Dark purple background with white text that says #BlackMagicalHistory. Golden title text that reads Thank You for the Magic followed by a black moon with stars and text that reads Let’s keep the magic going year round!
Thank you for making this #BlackMagicalHistory such a fun time. We will be back at it next year but the magic doesn’t stop here. Stay connected to find out how to celebrate and invest in Black creatives year round!
Photo of Missy Elliott in a gold frame with the phases of the moon on a dark purple background. Rapper, singer, producer, dancer, visionary, your favorite rap girlie’s favorite rap girlie. We couldn’t leave this month without showing love to the one, the only Missy Misdemeanor Elliot!
For the last day of #BlackMagicalHistory we celebrate the incomparable Missy Elliott. What is your favorite Missy song?
Watercolor portrait of James Baldwin by Morgan Overstreet on a dark purple background surrounded by golden moons and stars. The text reads "Writer and civil rights activist, James Baldwin, used the power of his words to highlight the intricacies and beauty of the Black American experience through his novels, essays, plays, and commentary. He is widely considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and his work endures and shines to this day."
Photo of an older James Baldwin holding a cigarette framed in a golden crescent moon above the cover of his play The Amen Corner. Text reads: BNC Reads The Amen Corner James Baldwin Discord Discussion February 27 #BlackMagicalHistory
On the penultimate day of #BlackMagicalHistory we celebrate James Baldwin. Join us in our discord this evening to discuss his play The Amen Corner.
Which is your favorite of Baldwin's work?
Photo of the National Portrait Gallery portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, with a photo of the artist Amy Sherald on a dark purple background with golden celestial decor. Text reads “Amy Sherald uses portraiture to document the contemporary African American experience in the United States. Her work is shown in some of the country's biggest galleries and museums, and her portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama has held a prominent place in the National Portrait Gallery since 2018.”
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we want to recognize artist Amy Sherald.
Share a portrait of a Black person that you love!
Photo of actor-musician Ethel Waters on a dark purple background with golden celestial decor. Text reads “Ethel Waters was a popular singer and a groundbreaking actress who succeeded on Broadway, in films, and on television. Waters was the second Black American woman nominated for an Academy Award, the first to star in her television show and the first to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.”
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we celebrate Ethel Waters.
Who is a Black actor-musician who inspires you?
Photo of basketball player Napheesa Collier holding a turquoise and white basketball in a golden frame with stars and moons on a dark purple background. Text reads "Basketball superstar Napheesa Collier is a gold medalist, All-Star, and NCAA Champion. Phee is a leader on and off the court, serving as Vice President of the WNBA's Player Association and co-founder of the new professional women's league Unrivaled, which allows women to continue to play in the US during WNBA off-season while earning a significant salary."
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we want to highlight Napheesa Collier. Basketball superstar Napheesa Collier is a gold medalist, All-Star, and co-founder of @unrivaledwbb.bsky.social.
Who is a Black athlete you admire for work outside of their sport?
Black and white photo of author Alex Haley on a dark purple background surrounded by golden rays and stars. The text reads "When you think of Roots, you think of Alex Haley, but the writer is also known for The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Though not without controversy, Haley’s work was instrumental in bringing Black American history into popular culture. "
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we recognize storyteller Alex Haley. What Black historical novel, film, or television show has impacted you?
Photo of author Celestine Martin on a dark purple background in a gold frame surrounded by stars and planets. Text reads: Author of romance in cozy fantasy settings, we love Celestine Martin’s Elemental Love series, which just wrapped up last year!
We are celebrating a little late but today, we recognize Celestine Martin for #BlackMagicalHistory. Author of romance in cozy fantasy settings, we love Celestine Martin’s Elemental Love series, which just wrapped up last year!
What is your favorite magical story?
Photo of Thomas Dorsey on a dark purple background with a golden celestial frame. Text reads "Thomas Dorsey was a composer and musician who left behind his success as a blues pianist and leader of Ma Rainey's band to devote his music to his Christian evangelism becoming a leading figure in gospel music's creation. In 1932, Dorsey founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses which remains active today."
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we recognize Thomas Dorsey, a founding figure in gospel music's creation.
What is your favorite gospel song?
White text on a dark purple background with a picture of Dr. Joy Buolamwini in a frame of golden shooting stars. Text reads "Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Joy Buolamwini, challenges bias in software and brings awareness to artificial intelligence's social implications and harms. Buolamwini has studied and researched at Georgia Institute of Technology, Oxford College, and MIT. Her work has led to significant changes in technology and policy, she even advised President Biden on his executive order on AI."
