Black Love Day – February 13, 2025

History of Black Love Day

Black Love Day was created in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, popularly known as ‘Mama Ayo,’ an author, breathologist, and founder of the African American Holiday Association (AAHA). In January 1993, Handy-Kendi watched Malcolm X shot down by other black people, and was particularly moved by the incident. As she sat alone on a bus on her way back home, her thoughts drifted to what she could do to stop the violence and engender peace. Recalling that moment, Handy-Kendi said — “I heard the creator say to me that we need more black love.” This was what inspired her to celebrate Black Love Day in February that year. After losing her son to an act of violence, she celebrated the day once again, the following year.

In an interview with ‘The Daily Dot’, Handy-Kendi explained how the day was to be celebrated. Said she — “We encourage people on this day to do something very simple — just demonstrate love for 24 hours, and celebrate and atone, offer forgiveness to ourselves and to others, and to accept the very important tenets — what we call the five black love tenets.” People are also encouraged to greet one another with Nya Akoma” — a phrase that means “get a heart” or “be patient.”

The celebrations have now expanded to include white people to “show love in action on Black Love Day,” thanks to a suggestion made by Handy-Kendi’s significant other. This inclusivity was needed so that both, the blacks and the whites, could heal their relationships and return to love. This necessitated that the whites examine their white privilege and racial attitudes. Today, on social media, Black Love Day has become a popular hashtag, thereby helping to spread more awareness about the day.