Who to Follow During Black History Month

Who to Follow During Black History Month

Today is the first day of Black History Month and there’s no better time than the present to educate ourselves, acknowledge our white privilege, and advocate for change. As white people, it is simply not enough to post a black square on Instagram, tell others to love one another, and move on with our days. Racism is deeply rooted in our country’s DNA and while I cannot and should not attempt to speak on how it directly affects the Black community, I know a few people who can.

While this post says “during Black History Month”, these follows should go beyond just these next 28 days and antiracism should be a part of your day to day life. And while this post offers a look into who to follow, it is up to us as white people to do the work. We have so much to learn and so much to unlearn and we cannot continue to rely on our Black friends to hold our hands. So while I hope this is a good guide for you, this is just the starting line.

Below you’ll find 18 Black content creators, activists, authors, and more to follow and help further your allyship. I’ve grown to love and appreciate each voice for what makes them unique and I’m thankful for all that I’ve learned. I can’t recommend following this bunch enough and hope you’ll each take some time to explore their pages and show your support.

Victoria of @prepfordwife

Victoria has been one of my longtime friends that I met through blogging and is the queen of L.L.Bean and home DIYs (her home is amazing!). I’ve grown closer to her and her husband, Marcus, through their occasional trips to Charleston and even paid them a visit in Raleigh (so yes, I saw the home with my own eyes) back in 2019. Every year for Black History Month, Victoria educates her followers on her favorite Black women in history for each day in her series called Black Herstory. You can find her past features on her saved story highlights like this one.

@blackfoodfridays

Looking to support Black-owned businesses while also eating some amazing food? Black Food Fridays has you covered. I found KJ’s account over the summer and I’ve loved finding some new local businesses plus also building a list of spots to hit once it’s time to travel again. I mean just LOOK at this burger?! Our restaurants are hurting right now but especially our minority-owned restaurants so it’s more important than ever to give them love through this difficult time. Help support by giving @blackfoodfridays a follow no matter what city you’re located in and use the hashtag #BlackFoodFridays the next time you order from a Black-owned business in F&B.

Bean of @thesweetlifeofbean

Bean is already one of my favorite follows on Instagram (thanks to her love of pretty dresses and the fact that she’s a pro twirler), but I’ve loved watching her use her voice the past year and can’t wait to see what she does next! This February, Bean will be highlighting all the Black women they love and follow and also Black women that are a part of history that have gone unrecognized.

@motherlandessentials

Andrea and her team at Motherland Essentials create some of the yummiest (yes, yummiest) soaps and body lotions out there. I’ve been using her Tea Tree + Peppermint Body Wash, but I can’t wait to get my hands on the limited edition 4 soap set featuring Black women in history she’ll be selling this month. The set will come with an info card about each person the soap was inspired by and all proceeds will go towards mutual aid. Additionally, Andrea will continue to use her platform to highlight Black businesses to support and educate her followers as she does year-round.

@ibramxk

My mom actually introduced me to Ibram over the summer and she and I have learned so much through him. Ibram is a New York Times Bestselling Author for his book How to Be an Antiracist and the Founding Director of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research. I’ll be tuning in to his virtual discussion with the Smithsonian on February 2nd where he will touch on topics including slavery and segregation in America. RSVP for the event here.

Amanda of @sequinsandsales

Where to begin with this gal. Amanda is so real and – I hate the word authentic, but she is truly the most authentic blogger out there, whether she’s talking about what it’s like to be a Black woman living in Georgia or her occasional bonnet chats that can be anywhere from 5 to 15 (very entertaining) stories long. Amanda will be sharing a weekly IGTV of Black history facts you usually don’t hear about but that had a great impact on society. I’m especially looking forward to this one and be sure to check out some of her really insightful IGTVs.

@antiracismdaily

This newsletter truly does all the hard work for you. All you have to do is read. I’ve been subscribed to this newsletter since this past summer and the topics have ranged from learning about the Black Panther Party to how important universal healthcare is. I will say, for someone who has trouble reading long pieces of work, this might not be the proper way to digest your information. However, there is a section of each email that includes key takeaways and ways that you can take action that might be more your speed.
Anti-Racism Daily will be launching a series called “28 Days of Black History” in which each evening in February, you’ll receive one work – a song, book, artwork, movie, etc. – discussion questions, and actions you can take to carry that work forward in your community. Sign up for the newsletter here.

