In interviews for our Black History Month project, Black, Out & Proud, we asked celebrities to share what Black History Month means to them. Here’s what they said:
Pause Actor Angelica Ross: “Black history is all year long and we don’t need a month to celebrate it. Black History Month is just the month we show up! So let’s do what we have to do. Lake Go and party with your friends.” Go to the cabin. Know that there is nothing wrong with creating a space for Black joy, a space that does not center whiteness, is not taken over by whiteness, and is not influenced by whiteness. we deserve it. ”
From Dwayne Perkins blackening: “Black History Month to me is like the black version. purge, a place where black people can do whatever they want. That’s how I live every February. [I advise Black people to] Do whatever you want and everyone should appease black people. I think that’s exactly what Black History Month should be about. That’s the agenda I continue to push. [Laughs]”
rupaul’s drag race Star, Monet Making the active choice to include people is truly empowering, bold, and beautiful.” Because it wasn’t always that way. During Black History Month, LGBTQ+ people can sometimes feel like they’re being forgotten. But there’s a lot of intersectionality out there, so why not celebrate it with a big heart-eyed exclamation point emoji? ”
Reality star Ts Madison: “It means a lot to me because it’s part of black history for me. It’s personal to me now. When I was a kid, we remember Martin Luther… I learned about King Jr., Coretta Scott King, and Malcolm. I learned about X in school. Before it’s all over, people will also hear and learn about Ts Madison. That’s why black history is important to me. , because I can create it and bring it to light. I’m part of pushing Black people and Black queer culture forward.”
From Aunjanue Ellis Taylor the color purple (2023): “When I was in graduate school at New York University, there was a Black History Month program, but I didn’t participate in it. It was going to be all four of us.” “I didn’t want to do that. I didn’t want to play in front of them. It felt exploitative. I have a lot of work to do. Every time I talk to someone, They say, “I want to do a project about this black woman or this black man,” and they ask me, “Do you know them?”I [usually] “No, I’ve never heard of it,” he says. I was so ashamed that I had such a poor understanding of black history. Now I think, ‘I didn’t mean for you to know that.’ ”
Comedian Karen Allen: “I don’t think of Black History Month as a month. It’s celebrated 365 days a year. Black History Month is a time to teach things that many people refuse to teach. “Especially in this day and age. We’ve got too many legislative bodies that are preventing people from learning critical race theory and Black history, and now it’s time for it to come face to face with you.” It’s time. We’re going to tell you who we are, whether you like it or not.”
drag race Contestant Shea Coule: “As we mark Black History Month, we give thanks to our ancestors and the advances they have helped our culture develop. But there are rifts. For me, Black history means not only recognizing the contributions of our ancestors, but also advancing the conversation of today’s pioneers and those who include LGBTQIA people.
P Valley Star Nico Annan: “[Black History Month] It shows me I’m not alone. It also tells you what’s possible. As an artist, sometimes you can create something that has never been seen before. I grew up knowing the depiction of queer people and certain tropes in the industry. Now, as an artist and as a person, I want to be able to put my own stamp on things and express more of the differences and nuances that I missed in what I saw. ”
9-1-1: Lone Star Actor Brian Michael Smith: “Black History Month is a time we have earned. This month was created for us to make sure this country recognizes our contributions to its history.” Yes, it’s memorable for us, but really, it’s more for the country.” Black History Month is every day for us to recognize who we are. please. We want others who are not part of our community to take the time to reflect and know who we are in a deeper way than plagiarism or appropriation. I hope this work inspires people to learn about history and realize that much of what they enjoy in life comes from this community. ”
all boys a blue Author George M. Johnson: “Black History Month is a time to celebrate those who came before us. It’s a time to recognize them, reread their writings, and see how we can move forward.” .Right now, we’re focusing on queer people who are trailblazing Black history. Let’s keep sharing as many stories as we can until Black history can’t fit into one month anymore. It’s Black History Month. It used to be one day, now it’s one month. Let’s make it all year long.”
daryl stevens Noah’s Ark: “This month has always been the shortest month of the year spent talking about the people white gatekeepers have allowed us to talk about. [mainly] presented through [the white] A look at who is peaceful and who did not cause commotion and mayhem. Or who they were able to recontextualize as peaceful and less threatening. Your efforts to recontextualize Black History Month to acknowledge Black gay people have reminded me that we have been instrumental in most of the change. The Black Lives Matter movement was started by Black queer women. You can now move to . [acknowledge] Those who upend the status quo, and those who come to shake it up. Because it’s important to us too. It’s black history that makes a difference. ”
Rapper Kid Ken: “Black History Month is a moment to celebrate what we’ve been through, how far we’ve come and where we’re going. We also celebrate those who risked their lives to stand up for themselves. We should also show respect to them.” [to create change]. I hope you always have a pleasant month. ”
What does Black History Month mean to you? Share your answer in the comments below and check out more Black, Out & Proud content here.
