How to Celebrate Black History Month on Social Media

Wondering how your brand can celebrate Black History Month on social media?

Sharing about Black History Month on social media is the ultimate way to show your appreciation to all of the black heroes who paved the way and a reminder to keep their legacies alive.

It’s important for brands and creators to go beyond the typical––this is the perfect time to educate your audience, promote black creators or businesses, and take a stand for change. 

Keep scrolling for some great ideas on how your brand can honor the event on social media! 🖤

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Why Brands Should Celebrate Black History Month on Social Media

#1: Short History Lesson

Since 1976, each president of the United States has declared February as Black History Month in honor of the ASALH organization and the work of Carter G. Woodson.

This organization was founded in 1915 and was devoted to studying the accomplishments of African Americans and other people of African heritage.

In 1926, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) declared that the second week of February should be set aside to recognize the birthdates of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. 

The purpose of this was to encourage schools and communities to create events and lectures in order to teach Black history in a way that had never been done before. 

Mayors all over the country continued to issue proclamations throughout the 1960s to celebrate this week. 

In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared this week a national observance and transformed it into an entire month of festivities.

Currently, Black History Month is celebrated in multiple countries beyond the United States, such as Canada and the UK.

#2: The Importance of Diversity in Marketing

It is essential to have a variety of marketing strategies to appeal to everyone in your target audience!

In addition to commemorating Black History Month on social media, forming relationships with black-owned businesses and creators every month will help to build strong connections. 

It’s not enough to just post on social media––companies need to also ensure that their values are consistent internally and externally.

Take a look at how The Trade Desk talks about diversity in marketing during their “Asking for a friend” series.

5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month on Social Media

Here are five ways to show up on social media diverse and inclusive:

1. Creator and Business Spotlights
2. Passing the Mic
3. History Lessons and Noteworthy Facts
4. Quote Posts
5. Advocate for Change

#1: Creator and Business Spotlights

A great way to support black creators and businesses in your field is to create a series of posts on your social media that feature them. 

This can be a carousel post, which shows a variety of pictures or videos, with each post telling your audience about a different black creator, their work, and why you admire them. 

This is a great way to introduce your followers to people and brands they can support.

#2: Passing the Mic

The concept of “passing the mic” is to give black people the opportunity to share their stories in their own words while providing support from the sidelines. 

This could look like hosting an Instagram Stories takeover to let black creators come on and explain their perspectives or take one step further and transfer control of the platform over to them in order to amplify their voice and story more.

GoDaddy has done a great job with this by passing the mic to Actress and Filmmaker Andrea Lewis of JungleWildProductions to talk about how you can support black-owned Businesses through partnerships.

#3: History Lessons and Noteworthy Facts

For Black History Month, we urge brands to go beyond the traditional choices when celebrating.

Investigate and find lesser-known stories to highlight, such as Alfred Craelle, the inventor of the ice cream scoop. 🍨

For businesses, consider talking about Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America. 💸

Non-profits can share clips about the Black pioneers who have inspired or advocated for their cause.

These history lessons can be shared on various social media platforms, including Instagram Reels, Facebook Stories, Twitter threads, and YouTube videos.

Did you know: Vista Social Offers discounts to non-profit organizations? Get all the details here.

#4: Quote Posts

During Black History Month, many inspiring quotes from black leaders and voices are shared on social media. 

Inspiring content can help boost engagement for both brands and creators, and with so many inspirational black voices to amplify, the opportunities are endless.

You can also take advantage of quote posts by using them as a way to start a conversation.

Creating a carousel post of thought-provoking quotes or a powerful Reel can encourage those in your community to engage in deeper conversations.

#5: Support the Community and Advocate for Change

Black History Month is an excellent time to spread information about local community projects and provide ongoing financial aid to those in need within the community. 

Additionally, you can offer a special sale or discount and donate the proceeds to a charitable organization.

You can also use this month to focus on a problem within your industry and explain how you are trying to make a difference.

For example, 15 Percent Pledge has dedicated its efforts to advocating for major retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

Black History Month is a chance to promote awareness and build stronger connections with those you are trying to reach.

By establishing a successful social media plan, you will be helping to create a more inclusive digital environment in the years to come, not only in 2024.

Ready to plan and schedule your social media posts and videos? Vista Social makes it easy — get started today (for free)!