@rachel.cargle

Rachel Cargle, Founder of The Loveland Foundation, says exactly what white women are avoiding, but have to hear and come to terms with. What originally drew me to her page was how she unapologetically breaks down some of the comments she receives from white women and shows exactly why the conversations are unproductive and hurtful to Black America. This post is a perfect example. Take a scroll through her feed but really stop to read some of the posts in her #SaturdaySchool series which were mostly shared last summer.

Tomi of @goodtomicha

Oh goodness, I can’t even tell you how long I’ve been following Tomi! I swear she was one of the first bloggers I followed and I still can’t believe we’ve never even met in person! 2021 or 2022 will be our year, I can feel it! In addition to Tomi’s love of The Bachelor tea and not to mention she literally has the most stunning smile, Tomi will be, once again, sharing Black creators to follow this year for Black History Month. I definitely recommend you also scroll all the way back to June or click here to watch some really thoughtful and helpful IGTVs, especially this one.

Michelle of @passionandpower

While Michelle is a rather new follow, I found her through this post and the second graphic really caught my attention. I mentioned earlier that I have trouble learning through long essays and work, but Michelle’s information is how I learn best. It’s easy to read and absorb, but also makes you sit with your thoughts, which is why I kept coming back to that second graphic. I’m finding Michelle’s page helps you to fully commit to being anti-racist in your everyday life and gives you those exact steps on how to do so. Start with checking out this post and saving it to reference whenever you feel as if you are stuck on how to be a better ally.

Ohi of @ohioma

I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found Ohi’s page. His posts are so incredibly thoughtful and he is always challenging his audience to think beyond the surface level and take the extra step to becoming a better ally. This recent post specifically spoke to me because it’s something I have been trying to convey for a while but didn’t have all the words for. His message is clear and straight to the point. He is realistic and does not use toxic positivity, which is one of the main things I love about his account.

Kisha of @panamakish

In addition to sharing about her beautiful family, Kisha shares and educates her followers year-round through the lens of an Afro-Latina woman. She also touches on a subject that I don’t see many bloggers speak to. Kisha’s son has autism and she has an entire section of her blog (see here) dedicated to bringing awareness and a specific blog post for other Black moms to follow who are advocates for autism (see here). Give her a follow and stay tuned for more blog posts to come for Black History Month!

Rynetta of @really.rynetta

Rynetta and I have been following each other for a minute now and I always love seeing her rock these bright and colorful outfits that bring me so much joy! I’m still dying over this pink plaid suit that she shared because it sold out right before I could get my hands on it. I’ll just be living vicariously through her.
For Black History Month, Rynetta will be launching her Black History 365 series where she will share a Black history fact a day on her stories and in her newsfeed posts. She says most of her facts will be focused on literature, which I’m excited about because it’s a subject I haven’t explored as much!

Nicole of @whatnicolewore

If you’re not already following Nicole for her wildly entertaining internet drama series then I need you all to get on it. For February, she’ll be teaming up with @lotsofsassblog, @bookishandblack, @carmenreneeblog, @nenaevans, and @goodtomicha for a week of sharing all of their favorite home decor finds.  

Carmen of @thegoodcarmablog

I found Carmen just last month when she shared this post regarding how segregated the influencer community is, even when it comes down to the giveaways we participate in, the events we attend, the media trips we go on, and the list goes on. For the time I’ve followed her, Carmen has always shared really thought-provoking content. Content that really makes me sit there and say “hmmm”. She’ll be sharing lesser-known Black history throughout the month and Black-owned businesses, however, like the other creators I’ve listed, speaking to racism in the US is not limited to just these next 28 days.

Deena of @candidlydeena

I’ll be honest, Deena’s page is a brand new account to me! When I was asking around and seeing who will be sharing for Black History Month, my friend, Victoria, (y’all remember her from earlier, right?) recommended I give Deena a follow to see what she’ll be up to. Deena will be sharing a person of the day on her Instagram Stories for the month and I’m excited to follow along!

Jai of @jaieats

Last but certainly not least is one of my favorite bloggers in Charleston, Jai of Jai Eats. When Jai tells me a restaurant is good, I trust him wholeheartedly as he is the ultimate foodie. Not only does he show his support for his favorite businesses, but he also never forgets to give love and shoutout the Black-owned businesses here in Charleston. Definitely worth a follow if you live in the Lowcountry or are visiting the area any time soon!