In celebration of Black History Month, we are giving a big standing ovation to Black creatives of past and present. So much of Black art was not given a space to flourish, so in this episode, photographer-extraordinaire, Alicia Rinka shares some of her favorite Black artists, poets, makers and creative content that is worthy of so much celebration and honor this month – and every other day of the year. Hit play to learn and discover the beauty that is born from Black history and culture.

About Alicia:

Alicia Rinka is the Owner and Lead Creative of her professional photography team. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in communications. Her love of photography was complemented by a keen eye for details and an adoration for the world of fashion. Her work, which has been featured in Brides and various other publications, boasts a sense of fine art style with a modern editorial aesthetic.

It’s important to Alicia Rinka and her team to be welcoming to all walks of life.

Inspirational Black Creatives of the Past:

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks:

An American photographer, author, and film director who documented African American life and movements.

Maya Angelou:

An American poet, author and Civil Rights Activist

Langston Hughes:

The father of Jazz Poetry and leader of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaisance:

The Cultural revival of African American music, art, fashion, dance, literature, theater, and more. Taking place in the 1920s and ‘30s in Harlem, this was a historical moment for Black and Brown community, because they were so used to hearing about the white heroics. When they discovered artistry created by People of Color, they really celebrated it.

Black History Educational Content:

Films, Movies and Series:

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame C.J. Walker

As the first in her family to be born free, Madame C.J. Walker (Sarah) rises from poverty to become the first female self-made millionaire creating haircare products for the Black community. Starring Octavia Spencer.

Dream Girls

A trio of Black female singers join the music scene in the ’60s shaking up the white-dominated industry and facing challenges along the way. Starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.

Marshall

A story of Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer who became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, who defends a black chauffeur in an environment of racism and Anti-Semitism. Starring Chadwick Boseman.

Fences

About a Black man who once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. His bitterness creates further tension in his family when his son wishes to play football. Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Insecure

Modern-day Black women deal with their insecurities as they experience everyday uncomfortable experiences.

Good Hair

A documentary that explores the importance of hair in Black culture. Starring Chris Rock who interviews celebrities like Raven Symone, Ice – T and more.

Books:

Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody

An autobiography about growing up poor in the black rural South

Thurgood Marshall: A Biography

The life story of a Black lawyer who won the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed school segregation in America. He later became the first African American Supreme Court Justice and had a fierce will to change racism in America.

Twisted by Emma Dabiri

The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture and the racism surrounding Black hair.

Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri

An illustration of the oppressive hair journey that Black people experience in an effort to put an end to the discriminatory behavior within society towards Black hair.

You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson

All about Comedian Phoebe Robinson’s experience being “the Black friend”

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

The narrator, an unnamed Black man, reflects on the various ways in which he has experienced social invisibility during his life.

Untangling The Roots of Black Hair in America by Ayana D. Byrd and Lori Tharps

The history and background of African American hair issues in America that still linger today.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

About a young Black girl in America with a blonde, blue-eyed doll.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

The story of Maya and her brother enduring the ache of abandonment and prejudice as young children, and later learning to love herself.

Black-Owned Businesses that You Can Support Through Client Gifting:

Harlem Candle Company

Océanne Jewelry and Apparel

Goodee Inclusive Global Marketplace

Chocolate Secrets

Red Bay Coffee

For More Black-Owned Businesses, check out Beyoncé’s list here:

Beyoncé’s Black Parade (Directory of Black Owned Businesses)

How to Celebrate Black Art without Laying Claim to It:

• Sit and listen, watch, and enjoy the artistry as it is.
• Amplify and share the original piece of art and artist
• Don’t try to create your own take on it like white people often do.
• Put money back into Black creatives so they can keep creating.

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