From jewellery collections to big-name partnerships and product launches, more brands than ever are celebrating Black History Month this year in ways that truly give back. As we enter the back half of the important month, following a year of historic protest movements and calls for change thanks to movements like Black Lives Matter, it’s crucial that we put our money where our mouths are. Thanks to companies like Apple and beloved entertainers like Tynomi Banks, we can. Here, some of the month’s best Black History Month products that benefit worthy causes.
Roots collaborated with The Black Academy
Roots is selling made-in-Toronto face masks that offer a snug, contoured fit with improved breathability — and for a good cause. For every mask purchased on roots.com this month, the Canadian company will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Black Academy, an organization founded by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, dedicated to celebrating Black talent across the country.
Apple released its Black Unity collection
Designed to acknowledge and celebrate Black history and culture, this collection features a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, the Black Unity Sport Band and a Unity watch face. Available as of February 1, the launch was inspired by the call-to-action of both current and historic movements, and pays homage to the rich tradition of craft quilting in the Black community, celebrating the colours of the Pan-African flag, according to the brand.
The band, made from individual pieces of coloured fluoroelastomer, is laser-engraved with “Truth. Power. Solidarity.” The watch face boasts an ever-transforming pattern, changing as the Apple Watch moves.
Apple is supporting six global organizations — Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation; European Network Against Racism; International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights; Leadership Conference Education Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and Souls Grown Deep — with the proceeds from its sale.
Tynomi Banks released a line of apparel with Black Lives Matter Canada
Iconic Toronto-based drag entertainer and Canada’s Drag Race alum Tynomi Banks has officially partnered with Black Lives Matter Canada in honour of Black History Month. Together, they’ve created an exclusive line of merchandise in support of the movement.
The collection features hoodies and T-shirts, with text like “Protect Queer Black Youth,” “Black Lives Matter” and “Anti-Racist” on them. Another options features a photo of Banks, wearing a “Black Lives Matter” outfit, on the front. For the whole month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the movement.
Boma collaborated with The Cura Co. on a new jewellery collection
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Sustainable jewellery brand Boma has ramped up its diversity and inclusion efforts with the release of a new collection in partnership with The Cura Co. Sales from the “This Matter” Collection raise funds for organizations working in the pursuit of racial justice and redistribution. The diversity-focused line features a BLM “Power Pendant,” a “Say Their Names” slogan necklace and a raised fist “Power Signet” ring.
Available in sterling silver and sustainable brass, 100% of the proceeds go to the Black College Matters fund by Save Your VI, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The brand has also renewed their grant program, founded in 2020, for Black jewellery designers, and is committed to new initiatives that support diversity and inclusion.
Wuxly partnered with three local Black artists
Sustainable outerwear brand Wuxly has partnered with three local Black artists to create one-of-a-kind art pieces in honour of Black History Month. The brand gave Jabari Elliott, Imani Busby and Tafari Steele each one of their jackets to use as a canvas for their work. The jackets are currently on sale for $999 each, and all of the proceeds will go to a charity of the artist’s choice.
Révolutionnaire collaborated with Roots on a t-shirt
Founded with the purpose of “democratizing dance” and “revolutionizing nude apparel,” and now incorporating a wider scope of social empowerment initiatives, Révolutionnaire — a platform managed by sisters Nia Faith and Justice Faith — has partnered with Roots on the creation of a t-shirt to celebrate Black History Month. A donation from the sales of the shirts will go to The Black Academy, a Toronto-based division of the arts-focused not-for-profit B.L.A.C.K. (Building A Legacy in Acting, Cinema and Knowledge) Canada.
Artists partnered with Peloton instructors on an activewear collection
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The line of activewear released by Peloton features 18 pieces — everything from leggings to tank tops — designed by four Black artists. The pieces feature names like “Light The Way,” “Bring Your Whole Self” and “United We Move” and help bring to life the strength and zeal of Black history, according to Peloton.
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