As a mother who relies heavily on Target for all our household necessities—from diapers to snacks to sleep aids—this store has become our family’s essential destination. Known for offering everything we didn’t even realize we needed, Target never fails to impress.
This year, Target has truly outdone itself by launching its Black History Month (BHM) displays both in-store and online. With a diverse range of products including apparel, books, music, toys, and beauty items, my family is buzzing with excitement.
For over ten years, we have celebrated Black History Month every February. Our journey began when our eldest child was just three months old, as we introduced her to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through our experience as a multiracial family formed by adoption, we have embraced BHM as a cherished family tradition. However, we recognize that our black children—four in total—are not just black for the 28 (or 29) days of February; their heritage and history are vital all year long. This aligns perfectly with Target’s BHM slogan, which emphasizes celebrating black history every day.
Since Target first began creating merchandise for BHM several years ago, it has expanded this year to feature a dedicated webpage, showcasing products that celebrate black culture. Included are stories of two remarkable black female entrepreneurs, Melissa Thomas from The Lip Bar and Emma Johnson from Alikay Naturals, whose products are now available at Target.
This year’s collection includes vibrant graphic tees, hoodies, and even dresses. Our favorites feature a colorful shirt highlighting eight black inventors and their groundbreaking innovations and a striking gold tee representing nine historic figures like Sojourner Truth and Langston Hughes. With affirmations like “beauty in every shade” and “black is beautiful,” these bold messages serve as essential reminders of the importance of black identity.
Many people question the need for Black History Month, and I explain that mainstream education has often overlooked black contributions to our nation’s history. While some narratives are painful, there are also stories of triumph that deserve recognition. For instance, Target offers a baby onesie featuring the names of Martin, Maya, Harriet, Malcolm, and Frederick. Can you identify these influential figures without looking them up? Remember, black history is a fundamental part of human history, and it’s crucial for everyone to appreciate it.
Contrary to the belief that children don’t notice race, my kids have been aware of their unique identities since they were young. I recall a moment when my daughter, as a toddler, spotted a woman with a beautiful afro and exclaimed, “Mom, that lady has hair like me!” Recognizing one’s own identity is important, and while celebrating black culture through merchandise is valuable, it is just one piece of a larger picture.
What is that bigger picture? My children are surrounded by strong racial mirrors—friends, family, mentors, and community members who uplift them and instill confidence in their identities. Parents of black children often go to great lengths to fortify their kids against the systemic racism and stereotypes that seek to undermine them. This can be as simple as sporting a hoodie with an empowering message or sharing stories that celebrate their heritage.
I hope that more companies will follow Target’s lead in creating a culture that acknowledges and celebrates black history. For too long, this history has been neglected, and having a major retailer like Target honor it is significant. My family is fully on board, and I hope yours is too. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post.
Summary:
Target has made a commendable effort to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of products that honor black culture and history. As a multiracial family, we appreciate the importance of recognizing black identity beyond just February, reinforcing the need for ongoing education and celebration of black contributions throughout the year.
Leave a Reply