As a devoted mom who stocks up on everything from diapers to desserts at Target, it’s safe to say we’re frequent visitors. The store serves as our one-stop shop for essentials and those delightful surprises we never knew we needed. This year, Target is once again delighting us by unveiling its Black History Month (BHM) displays and a dedicated webpage that highlights black culture and history. They’re showcasing a vibrant selection of clothing for kids and adults, books, music, toys, journals, and beauty items that my family is absolutely loving.
For over a decade, we’ve marked Black History Month every February. It all began when my oldest daughter was just three months old and we read her a board book about the influential Dr. King. As a multiracial family, my partner and I embraced the significance of this month as part of our family rituals. However, we quickly realized that our black children—four in total—are more than just black for those 28 (or 29) days in February. Their history is vital, not just in February but every single day of the year, which is why Target’s slogan for BHM resonates with us: “Celebrate black history all year long.”
Target has been rolling out special merchandise to honor Black History Month for a number of years, but this marks the first time they’ve launched a specific webpage dedicated to celebrating blackness. This page features stories about black female entrepreneurs whose products are available at Target, including Maya Carter from The Lip Bar and Lena Graham from Alikay Naturals.
This year, the selection includes some fantastic graphic tees, hoodies, and dresses. Personal favorites in our household include a colorful tee that highlights eight black inventors and their inventions, alongside a golden tee showcasing nine influential figures from black history, such as Sojourner Truth and Langston Hughes. Other items feature beloved characters from Black Panther and uplifting phrases like “beauty in every shade” and “black is beautiful.” These bold, unapologetic messages serve as essential reminders of the importance of blackness in our society.
Many have questioned the necessity of Black History Month, and I’ve explained that the realities of our history have often been overshadowed, leading to a lack of understanding about the significance of black history in our country. While some aspects of this history are painful and uncomfortable, it’s crucial that we acknowledge it. For instance, Target is selling a baby onesie that lists the names of Martin, Maya, Harriet, Malcolm, and Frederick. Can you name them and explain their contributions without looking them up? Remember, black history is human history, and we all should be aware and appreciative of it.
Additionally, some people argue that children don’t notice color, but I wholeheartedly disagree. From a young age, my kids recognized that their skin color is different from ours and enjoyed identifying others who reflect their appearance. I’ll never forget when my oldest, as a toddler, spotted a woman with a big afro and exclaimed, “Mom, that lady has hair like me!” Recognition and belonging are essential—and while celebrating blackness through merchandise is important, it’s just one aspect of a larger picture.
So, what is that bigger picture? My children are surrounded by positive racial mirrors—friends, family, mentors, and our community—who contribute to their sense of self-worth and confidence. Parents of black children often go to great lengths to uplift their kids, as the world can be relentless in its attempts to undermine them through systemic racism and stereotypes. This support can be found in small gestures, like wearing a hoodie that states, “I am the hope. I am the dream,” or reading inspiring books like Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. It also includes spending quality time with their mentors. Each of these actions holds significant value.
I genuinely hope that as time goes on, more companies follow Target’s lead in recognizing and celebrating black history. For too long, this history has been neglected, and having a beloved retailer step up to honor and celebrate black history and contemporary culture is groundbreaking. My family is on board, and I hope yours is too!
For more insights on diverse family structures, check out this post from Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in home insemination options, Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit provides helpful resources, and Mayo Clinic is an excellent source for understanding insemination procedures.
Summary
Target has launched its Black History Month campaign, showcasing a range of merchandise that celebrates black culture and history all year long. This initiative resonates deeply with my multiracial family, as we have long embraced Black History Month as a pivotal part of our family traditions. Celebrating blackness is essential, not just in February, but every day. We need to acknowledge and educate ourselves about black history, which is integral to human history, and support our children in recognizing their identity in a world that often overlooks it.
Keyphrase: Target Black History Month celebration
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