Hi Friend,

It’s Black History Month, and a lot’s happening in the world. As we prepare to cheer for the history-making Super Bowl appearance of two starting Black quarterbacks, and either buzz in excitement or roll eyes at Beyonce’s official tour announcement (#TeamBey), we are forced to grapple with the persistent evils of America: more brutal police killings, another year of Black artists being seemingly snubbed on nominations by the Oscars and Grammys, increasing maternal mortality rates for Black women, and racist abortion bans in 17 states and counting.

I can’t possibly speak for all Black people everywhere, but I, for one, am overwhelmed.

This Black History Month, as we fight to celebrate our Blackness in an America that consistently attempts to tamp down our pride with the wiles of white supremacy, I urge us to use all 28 days, as well as those that follow, to revel in the things that bring us unwavering joy and good vibes.

I’m joining my URGE colleagues in the celebration of all things Black, and the centering of Black queer voices, by participating in the Virtual Black History Month Book Club. We’re reading Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, the autobiography (or in her words, biomythography) of one of my personal favs, Audre Lorde. Click here to sign up for the virtual book club and join us on Wednesday, February 22nd to discuss as a group. The discussion will be led by two of URGE’s Our Folks fellows, Quasheba and Chloe. I can’t wait to dive in!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to catch lots of content dedicated to the celebration of Blackness and Black folk all month long.

In resilience,

Kwentoria Williams

(she/her)

Senior Communications Director

P.S. You can find a staff-curated Black History Month reading list at urge.org/bhm2023.

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