3 Ways To Be Loud With Our Love

In 1993, Ayo Handy-Kendi declared February 13 “Black Love Day.” It was a day to uplift three things that building Black community asks of us: love, forgiveness, and acceptance. 

Here are three ways to celebrate Black Love Day every day this year. 

Love: Oshun Altar 

Orisha of love, sensuality, and fertility, Oshun is a powerful river deity who pours abundant love into our lives. 

Oshun’s altar could include yellow fabric, an Oshun candle, sunflowers, shells, mirrors, water, gold items, and honey.

Forgiveness: Letter Writing

There’s nothing more intimate than a love letter. Any letter that deepens our relationship with those we love is a love letter.

A letter offering forgiveness is one of the best love letters we can write this Black Love Day.

Acceptance: Loving Hearts Dinner

Many of us want to be with community on Black Love Day, but might not have access to our core community. 

Just like Valentine’s Day has a Lonely Hearts option for singles, you could host a Loving Hearts dinner for Black people wanting to build community.

Black Love Day falls on February 13, but we celebrate Black love and our Blackness 365 days a year.