Black Love Day

Black Love Day is observed on February 13, serving as a cultural alternative and spiritual precursor to Valentine’s Day. Founded in 1993, this holiday focuses on the healing power of love within the Black community and the broader African diaspora. While romance is included, the day emphasizes five specific tenets: love for the Creator, for self, for family, for the community, and for the Black race. It is a time for atonement, reconciliation, and the intentional demonstration of peace to counter social divisions and violence.

History of Black Love Day

Ayo Handy-Kendi, a community organizer and founder of the African American Holiday Association, established Black Love Day in Washington, D.C. She was inspired to create the holiday after viewing the film Malcolm X, feeling a spiritual call to foster unity and racial healing. The observance was officially launched in 1993, making it the third nationally commemorated African American holiday after Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Its creation was a direct response to rising crime rates and the crack cocaine epidemic of the early 1990s, aiming to replace cycles of violence with a culture of care and mutual respect. ¹

In 1994, the holiday gained a deeper emotional dimension after the founder lost her son to violence. This tragedy led to the integration of the “Ritual of Reconciliation,” a cornerstone of the day where participants actively forgive those who have wronged them or offer apologies for their own mistakes. Over the decades, the holiday has grown from a local initiative into a global movement recognized by various municipal governments and community organizations. It remains rooted in African-centered values, utilizing traditional symbols and concepts to strengthen the social fabric of Black neighborhoods.

Why is Black Love Day important?

The significance of this day lies in its focus on love as a tool for social and emotional survival. By dedicating a full 24 hours to “love in action,” the holiday encourages individuals to actively dismantle negative stereotypes and self-hatred. It provides a structured framework for community members to reconnect with their heritage and with one another, fostering a sense of collective identity that transcends individual struggles. This focus on internal healing is seen as a necessary foundation for achieving broader social justice and economic resilience.

For those outside the Black community, the day offers an opportunity for “love in action” through introspection regarding racial attitudes and behaviors. It promotes a universal message of peace and reconciliation, suggesting that the practice of genuine love can serve as a solution to systemic conflict. By highlighting the Akoma—the West African Adinkra symbol for the heart—the holiday reminds participants to practice patience and endurance in all their relationships. It serves as a vital reminder that love is a proactive choice that requires consistent effort and intentionality.

• The holiday promotes a moratorium on violence to increase neighborhood peace.
• It encourages the recycling of Black dollars by supporting minority-owned businesses.
• Participants use the day to practice five tenets of love for holistic healing.
• The observance provides a spiritual alternative to commercialized romantic holidays.
• It strengthens family bonds through the ritual of forgiveness and atonement.

How to Celebrate Black Love Day

Observing the holiday involves performing at least five specific acts of kindness that correspond to the established tenets. Many participants start the day with the greeting “Nya Akoma,” which translates from the Akan language as “get a heart” or “be patient.” Traditional celebrations often include community relationship ceremonies, poetry readings, and drumming circles that honor African ancestry. Displaying the Akoma symbol in homes or on clothing serves as a visual commitment to the day’s goals of faithfulness and goodwill.

Practical observance often includes personal rituals like journaling about self-worth or reaching out to estranged family members to reconcile past differences. Gift-giving is common, but with an emphasis on “conscious” gifts purchased from Black merchants to strengthen the local economy. For many, the day is also a time for educational engagement, such as reading “The Black Love Book” or watching films that portray Black joy and resilience. The celebration concludes with a renewed commitment to carry the principles of the day throughout the entire year.

• Greet others with Nya Akoma to spread the message of patience.
• Perform a specific act of service for a community organization or neighbor.
• Purchase goods and services from local Black-owned shops and vendors.
• Participate in a reconciliation ritual to forgive a past grievance.
• Display the Akoma heart symbol to show support for communal unity.

Black Love Day Dates Table

1. https://www.africanamericanholidays.org/[↩]