Thursday, February 3, 2011

Black History and The History of Black Love

Black Love Day
Before I get to the post recently I was thinking about the name I was writing under. It was Miss Too Sexy. I used this name, because when I first started blogging I didn't have much courage. The blogging was supposed to build my courage and I need a name to showcase that courage too. However, it's years later and I'm getting tired of it. That's why I've chosen to write under my actual name, Lashuntrice. Now keep reading for the actual post.

Black History Month is a holiday that originally started as Negro History week in 1923. It's purpose is to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. One thing I've noticed is that we tend to forget about those achievements that was made for us, so throughout the month I'll highlight some interest facts about our history. The first thing I found is a holiday called "Black Love Day." Black Love Day, which was celebrated on February 13th, was created for both Africans Americans and people of other cultures to show love to the black community. Below is more information on the holiday.

WHAT IS BLACK LOVE DAY?
BLACK LOVE DAY (BLD) is the 3rd nationally, commemorated African American holiday (wholyday) observance of atonement, reconciliation, celebration and 24 hour demonstration of Black love, showing 5 Tenets (specific acts) towards the Creator, for Self, for the Family, within the Black Community and for the Black Race. Also in 24 hours, Whites show "love in action" towards Blacks, atonement or introspection of their racial attitudes and behavior.

BLD was founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy Kendi, founder/director of the African American Holiday Association (AAHA). BLD is an African-centered, alternative to the commercial Valentine's Day with the spiritual goals of encouraging: 1) Black self-love instead of self-hatred; 2) increased peace to stop violence; and 3) racial healing to stop White supremacy/racism!

WHAT TO DO: Every Feb. 13th on BLD, People of African Descent show love for 24 hours. We demonstrate the 5 Tenets of Black Love and recommit to the Nguzo Saba, principles of love and unity for the Black Diaspora. We display the "Akoma" an Adinkra symbol of love, patience, goodwill, faithfulness & endurance. We give the greeting, "Nya Akoma" (N-yah Ah-Coma) which means "get a heart, be patient!" We celebrate with personal love rituals, couple love-ins or community relationship ceremonies. We buy conscious love gifts from Black merchants to recycle Black dollars to love our communities. We read "The Black Love Book" to inspire us toward love's healing power. Beyond Feb. 13, we practice the principles of Black Love, returning to love everyday to heal ALL our relationships and better the planet!

For more information go to the website, which is listed above. 

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