Today's #BlackMagicalHistory spotlight is on @poetofcode.bsky.social
Tech won’t save us but many Black technologists are trying to. Name a Black technologist you admire and/or whose work you want to study.
Photo of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey on a stool in front of three Black ballet dancers on a dark purple background with a gold frame of moons and stars. Text reads "Dancer and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Ailey School are essential American arts institutions. Ailey’s modern dance Revelations is his best-known work, produced when Ailey was only 29 years old, has been performed at the White House and as a part of the 1968 Olympics Opening Ceremonies."
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory, we recognize the trailblazing dancer and choreographer, Alvin Ailey.
Who is your favorite Black dancer?
Photo of actor Laverne Cox in a golden starburst frame. The text reads "Actor and advocate, Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category for her role in Orange is the New Black. She is currently starring in Clean Slate on Amazon Prime. Also known for her activism, Cox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from The New School for her work on gender equality."
Today we celebrate #BlackMagicalHistory by uplifting Laverne Cox. Who is a leading LGBTQ+ artist that inspires you?
Photo of Dr Debi Thomas on a dark purple background with golden moons. Text reads “Two-time national champion, 1986 World Champion, and Olympic bronze medalist, Dr. Debi Thomas is not only the most famous Black American figure skater, she also graduated from medical school in 1997. In 2023, she competed in the World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships at the age of 56.”
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we want to acknowledge Dr. Debi Thomas.
Who is a Black athlete that you believe deserves more recognition?
I saw Judith Hill at Crossroads Festival in 2023 and she completely blew my mind. Plus she played with her parents who were also amazing musicians.
More people should listen to and talk about Judith Hill! #BlackMagicalHistory
Love to see Song of the South remade as a celebration and uplifting of Black art and resilience through chattel slavery. #BlackMagicalHistory
I haven’t been able to see many August Wilson works on stage but I did get to see Denzel and Viola Davis in Fences on Broadway and it holds a special place in my heart and mind. #BlackMagicalHistory
Photograph of playwright August Wilson in front of a wall of printed pages on a dark purple background with golden stars. Text reads “August Wilson is a Pulitzer-prize and Tony Award winning playwright best known for his series of ten plays known as The Pittsburgh Cycle which showcased Black American life in the 20th Century in all its complexity. When Wilson passed away in 2005, the Virginia Theater was renamed the August Wilson Theater making it the first Broadway Theater to be named after a Black American.”
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory, we want to highlight Pulitzer and Tony Award winning playwright, August Wilson.
What is your favorite August Wilson work?
Writer and Distinguised Professor of English at USC, Percival Everett is a prolific writer who can often be found on the finalist lists of the most prestigious literary awards. He writes across genres, authoring poetry, children’s literature, and genre fiction to name a few. His latest work James, won the National Book Award and cemented his place as a literary icon.
Writer and Distinguised Professor of English at USC, Percival Everett is a prolific writer who can often be found on the finalist lists of the most prestigious literary awards.
What’s a classic (racist) story that you’d want to reimagine from a Black character’s perspective? #BlackMagicalHistory
Peggy Jones The Queen Mother of Guitar, Peggy Jones became the archetype of rock n roll’s female lead guitarist. Peggy Jones was a member of Bo Diddley’s band where she also earned the nickname “Lady Bo”. Peggy was married to Diddley’s bass player from 1968 until her death in 2015. Proving that a successful career and relationship in the music industry is possible.
The Queen Mother of Guitar, Peggy Jones was the archetype of rock n roll’s female lead guitarist. A member of Bo Diddley’s band, she earned the nickname “Lady Bo”.
Which Black female guitarist do you admire?
#BlackMagicalHistory
Photo of Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein on a purple celestialChanda Prescod-Weinstein is a theoretical physicist and Black feminist who reminds us that Black people, like all people, are made of star stuff and intricately connected to the universe we’re a part of. Only the 54th Black American woman* to earn a Ph.D in physics, Dr. Prescod-Weinsten works to ensure that more underrepresented groups have the opportunity to participate in the study of the universe through physics." background with the text "
Named a shaper of science herself, Dr. Prescod-Weinstein reminds us that Black people have practiced and shaped science even before we were awarded for it and as our knowledge was exploited during enslavement. Who is a Black shaper of science in your family or local community?
