We're here for an annual observance month, which creates a space for brands and franchises to put people of marginalized communities at the forefront of their ad campaigns. But we are dedicated to a year-round spotlight of all communities and their voices, creativity, and products — including the Black community — during Black History Month, and always!
From books to new movie and show releases, beauty products, and a beautiful digital magazine, we showcase a few of the creatives, entrepreneurs, and projects coming out of the Black community that we're excited about.
'Didn’t We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston'
A decade after her passing, author and award-winning journalist Gerrick Kennedy explores Whitney Houston’s life of troubles despite her fame. He turns the conversation to the public and how her fans, media, and societal pressures had a part in her hiding parts of her life, including her sexuality. Shining a new spotlight on a huge figure in Black music, the author gives us a fresh look at the star. Pick up at copy from Amazon for $25.
CRWNMAG
Buy the zine or read the blog to immerse yourself in Black women’s dialogues about their hair and lifestyle. The focus is on real women in the community, not just big names already featured like Tracee Ellis Ross and Issa Rae. You can even submit a pitch right through a website submission form. CRWNMAG doesn’t stop at stories, you can also shop face masks, tote bags, and art prints to adorn your body or home.
The Black Man Can Insta
The Black Man Can was once a blog and is now a social community dedicated to positive images of Black men founded by Brandon Fame. You can find pictures and stories from fatherhood and family, to empowering journeys and (physical and mental) health tips. TBMC covers spaces that Black men and boys so often get left out of or are only viewed in a negative light. On the website you can shop affirmation cards, sweatshirts, hats, and more.
'Abbott Elementary'
The new sitcom on ABC is a hit — ratings quadrupled after the premiere episode. It was created by writer and executive producer Qunita Brunson, who also stars in the show alongside Tyler James Williams and Janelle James. In the mockumentary sitcom we follow elementary school teachers fighting for funding for their classrooms. Many teachers understand their struggle all too well due to the accurate representation of unhelpful school district systems. Set in a majority-Black area of Philadelphia, the use of sarcasm makes the important moments even more impactful.
'The Color Purple' Musical Film
Oprah Winfrey announced the cast of The Color Purple musical film, which she is producing, on February 3. The film will include actors and performers like Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks. Taking from Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation and the Broadway musical of Alice Walker’s novel, this masterpiece is revisited once again. The wait will be a little while for the final product, with the release date currently set for December 2023.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show
Mary J. Blige alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem, took the stage at the biggest football game of the year. It was the first time hip-hop artists were the main attraction of the halftime show in Super Bowl history. This was Mary J. Blige’s second Super Bowl performance, but a first for other artists like Kendrick Lamar. Filled with classic hip-hop and R&B hits, the epic set was groundbreaking.
Riot Swim
Founded by Monti Landers, this Black-owned swimwear line is dedicated to feeling sexy in your own body. Understanding “sexy” means something different to different women, the brand's pieces are versatile to wear how you want. Pioneering the hashtag #RelaxItsJustAss, Riot Swim aims to make women comfortable in the summer sun, razor bumps and all. The brand also recently also ventured into athleisure with the same intention.
Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman
Zoë Kravitz will appear as Catwoman opposite Robert Pattinson in The Batman, which comes out March 4. Doing so, she continues the tradition of the strong Black female lead in the Batman franchise. Previous Black Catwomen include Eartha Kitt and Halle Berry. Efforts to diversify the Batman cast continue with Zoë.
Black Fashion Fair
Black Fashion Fair is a destination dedicated to supporting emerging and well-known Black fashion designers. Not only is the site's content a cultural experience, it is also an educational experience, made for everyone. With its A-Z library, you can find over a hundred Black designers, and direct links to their stores. Shop retail, read stories, and gain access to educational platforms, all on one website.
Because of Them We Can
Because of Them We Can has articles connecting Black history to the present. Covering news stories, commenting on culture, celebrating firsts in the community, and warming your heart with emotional stories, BOTWC has it all. Although it started as a photo project by Eunique Jones Gibson featuring her sons, it has grown to reach millions of viewers. There’s even a monthly Black Excellence subscription box service you can sign up for.
'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'
Original cast members Kyla Pratt, Alisa Reyes, Karen Malina, and more are back on the reboot of The Proud Family, but this time they are Louder and Prouder. Disney+ released the official trailer on January 14 and the masses of people who enjoyed it when they were younger are ecstatic. Set to air February 23, we revisit the Proud family and now 14-year-old Penny as she takes on growing up despite her dad’s best wishes. Keeping up with modern times, some new aspects to the show will include social media, a gay couple, and new characters voiced by popular performers.
