1. Recognize Black history 365 days a year

[fomayof928@mowline]

Blackburn says one of the most important best practices is not secluding the awareness to just a singular month, which also applies to all cultural heritage months. Brands need to consider how they’re championing Black people, culture and achievements beyond those 28 days.

“I want brands to know and be cognizant that this is an ongoing croatia b2b leads celebration. Be intentional about finding ways to acknowledge the celebration, otherwise it could be perceived as performative,” she says.

Recognizing Black History Month means brands need to go beyond marketing messages that preach solidarity but offer little action. If brands are serious about celebrating the Black community, that commitment needs to extend into aspects of the business and become part of the fabric of a brand’s culture. While they might start off with the best of intentions, brands need to consider the impact of their celebrations. Take a moment to recognize your brand’s role in the conversation, question who benefits from your Black History Month ideas and consider how those ideas can become staples in your brand’s culture.

“As brands make plans to celebrate diverse communities through Black History Month and others, it’s important that they approach their campaigns with authenticity, empathy and cultural intelligence,” says Blackburn. “Center your campaign on advancing the mission and purpose of the celebration by seizing the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of the community.”

LinkedIn post from Laurise McMillian, Social Creative Lead at Facebook, talking about the importance of celebrating Black voice year round and not just during Black History month. She says audiences will notice when a brand only features Black and brown people on social media during February.

“Cultural conversations exist beyond the realms of 30 or 31 days so it doesn’t make sense to only create content or launch campaigns around those months when you can talk about these cultures year round. I think one thing [businesses] need to consider, especially as our society grows, is that a lot more brands are moving toward appealing to the Gen Z audience. And Gen Z is more multicultural than ever,” says Jayde Powell, content creator, marketing strategist and host of #CreatorTeaTalk.