Langbahn Team – Weltmeisterschaft

Black Love Day

Black Love Day is an annual celebration that takes place February 13. Complementary to Valentine's Day (February 14), Black Love Day is meant to focus on self-love, connection, and preservation of culture, particularly in the African American community, rather than romantic love.[1]

History

Black Love Day was first celebrated in Washington, D.C., in 1993.[2] It was conceived by community organizer Ayo Handy-Kendi who, after seeing the film Malcolm X in the theatre, felt compelled by a higher power (called "the creator") to do something to foster unity.[2][3]

In 1994, after the death of her son to violence, Handy-Kendi added a "relationship ceremony" to the observance, in which someone chooses to forgive another who wronged them, or apologize for having wronged someone else.[2]

Observance

The symbol of Black Love Day is the akoma (heart), which represents love, unity, and patience in West African culture.[4] Participants greet each other with the phrase nya akoma (get a heart, be patient).[5]

Each year the celebration has a different theme,[6] but is always based on five tenets: "love toward the Creator, love for self, love for the family, love within the Black community and love for Black people."[7][8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Jameelah, Yasmine (February 13, 2023). "Why Black Love Day Actually Isn't About Romantic Love". Black Love.
  2. ^ a b c Decaille, Nia (February 13, 2024). "What Is Black Love Day?". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "BLD history". African American Holiday Association. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  4. ^ Shaikh, Faria (August 5, 2024). "Akoma: Embracing the Symbol of Love in Kumasi". Media in Ghana. University of Oregon.
  5. ^ Scott, Megan (February 13, 2003). "The other day of the heart: Black Love Day". The St. Petersburg Times.
  6. ^ Anderson, Zuri (February 13, 2024). "Black Love Day: Embracing Everything Black Ahead Of Valentine's Day". Black Information Network.
  7. ^ Kai, Maiysha (February 13, 2022). "Have you heard of Black Love Day?". The Grio.
  8. ^ Coral, Racquel (February 10, 2022). "5 Ways to Celebrate Black Love Day". The Chicago Defender.