Books and Crannies
Located in Martinsville, Virginia, Books and Crannies was opened by bookshop owner DeShanta Hairston, who was just one of many who helped bring awareness to supporting Black-owned bookstores during Summer 2020. If you want to hop on board and support but don’t live near the store, don’t worry. Books and Crannies ships nationally. The store hosts readings, open mic nights, and book signings for local artists. But due to the current health crisis, most of these events have shifted online. Speaking out against racism in the business world on Twitter has brought the attention and support necessary for the store to thrive.
'Bel-Air'
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a new show reimagined by filmmaker Morgan Cooper and executive produced by Will Smith, is currently streaming on Peacock. Growing from the 2019 release of Morgan's short film of the same name, Will wanted to make the show more dramatic. The show will get more serious about race, class, family, and crime. Replacing Will is Jabari Banks in his first acting role, a daunting task that Will is mentoring him for, given the original show’s fame and the expectations for the reboot.
Mari by Marsai Martin
Young entrepreneur and Black-ish star Marsai Martin is back again in the beauty industry, this time selling Mari press-on nails. With fun names like “CEO” and “Quiet on Set” hinting at Marsai’s success in front of the camera, the 17-year old shows just how diverse her ideas can be. Highlighting that creativity can be featured anywhere, even with these cruelty-free products. You can even download the mobile app to enjoy a curated playlist, exclusive content, and shop.
N.K. Jemisin
Making a name for herself in the fantasy genre world, N.K. Jemisin has been featured in almost every form of book social media post there is. Her The Broken Earth trilogy made her a Hugo Award record breaker, winning three awards in a row. She is writing the script for the trilogy's adapted TV series, which was bought with a seven-figure deal by Sony TriStar Pictures. Although a release date hasn’t been set, actor Michael B. Jordan has joined in producing the show.
'Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy'
In a three-part film, fans and viewers will be able to see the life of musical artist Kanye West. The first part, originally premiered at Sundance Film Festival, will stream on Netflix beginning February 16. With directors Coodie and Chike following Kanye from the beginning of his career, we see the rapper grow and be enveloped by his multifaceted career. Moments from hundreds of hours of footage will be used to showcase parts of his life his audience thought they’d never see.
Miiriya
Miiriya is literally the app that made a one-stop-shop for shopping Black brands. From home decor to art to jewelry, there is no limit to the range of products you are capable of buying. And 100% of the profit goes to the vendors. Lamine Loco, the creator of the app, is just the middle person. Miiriya creates the perfect space to support independent sellers.
'The Vanishing Half' Adaptation
In 2020, the novel by Brit Bennett was bought by HBO with a seven-figure deal. Since then, Issa Rae and the Hoorae production team have signed on to produce the limited series, which doesn’t yet have a set release date. The story of twins who escaped their small town of light-skinned Black people heavily concerned with appearing white will be seen in a whole new light. Although not based on a true story, it reflects the author’s mother’s hometown in Louisiana, spotlighting a part of the Black community some readers didn’t know had to be talked about.
Virgil Abloh’s Final Collection
In January, at Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week show, Virgil Abloh’s last collection was presented. The fashion designer died in November 2021, causing a large upset in the entirety of the fashion industry. In trying to honor the designer’s legacy, Ib Kamara, a high-profile stylist, kept his traditions alive while still innovating and creating new ideas. Virgil was Louis Vuitton’s first Black menswear artistic director and only one of three to head French heritage houses.
DE’WAYNE
De’Wayne Jackson is an emerging punk rock music artist from Houston, Texas. His debut album was released in summer 2021 and later that year he went on tour with Willow Smith for 10 show dates. Tapping into influences like Jimi Hendrix, DE’WAYNE inserts himself into a genre of music that often hides Black artists in the shadows. Despite his upbeat songs, he doesn’t shy away from topics concerning his race.
Telfar
This genderless fashion brand was created by Telfar Clemens, a queer Liberian-American from Queens, New York. This brand’s purses have stormed the stage as the most popular bags in the Black community. Aside from purses, the brand also makes hats and shoes and collaborates with other brands, including Ugg and even White Castle. Established in 2005, this brand is committed to being for everyone.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
