As a certified LGBTQ boutique family-owned agency, diversity and inclusion quite literally flows through our veins at BKN Creative. But with that, we still have growth – like many organizations across the world. And while we focus on highlighting all of our diverse friends, family, and clients all year long, this month, in particular, is of extreme importance for all humans.
History.com states that Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and is a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This month-long celebration grew out of, “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian, Carter G. Woodson, and other prominent African Americans. According to the NAACP, Woodson fervently believed that Black people should be proud of their heritage and all Americans should understand the largely overlooked achievements of Black Americans – and we wholeheartedly agree.
First launched in February 1926, “Negro History Week” was specifically created to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. The concept was later expanded into Black History Month and remains an incredibly important focus to this day. With necessary movements like Black Lives Matter, founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, Black History Month highlights not only those who have stood up and fought for equal rights with the understanding that all people, regardless of color, must be treated equal but for those individuals who have made an incredible impact in US history that have historically gone unnoticed – we see you.
A note from our CEO, Kevin Tydlaska-Dziedzic –
“As a human living a different experience based on the white privilege I was simply granted at birth, which is vastly different than that of our black brothers, sisters, and non-binary family and friends, I thought it best to hear from a dear friend of mine, and a client of BKN Creative, on what this month means to her.
To Lakendria Robinson, your energy, your passion, and your love for all humans is incredibly inspiring. Your voice is a voice that is meant to bring all races together. I am lucky, WE are lucky to call you family. Thank you for your contributions in this world, and thank you for the impact your strength will have on future generations.”
Read LaKendria’s words below.
Q. What does Black History Month mean to you?
A. Black Americans and their contributions have often been erased from history, so Black History Month is a time to intentionally acknowledge, reflect, and celebrate the many contributions that have been made to our society.
Q. How does The Orenda Co. make Black History Month last all year long?
A. The Orenda Collective was born to bring awareness to Black businesses and communities who are doing phenomenal things in the Tampa Bay community and connecting those businesses to opportunities that can catapult their success. Our firm is dedicated to creating initiatives that support Black business prosperity and partnering with those organizations that have the same dedication.
Q. What can White people do better to embrace your community?
A. Educate yourself on the Black experience and how history continues to perpetuate certain experiences. This does not mean placing the burden of explanation on Black people you know. Instead, it means read books that document the Black experience, subscribe to and listen to reputable podcasts, watch documentaries, etc. that help you understand how we got here.
Q. What is your message and advice for Black youth?
A. Don’t be afraid to be a cultural disrupter. Change the rules, challenge the status quo and create a world that is better for all of us to live in (even if we give you push back). The power is in your hands, so don’t be afraid to use it to transform the community in which you live, work, and play.
Q. What are your favorite Black businesses in the Tampa Bay community?
A. A few of my favorite Black businesses in Tampa Bay are:
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- 7th & Grove
- 7thandgrove.com/
- @7thandgrove
- Shear Utopia
- kokodabarber.com/
- @shearutopiasalon
- Canviiy
- canviiy.com/
- @canviiy
- Blue Sage Eco Boutique
- blue-sageboutique.com/
- @bluesageboutique
- Renew Construction Services
- renewconstructionservices.com/
- @robynd813
- Envision Construction Services
- envision-cs.com/
- @envisioncstampa
- Livy O’s Catering
- livyos.com/
- @livyoscateringco
- Pop Goes the Waffle
- popgoesthewaffle.com
- @popgoesthewaffle
- Stringz Attached LLC
- thestringzattached.com
- @thestringzattached
- Royal Events & Services
- royaleventsservices.com
- @royaleventsandservices
- CCS Marketing
- ccsmarketing.com
- @ccsmarketing
- Ratpack Worldwide Security
- ratpacksecurity.com
- @ratpackworldwidesecurity
- Ice Cold Air & Auto (410 South Dale Mabry)
- icecoldair.com/locations/410-south-dale-mabry
- @410icecoldair
- 7th & Grove
