February is Black History Month, and we’re happy to have teamed up with Tori Bell to bring you a 28 Day Black History Month Challenge.
Tori is the founder of Black Women at Facebook and the creator of Inclusion Unpacked, a new newsletter that helps founders, community managers, and leaders navigate the current diversity climate.
We know that celebrating Black History shouldn’t be limited to one month (and the shortest month at that). However, this month we want to provide you with a guide to begin or grow in your lifelong journey towards ally ship.
Black History Month: 28 Day Challenge
Tori will be sharing additional insights and resources in her newsletter throughout Black History Month, so make sure you subscribe!
SUBSCRIBE TO INCLUSION UNPACKED HERE
The challenge is pretty simple: each day, there is a new prompt and an action to take. Pick at least 5 action items to commit to this month, and comment on this post letting us know you’re IN:
February 1st: Commit to the Challenge
Select at least 5 items you plan to commit to during Black History Month.
February 2nd ~ Learn: Black Greek Organizations
Black Greek Organizations are a prominent figure within the Black Collegiate culture. Read this article to educate yourself on its history. Fun Fact: Kamala Harris is a member of the Black Greek Organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
February 3rd ~ Donate to the Loveland Foundation
Today’s action is to make a donation to the Loveland Foundation, which is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls.
February 4th ~ Read: Colorism in Hollywood
Colorism exists within the Black Community. Today, read Viola Davis’ explanation of how it exists in Hollywood.
February 5th ~ Discuss: The Importance of Black History on American History
Black History Month should be shared and celebrated by all. Host a conversation about what you’ve learned or what you hope to learn this month with a friend or family member.
February 6th ~ Follow: Elaine Welteroth
Elaine is a journalist and co-anchor of CBS’ The Talk. On social media, Elaine highlights Black culture and discusses issues surrounding the Black community today.
Instagram: @elainewelteroth
Twitter: @elainewelteroth
February 7th ~ Reflect: Why do you think we celebrate Black History Month?
Today is a journal prompt, to offer reflection on your journey so far. Take a few minutes to journal and think about what you have learned so far. And then, keep going!
February 8th ~ Shop: Phenomenal Woman
Phenomenal Media brings awareness to issues affecting underrepresented communities. Support Phenomenal by purchasing one of their sweatshirts which doubles as “wearable activism” (plus, they’re super cute). P.S. their founder Meena Harris is Kamala Harris’ niece!
February 9th ~ Learn: Black Wall Street
In the early 20th century Black Americans created a self-sufficient prosperous business district known as “Black Wall Street.” Read this article to learn about why it was founded, and why it no longer exists today.
February 10th ~ Donate: The Bail Project
The Bail Project™ National Revolving Bail Fund is a critical tool to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.
February 11th ~ Watch: Laverne Cox Presents “The T Word”
Hosted by Laverne Cox (star of the Netflix show ‘Orange is the New Black’) this one-hour documentary will take viewers inside the lives of seven trans youths who, until recently, may not have even felt safe sharing their lives with others.
February 12th ~ Discuss: The Importance of Black History Month with Your Community
Black History Month should be shared and celebrated by all. Host a conversation about what you’ve learned or what you hope to learn this month with your community.
February 13th ~ Follow: Rachel Cargle
Rachel Cargle is an author, speaker, and activist known for her involvement in anti-racism work. She also founded the Loveland Foundation.
Instagram: @rachel.cargle
Twitter: @rachel.cargle
February 14th ~ Reflect: The Most Inspirational Story I’ve Seen this Month Is…
Today is a journal prompt, to offer reflection on the stories you have heard this month. Take a few minutes to journal and think about what story has impacted you the most, and why.
February 15th ~ Shop: Jade Purple Brown Artwork
Jade Purple Brown is an artist living in New York City. Her artwork uses strong figures, vibrant colors, and messages of optimism to create new, dynamic worlds of individuality and empowerment.
February 16th ~ Read: “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
James Baldwin was an author and activist, and much of his work is referenced to this day. Order or begin reading “The Fire Next Time.”
February 17th ~ Donate: National Black Disability Coalition
Founded in 1990, in response to the need for Black people with disabilities to organize around mutual concerns, NBDC is dedicated to examining and improving; community leadership, family inclusion, entrepreneurship, civil rights, service delivery systems, education and information and Black disabled identity and culture through the lenses of ableism and racism.
Make a donation to the National Black Disability Coalition here.
February 18th ~ Watch: I Am Not Your Negro
This movie is James Baldwin’s personal account of the civil rights movement, and his stories reminds us that there is still much work to be done.
February 19th ~ Discuss: What You’ve Learned with Your Community
Black History Month should be shared and celebrated by all. Host a conversation about what you’ve learned so far with a friend, family member, or your community.
February 20th ~ Follow: Janaya Future Khan
Known as ‘Future’ within the Black Lives Matter movement, Janaya is a black, queer, gender-nonconforming activist (pronouns: they, them, theirs), staunch Afrofuturist and social-justice educator who presents an enlightening point of view on police brutality and systemic racism.
Instagram: @janayathefuture
Twitter: @janaya_khan
February 21st ~ Reflect: What did learning about James Baldwin teach you?
Today is a journal prompt, to offer reflection on the works of James Baldwin you read. Take a few minutes to journal and think about his words have taught you and how they impacted you.
February 22nd ~ Shop: The Lip Bar
Support The Lip Bar, a Black Woman founded, cruelty-free beauty company that promotes representation of all shades.
February 23rd ~ Donate: Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code is devoted to showing the world that black girls can code, and do so much more. Make a donation to them today here.
February 24th ~ Watch: Paris is Burning
This documentary film is directed by Jennie Livingston. Filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s, it chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it.
The film is available on streaming platforms (depending on where you live) or you can rent it online.
February 25th ~ Reflect: Why do you think the movie Paris is Burning was revolutionary?
Today is a journal prompt to offer reflection on the movie Paris is Burning which you just watched. Take a few minutes to journal and think about the film: why was it so revolutionary?
February 26th ~ Follow: Danielle Young
Danielle is the Host of “The Danielle Young Show” on Instagram, highlighting Black stories of today. Give her a follow today to have more Black stories in your Instagram feed!
Instagram: @thedanielleyoung
Twitter: @rhapsodani
February 27th ~ Learn: Madame CJ Walker
Madame CJ Walker was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist. She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America! Read this article to learn more about her.
February 28th ~ Commit to Life-long Allyship
Remember, learning about Black History shouldn’t be limited to one month – share what you’ve learned within your community! Commit to lifelong learning and allyship, and continuing to read books by Black authors, support Black organizations, shop Black, and follow Black women.
Thank you for participating in the Inclusion Unpacked x Girlboss Black History Month Challenge!
Don’t forget to follow Tori on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter Inclusion Unpacked for more tips on creating a diverse & inclusive work environment.
