Let's Face It, Black History Month Needs Some Serious Rebranding
Take a moment to Google Black History Month. What images come up? How do they make you feel? What I see is a handful of historic, mostly deceased black leaders (primarily MLK) whose achievements are unmatched and virtually impossible to replicate. If I can be frank, it makes me feel...well, bored.
No disrespect to the courageous men and women who defied insurmountable odds and altered the course of history to the benefit of all African-Americans. They are deserving of the honor and prestige that their names evoke. But, if the purpose of BHM is to recognize those who paved the way AND inspire the next generation of leaders, we are failing miserably at the later.
Black History Month is in desperate need of rebranding.
What is a brand? It's a promise to the consumer about what they will receive, how they will feel or what they will experience. It’s how you know exactly to expect when you step inside of a Starbucks vs. a Chick-fil-a. Everything has a brand - even you. So, if everyone and everything has its own unique branding, how would you describe the brand of Black History Month?
I recently spoke with people on the street in Detroit to ask them that very question. Here's what they said:
1. MLK is the Brand Ambassador of BHM - Ask people about Black History Month and the first name that comes to mind is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. People struggled to name more than three or four important figures in black history.
2.BHM is Important - The good news is that across generations, gender, and social statues, people respect the momentousness of BHM. They recognize its importance.
3. It’s a Passive Celebration - When asked how they celebrate Black History Month, people mostly mentioned passive activities like reading or reflecting. Few people observe any traditions or action-oriented activities surrounding BHM.
Check out the video here:
Decent responses, but I think we owe ourselves more. The black experience in this country is one of trials and success, tribulation and triumph. New chapters of our history are being written every day - which is why I believe BHM should be a month of action, self-improvement, personal goal setting, and resolutions for the betterment of the body of African Americans.
So, how do we go about rebranding Black History Month? I'd like to hear from you. What are you doing? What traditions have you created? In what ways do you observe BHM? Leave a comment below and show us what you're doing on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #rebrandBHM #BHM18.
Read Next: Five Action Steps to Rebrand Black History Month.
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Shawn’s social entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation has brought value to Fortune 500 companies and “A” list celebrities alike. The consummate social and tech entrepreneur, Shawn has been featured in the New York Times, Huffington Post and during keynote speeches at MIT, Harvard and the Clinton Global Initiative University.
Automotive Professional
6yYes...this sentiment is true . Our recognition of BHM is ritualistic. On the other hand - Perhaps we can focus on how to have Black history incorporated in American history. That impact will go beyond an annual moment.
Communications Advisor
6yLet's start in this space with people in our industries. My go to communications leaders are John Johnson, John Abbott, Ida B. Wells, Oscar Michone, Spike Lee, Barbara Gardener, and Oprah.
Culture Strategist ▪︎ Dynamic Public Speaker ▪︎ Keynote Storyteller ▪︎ Mental Fitness Coach ▪︎ Host, Authors in Conversation®
6yVery insightful article that allows for introspection. There are efforts , across the land well intentioned, however fragmented and disconnected from a powerful vision of our future.
Well let's busy! No one is going to do it for us.
Passing the mic to underrepresented climate solutions heroes, through storytelling & engagement
6yShawn, this is a really interesting post. The upside to the branding issue is that we have the opportunity to rebrand and to move away from idolizing a few. Everyday black men and women are exemplifying black excellence, but there is no one telling their story. Everyone is focused on the "stars" but not on the everyday people sparking something great in their own bubble. We need to show the everyday people so black men and women today realize that we can be excellent; we need to know that we don't need to be "stars" to shine, be celebrated, celebrate one another and make an impact.