February is not only the month of love, but more importantly, Black History Month! In 2022, with so many more aware than ever before of the systemic racism faced by Black people, it feels crucial to acknowledge and support this important celebration. For too long, the Black community has been ignored, appropriated and misrepresented. We believe Black representation and increased visibility is essential to the understanding of Black individuals.
Books, podcasts, blogs and social media platforms from Black people are expressions of individuality, freedom and creativity. All of their works offer a wider lens that allows others to understand their background and stories.
This year as we celebrate Black History Month we’ve created a list of podcasts, books, influencers and resources to support, educate and uplift the works of the Black community and to continue to inform, raise cultural awareness and give visibility to the people and organizations creating change.
Podcasts
- QueerWOC by Money & Nikeeta
- A podcast that creates space for queer women and folks of colour rooted in reimagining healing, organizing, and community.
- The Read by Kid Fury & Crissle
- A weekly podcast covering hip-hop and pop culture's most trying stars. Being Black and queer, the duo isn’t afraid to express their opinion on today's beloved celebrities
- Back Issue by Tracy Clayton & Josh Gwynn
- A rewind to some of the pop culture moments they have always wanted to know more about. They believe that revisiting early pop content can help some assuage the anxieties of today.
- Still Processing by Wesley Morris & Jenna Wortham
- This duo are working it out in this weekly show about culture in the broadest sense. That means television, film, books, music — but also the culture of work, dating, the internet and how those all fit together.
- Truth be Told by Tonya Mosley
- A podcast that explores what it means to grow and thrive as a Black person in America, while discovering new ways of being that serve as a portal to more love, more healing, and more joy.
Books
- Seven days in June by Tia Williams
- This beautiful love story follows an erotica writer, Eva, who’s juggling her career and single motherhood when she reconnects with the love of her life, Shane, who's now a famous literary author. However, Eva's not sure she can trust the man who broke her heart, and she wants him out of her life—after she gets some answers, of course.
- The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila
- This story is about Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant at the predominantly white publishing firm, Wagner Books, meets Hazel, she is initially thrilled to no longer be the only Black girl at work. Then, the threatening notes start appearing, and Nella can’t help but wonder if Hazel is behind them.
- Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
- A collection of 15 essays and speeches, that centers on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class that calls for action and change.
- How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones
- Saeed Jones invites readers into his experience growing up as a gay Black man in the South. He walks through his formative experiences and how he figured out his place in his family and in the world. The story will have you wanting to soak up every last word.
- Bread Out of Stone by Dionne Brand
- A read that reflects issues of sex, sexism and sexual autonomy; politics, community and the centrality of whiteness in Canadian culture; diaspora and immigration; violence and stereotypes; racial imagination; and music, art, literature and freedom.
- I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
- After discovering that her parents named her Austin so white employers would think that she was a white man, she embarks on a journey to find out what it means to be Black in America.
- Girl, Gurl, Grrrl by Kenya Hunt
- An essay collection that discusses what it means to be a Black woman in today's world. The essays touch on topics that include race and gender intersectionality, police brutality, colorism in the beauty industry, and the high mortality rate of Black mothers and so much more.
Influencers
- Marie Beecham
- Marie Beecham is an anti-racism educator and social justice activist. She empowers her community through her social channels, breaking down complex social issues into digestible information.
- Kendra Austin
- Kendra Austin is an influencer, writer and curve model who Austin uses her social media to address fatphobia and its stigmatization through systematic oppression from social media. Find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Yasmine Jameelah
- Yasmine Jameelah is an African and Native American entrepreneur, journalist, and wellness advocate creating healing spaces for Black people through Transparent & Black.
- Jazmine Rogers
- Jazmine Rogers is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle influencer and uses her platform to discuss intersectional environmental justice in a fun and graceful way.
- Leah Thomas
- Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator and is passionate about advocating for social justice and environmentalism.
If you’d like to get more involved and fight against anti-Black racism. Here are some Vancouver-local charities and non-profit organizations who are doing important work to better shape our society:
- Hogan’s Alley Society
- The Hogan’s Alley Society advocates for Black Vancouverites who have endured gentrification and erasure from the official historical narrative.
- Black Lives Matter Vancouver
- Black folks and allies working in solidarity with communities seeking justice from racialized violence.
- BC Community Alliance
- A community-based organization dedicated to combating the structural inequities created by anti-Black racism.
- Black Health Alliance
- Taking on the key issues that impact Black communities in Canada through health promotion, research and public policy, champion health equity, and more.
We hope that this list can help you find ways to show up for the Black community and inspire you to make a difference. If we missed any, let us know here.
