What is Black Culture Month?
I am so excited to introduce Black Culture Month (BCM), a month-long celebration and exploration of Black culture scheduled to debut in August 2024.
My main objective is to document, preserve, and celebrate Black culture. It’s a chance for us to showcase our unique contributions, celebrate our accomplishments, and envision an even more diverse, inclusive, and representative future.
Why Black Culture Month?
In February 2017, I came up with the idea of Black Culture Month. I was reading stories about the same historical figures who received top billing each year. Scrolling social media gave glimpses of little-known Black history facts, stories of resilience, and incredible achievements. But something was missing.
There is so much more to Black American culture than what we’ve overcome or the heroes of yesterday. Our diverse, innovative, and beautiful culture needs to be preserved and celebrated. It sets trends influencing the world through music, fashion, and language. We are leaders in social change, education, and science. Why don’t we have a prideful month celebrating the beauty that is Black America?
When I first mentioned developing Black Culture Month, one of the first questions I got was, “Don’t we already have a Black History Month?” Yes, we do! However, Black Culture Month does not replace Black History Month. It is meant to complement the well-established observance. Yes, we want TWO months. 😊
How Will We Celebrate?
The way you celebrate Black Culture Month is up to you! You can support Black businesses, start a book club for Black authors, share your favorite meals, educate about the origins of your favorite music genre, share photos of yourself wearing outfits inspired by Black designers, host an art or hair show, learn a new dance, or finally learn to play Spades! IYKYK. 👀
At The Black Experience, we have a list of daily themes you can use to guide you through the month.
📌 See of list of daily themes with ideas
Through Black Culture Month, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation of Black culture and promote a future where Black voices, achievements, and experiences are acknowledged and celebrated — not just for a month but all year.
August 2025
This year will be low-key, but we hope to have more events, partnerships, and a big “cookout” and award show at the end of the month in the upcoming years!
Visit our “Get Involved” page for details about various roles and ways to contribute. Alternatively, feel free to contact us directly via our contact page with any queries or suggestions.
🚙 BCM tentative road map
P.S. How Can White People Celebrate BCM?
Because I know someone is going to ask. This month is about Black identity and culture. White people can celebrate Black Culture Month by focusing on support, education, and amplification of Black voices.
- Support Black-owned businesses
- Amplify Black voices
- Educate themselves (don’t ask us)
- Donate to Black causes
- Promote Black educators
- Support Black media
- Respect cultural spaces and events
- Share and learn Black history
- Promote DEI
