launchpad products.
- Orijin Bees created dolls that promote inclusivity and diversity
- Grandma Sunshine and Naa-Sakle Akuete built a sustainable shea butter business
- Orlando of OCR Industries invented a mobile desk solution
Through learning the stories behind these Black-owned brands, we can not only appreciate the product itself but also the wealth of creativity available to us today.
3. Celebrate Black artisans and makers.
These unique pieces provided by Black-owned businesses include stunning handmade jewelry, luxurious beauty products, all-natural skincare lines, and African-inspired accessories. Because the vast majority of these businesses are powered by Black women, lending them your support can go a long way toward promoting equality and celebrating Blackness at the same time. Come peruse these high-quality products from Black artisans and makers, and see what catches your eye.
4. Buy Black on Amazon.
One of the best ways to support a community and create sustainable change is by shopping Black businesses. This Black History Month, peruse Amazon’s Black-owned, Black-run, and Black-serviced product lines. Everything from educational products to clothes to home decor and fair-trade coffees are available for your shopping pleasure. Come buy Black!
5. Support Black-owned beauty.
We all know Black is beautiful. But Black beauty products take it to a whole new level. Almost exclusively, these products are created by Black people, for Black people.
- Hair care
- Makeup
- Personal care
- Skincare
Whether you’re in the market for some vegan matte lipstick, body wash specially calibrated for African radiance, a curl protein reconstructor for natural hair, or a knockout eyeshadow palette, you’ve come to the right place. These products are made with you in mind. Shop Black-owned beauty products today.
6. Watch Black films and TV.
Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, drama, psychological thrillers, documentaries, or anything in between, the Black History Month collection over on Amazon Prime has got you covered. Featuring everything from classic BET shows to movies featuring strong Black leads to a full section featuring the late, great Cicely Tyson, this collection has it on deck.
A few unmissable options:
- Marvel’s Black Panther
- Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan
- Jordan Peele’s Us
- Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America
It’s important that we sample from the well of movies, scripted TV shows, and documentaries featuring Black actors and told by Black storytellers. Through the lens of Black films and TV shows, we’re able to come together with family and friends to learn from the past, grapple with the present, imagine a better future, and celebrate enduring Black joy through it all.
7. Celebrate Black history month in style.
Lest we forget the reason for the season, Amazon has pulled together a list of current Black History Makers in one spot, highlighting their accomplishments, zeal, and drive. In this one central location, everyone from small business owners—such as Johny Delvar and Christopher Mundy, who created the practical Lock It Plates—to artists, hair care and skin product providers, and architects enjoy a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Come discover new products and help celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation in the Black community along the way!
Dig Deep
This Black History Month, don’t be afraid to take your time, engage with the history and culture of the Black Community, support small businesses, and celebrate Black culture. Don’t miss your chance to dig deep. We trust you’ll enjoy all that you encounter. As you read your new books, enjoy your fresh art, and learn from the lessons of the past, don’t forget to take some time to contemplate the future. Today’s events will become tomorrow’s Black History.