My Black Is Not a Toy

Young, Gifted and Black. Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud. Power to the People. A Change is Gonna Come. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. Fight the Power. Brown Skin Girl. I Am Not My Hair. Shea Butter Baby.

For decades, artists have expressed the beauty and struggles of being Black in America. From history-making highs to society-driven lows, the lyrics from these songs have calmed our spirits, inspired us to unite and served as a beacon of hope during our darkest hours.

 As we kick off Black History Month 2023, Herd Strategies will highlight individuals and organizations for their artistic contributions both locally and around the world. But we ask that you remember these artists walk in their truth every day. Their Black is not a toy, and we should celebrate them 365 days of the year – not just in February.

“My Black is not a toy. It's not something that you can pretend to be or use and discard when it's convenient. My Black is real. I wake up Black every morning and it stays with me when I sleep. You can't take my Black and kill it, chastise it, or try to mimic its beauty. My Black is who I am. It's my life - not yours to do with as you please. Stop trying to blame my Black, attack my Black, and take my Black for granted. I am Black. I live my Black. I love my Black. My Black is not a toy.”

— Denise J. Herd