#BlackMagicalHistory
Her predecessor is now the Vice Provost for Faculty, and she is also a chemical engineering rock star Dr. Paula T. Hammond. DEI that buttheads.
#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMagicalHistory
cheme.mit.edu/profile/paul...
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Jacob Lawrence
Lois Mailou Jones
Aaron Douglas
Laura Wheeler Waring
Ernie Barnes
Romare Bearden
Mickalene Thomas
Kara Walker
#BlackMagicalHistory
Portrait of artist HIlda Wilkinson Brown and her 1933 painting "Young man studying". Text reads "Her earliest work can be found in The Crisis magazine and The Brownies’ Book published by WEB DuBois. Artist and teacher, Hilda was born and lived in Washington DC, Hilda’s art portrayed the LeDroit Park community and people. Her work can be found in the nation’s most renowned museums from the Smithsonian to the Art Institute of Chicago."
Today we recognize artist and teacher Hilda Wilkinson Brown. Who is a Black artist you feel deserves more recognition? #BlackMagicalHistory
Issa can write a messy, chaotic, brilliant ass bitch and I love/hate all of them. But Shawna had me ready to lay hands! Truly a master in flawed protagonists you have to root for despite all good sense 💀 #BlackMagicalHistory
Photo of actor and producer Issa Rae on a purple background. Text reads "Issa Rae first found success on YouTube with Awkward Black Girl and hasn’t stopped producing hit after hit. Her work reminds us that though Black people share similarities, our magic is in our diversity, and that it is more than fine to loudly and proudly proclaim to be rooting for everybody Black."
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory we uplift actor and producer, Issa Rae.
Which of Issa Rae’s protagonists is your favorite (or favorite to hate)?
Picture of tennis pro, Naomi Osaka in a white face mask that has Emmett Till's name on it. Text reads "Naomi Osaka has won seven tennis singles titles, including 4 major titles, and was the first Asian player to be ranked 1 in the world. Beyond the tennis court though Osaka has been outspoken in advocating for mental health and against racial violence. Named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and included in the Times 100 Most Influential People in 2020, Osaka stands out on and off the court."
Today for #BlackMagicalHistory month we celebrate Naomi Osaka, who stands out on and off the court.
Who is your favorite Black athlete dominating a traditionally and overwhelmingly white sport?
Photo of poet Nikki Gionanni in a golden sunflower frame. The text reads "A world-renowned poet and pillar of the Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni authored more than 30 books and reflected the beauty and complexities of Black queer womanhood. Also a distinguished professor Giovanni mentored and encouraged future generations of Black literary talent."
Today's SUPER figure in #BlackMagicalHistory is poet Nikki Giovanni. Who is a Black poet that has inspired you?
Photo of author Tracy Deonn on a purple background with stars and moons. The text reads "Tracy Deonn, author of the Legendborn Cycle, this fantasy series is beloved for its Black girl magic, ancestral power, and exploration of the realities of being a “first.” Inflicting pain on her readers fuels Tracy’s literary brilliance and brings her as much joy as it brings her readers emotional damage."
Today in #BlackMagicalHistory, we’re shouting out Tracy Deonn, author of the Legendborn Cycle! We love this series, but we’re watching closely for the pain she’s about to put us through when Oathbound drops.
Would you rather walk through your ancestors’ memories or summon them for advice?
Photo of rapper Kendrick Lamar holding 5 Grammy awards in a golden half-moon frame on a dark purple background. The text reads: "A Pulitzer prize-winning master of words and maestro of hate, we’re ready for Kendrick Lamar to Squabble Up this weekend at the Super Bowl!"
Day 7 of #BlackMagicalHistory we acknowledge the magic in elevating your talent to art, even if that talent is hate.
What are you hoping to see in Kendrick's Super Bowl performance?
A photo of professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in a golden star frame on a dark purple background. The text reads "Henry Louis Gates, Jr is a professor and filmmaker whose work mostly focuses on the Black American experience. While Gates is most well known for combining genealogy and genetic DNA research in Finding Your Roots on PBS, he has published numerous books and produced several documentary programs that have chronicled the Black Church, Gospel music, and The Great Migration."
Today our #BlackMagicalHistory spotlight is pointed toward academia. Henry Louis Gates has made a career of bringing the contributions of Black America to the forefront. Have you been watching his @pbs.org The Great Migration docuseries?
What Black academic inspires you?
