The MotM Monthly
February 2023

Celebrating Black History Month
A call to action to uplift Black communities
and embrace their experiences.

Happy February! In the United States and Canada, this period marks the celebration of Black History Month (BHM). Oftentimes, in conversations surrounding BHM, there’s the question of “Why?” Why is it important to designate a month to discuss Black histories and culture? Why is this still relevant, or necessary, in contemporary society and life?

To such questions, we say, it is essential to navigate the world with historical accuracy and representations of marginalized communities. With the displacement of Black populations across the globe through the transatlantic slave trade, alongside decades of routine erasure and mistreatment in a post-slavery era, Black histories and identities have taken on a special, delicate form in the world. Black history is American history, European history, African history, and so on. Thus, it is important to continue to contribute to the visibility of Black communities through engagements with one another and teachings in whatever form it takes shape.

In the words of Martinican poet, politician and co-founder of the Negritude movement (check the reading list below to learn more about this political framework), Aime Cesaire, “I still have hope because I believe in man.” This BHM, we urge you to carry energies of hope and faith through community care and love. Continue to educate yourselves on the realities of Black individuals across the diaspora (We’ve even included a list below of what our team is reading and watching to get you inspired!) Through MotM’s work, we are dedicated to uplifting the stories of Black migrants as such experiences often relay what it means to navigate the world as someone oppressed.

At the same time it is important to remember that there is more to BHM, to Black identity and Black cultures than just struggle and strife. Remain lighthearted! There is an abundance of Black contributions to various facets of social life and entertainment that can be explored. Take the time to carefully and positively communicate with Black communities, works, and organizations. There is a lot of love to go around and it is time to concretely contribute to the progression of the Black identity.

–Ayomide Badmus

"It takes all kinds to make a world.”
–Aime Cesaire, Une Tempête

Black authors, artists, poets + creators we love.

Currently I’m reading and loving Harlem Shuffle, by Colson Whitehead, melting into the pages of his extraordinary prose. A Visible Man, by British Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enniful, has set the tone for what is possible; it was last year that I read Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks, by sports journalist Chris Herring, but really wish I hadn’t so I could read it again for the first time – that’s how much I love it. Daily I watch @creative_nahz on his Instagram that gives how-to’s on hip-hop dance steps; and get great baking inspo from @justiceofthepies, also on Instagram.
–Pamela Kerpius, Founder

Last summer I read bell hooks’ All About Love, which beautifully argues for a new definition of love that pushes you to look inward and analyze how you give it and receive it. Currently I’m reading Luster by Raven Leilani after hearing her recite a few chapters last spring – it’s inspiring and also hilarious. Blaxploitalian: 100 Years of Blackness in Italian Cinema, by filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu explores the lives of other Black folks in the Italian entertainment industry, in turn, shining a light on their artistic accomplishments that have gone unnoticed.
–Iselle Diaz

I recently read the famous Negritude poem Joal, by Leopold Senghor, the first Senegalese President. Negritude refers to a literary framework developed by Afro-francophone intellectuals, who mainly studied in Paris, to elevate the status of an anti-colonial, collective Black identity and consciousness. In addition to Negritude works, films like Neptune Frost, by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman – an Afro-futurist, anti-capitalist visual – are also worth checking out. I love the beautiful tapestries, prints and clothing items by @groovychi that you can purchase on their Instagram.
–Ayomide Badmus

What's coming up.

Winter reporting starts next week in the Netherlands – follow us on Instagram to see the latest. Look for fresh stories from our Italy and Spain Correspondents, and please welcome the latest addition to the team Jon Brookes, Belgium Correspondent! Plus, ever wanted to know more about our origins and how we work? Founder Pamela Kerpius speaks at Brandeis University on March 8th on everything Humanitarian Storytelling – register on LinkedIn or on Facebook.