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Black History Month is an annual observance of the history, achievements and contributions of black people which takes place in October in the UK. As well as celebrating the contributions of historical and famous figures in the UK, this Black History Month, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for us to also celebrate each other and the smaller contributions that we make that all add up together to make a big difference.
Throughout the month of October, I want to celebrate what makes us ‘Black & Beautiful’. Not only all of our beautiful shades and hair textures but also celebrating our cultures, achievements and positive contributions on a big and small scale. This includes celebrating successful black entrepreneurs, social activists, teachers, authors, journalists, scientists, artists, designers - anyone that is making a difference to our communities, big or small.
Over on Instagram, I am holding my first Black History Month giveaway! I will be giving away a ‘Black & Beautiful’ gift set that includes a ‘Black & Beautiful’ pin and postcard set. To get involved all you have to do is tag someone in the comment section of my Instagram post who you think embodies what ‘Black & Beautiful means to you and why. It could your friend, sibling, parent, a celebrity - anyone that inspires you!
HOW TO ENTER:
- Follow @tiharasmith on Instagram
- Comment on the giveaway post tagging someone that embodies what 'Black & Beautiful' means to you and why.
The winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via Instagram DM within 7 days of the closing date. This giveaway is open to residents of the UK, Europe, USA and Caribbean. This giveaway is open to over 18s only. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. The giveaway will be closed at 23:59 (GMT) on 31st October. The winner will be contacted within 7 days of the closing date. If there is no response from the winner after 48 hours of contacting them, another winner will be chosen.
BLACK & BEAUTIFUL
‘Black & Beautiful’ is one of the statements that I have used throughout my work that emerged from the research for my Windrush inspired graduate collection. Whilst researching about the experience of the Windrush generation, I came across photographer Raphael Albert (born in Grenada, 1935). From the 1960s onward, Raphael documented and photographed the black experience in the UK which included black beauty pageants in London. In 1970, he established the Miss Black & Beautiful pageant, which inspired the statement used in my own work. Although beauty pageants are often criticised as they focus on the idea that women are primarily valued for their physical appearance, and many other valid arguments, the ‘Miss Black & Beautiful’ pageant could be commended for contributing to dispelling mainstream European beauty standards and nurturing a sense of pride in black women of their skin and natural hair textures.