I just love February. It’s Black History Month, my mom’s birthday, and Valentine’s day; it’s the only month short of 30 days, and it’s sometimes reflective of a leap year. Wow, that’s a lot and significant. The only thing I’m not fond of in February is the cold weather, but more of a reason to snuggle up.
This year’s Black History Month theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, Diversity.” Until three years ago, I didn’t know each year had a theme. SMH
With this year’s theme in mind, I’m considering the “Black Family” as all of us, not just my immediate family. After all, they say there are only six degrees of separation.
You know what families do – they take care of each other, support one another and help when it’s needed.
So, let’s keep the love in the family as much as possible, and on Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate love, let’s buy Black. Not just to be exclusive but to support and be a part of Black-owned businesses staying open. In 2020, at least 40% of Black businesses closed due to the pandemic, which is twice the rate of White owned businesses. Plus, they sell some of the same things you will buy and experience on that day anyway. So, spread the love to the family.
Dine at a Black-Owned Restaurant. If you have trouble finding one, download the app, Eat Okra, it’s a guide to finding Black-owned restaurants and eateries in the U.S. and was created by a Black couple.
And, if you’re in Chicago, it’s Black Restaurant Week. This year’s event runs from February 7 – 21, and it’s in its 5th year. Restaurant week is a great time to dine and explore. Restaurants offer specials and deals to encourage you to explore their menus.
If you’re not dining out this year, order take out. That’s what I’m doing.
Need some wine? There are plenty of Black wine brands to try. One of my favorites is Brown Estate’s Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. They have a new brand, Chaos. I haven’t tried it yet, but I hear it’s lovely. “In 1980, our parents purchased an abandoned ranch in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. They rehabilitated the crumbling homestead and planted viniferous grapes — which for a decade we farmed and sold to local winemakers. In 1995 we kids decided to make our own wine.’
If you need help with wines, check out Wines by Mozell. He’s a sommelier and self-proclaimed wine god with a wine service to help you with your wine profile and selections. Maybe not in time for Valentine’s Day but, every day is a good day for wine and to support a black-owned business. For some other choices, check out this list.
How about sweets for your sweetie? Yes, there are Black-owned chocolatiers like the Harlem Chocolate Factory. “Harlem Chocolate Factory was founded in 2015 by Jessica Spaulding along with her Spelman sister, Asha Dixon. They spent weekends wrapping chocolate bars in their living room, preparing for local markets, and quickly selling out. The ladies garnered the attention of big-name corporate clients providing gifting for Chase, Kate Spade, and Sam Adams, to name a few. Their flagship retail and production kitchen opened in the Historic Striver s’ Row district of Harlem in 2018 to rave reviews and have since gotten a slew of the local and national press. Even in the face of Covid-19, they have found a way to pivot and ensure they remain a destination for Harlem and chocolate lovers.” This is a site that lists other Black Owned Chocolate Companies.
Valentine’s day and flowers go hand in hand. Let’s talk about Black history; Lee’s Flower Shop in Washington DC just may be the longest standing Black-Owned florist in the country going into 76 years. ‘Lee’s is a Black-owned family business, currently operated by the original founders’ granddaughters.’ Here’s a list of other Black Owned Florists.
If you’re chilling at home and making it a movie night, here are my favorite Black love stories and movies. “Sylvie’s Love”, “Love & Basketball”, “Last Holiday” (this one is about a love interest and self-love), “Inkwell”, “Brown Sugar”, “Love Jones”, “If Beale Street Could Talk”, “The Photograph”, “Queen and Slim” and “South Side With You”!
How about a Black Love Playlist (These are a few of my favorites)
- Turn Out the Lights Teddy Pendergrass
- Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
- Whenever Whenever Whatever – Maxwell
- I Adore You – Prince
- Do Me Baby – Prince
- Fire and Desire – Rick James and Teena Marie
- Love On The Brain – Rhianna
- You Take Me Higher – Rhianna
- Love Bath – Smokie Robinson
- Beautiful Ones – Prince
Whatever you do this month and for Valentine’s Day, Support Black, Shop Black, Think Black. It’s easier than you think!
Yours truly,
