From studioID…
4 Institutions Standing Up for Black History Month 2025
By Anastasia Dyakovskaya
2025 has barely begun but already we’re seeing a cultural shift in how organizations are approaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — especially now that it’s Black History Month. What was once considered standard corporate responsibility is now a polarizing battleground, with some companies doubling down on their commitments while others quietly scale back.
In light of rulings against affirmative action and political pressure on brands that champion DEI initiatives, it’s clear that supporting Black communities in 2025 means going beyond celebration and standing on the side of what’s right.
In this climate, meaningful Black History Month campaigns aren’t just about acknowledgment — they’re about action.
This year’s best initiatives shun performative allyship and offer real community impact, education, and advocacy. Read on to see how four leading brands, sports teams, and even cities prove that honoring Black history isn’t a trend; it’s a civil responsibility.
Apple: Unity Rhythm
Campaign Details
Apple continues its tradition of commemorating Black History Month with the 2025 Black Unity Collection, a special-edition product line celebrating Black culture and community. Designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple, “Unity Rhythm” combines the colors of the Pan-African flag to create a vibrant Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch, as well as exclusive watch faces and iPhone wallpapers that make the campaign accessible to a wider audience.
Why It’s Best-in-Class
Beyond the product launch, the company also upholds a “longstanding commitment to advancing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities…[by] supporting several global organizations whose work focuses on elements of rhythm, creativity, and community.” These include music and cultural grants to arts foundations across the United States and around the world, among them Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music and The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans.
Most notable, however, is the fact that Apple’s shareholders flat-out rejected the proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research to cease their DEI efforts. Their response? “We believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world. We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations…and
we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”
Kansas City Chiefs: Heart of the Kingdom
Campaign Details
Earlier this month, the Kansas City Chiefs launched a campaign to celebrate and uplift Black women who have had a profound impact on the lives of the football team’s players, coaches, and staff. Through a series of short documentary-style videos, “Heart of the Kingdom” highlights the mothers, mentors, and trailblazers who helped shape the journeys of those within the NFL league.
“This Black History and Women’s History Month initiative honors those who uplift, guide, inspire, and shape the journeys of our players, coaches, and staff — both on and off the field,” says Lara Krug, the team’s Chief Media and Marketing Officer. “By celebrating their impact, we pay tribute to their legacy and inspire future generations to break barriers and make history.”
Why It’s Best-in-Class
Instead of generic messaging, the Chiefs went for a deeply personal and community-centered approach to shine a spotlight on real individuals whose contributions often go unrecognized. And with ongoing initiatives like Inspire Change, City Year Kansas City, and Kingdom United — a youth-focused education program designed to fight systemic racism — they create real impact well beyond February.
Public Broadcast Service (PBS): Block Party 2025
Campaign Details
As schools across the country face increasing restrictions on how Black history is taught, PBS and PBS KIDS are stepping in to ensure these important stories will still be told. With new and classic documentaries, films, and special episodes, this year’s Black History Month lineup features a steady stream of video content that explores various aspects of Black heritage, culture, and achievements.
“PBS is proud to celebrate Black history and heritage in February and beyond, and we’re especially excited about the stories that we’ll bring to life with the new slate in 2025,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming at PBS. “Legacy is such a powerful force in storytelling, and it naturally shines through our content in a way that we hope helps foster connection and invites everyone to learn from and engage with one another on a deeper level.”
Why It’s Best-in-Class
With state governments banning books, rewriting curriculum, and restricting DEI programs, PBS’s commitment to historical accuracy and meaningful programming is more critical than ever. But the nonprofit also offers a wealth of other resources that ensure Black history isn’t just remembered but actively expanded.
PBS’s commitment to educational content also takes center stage with expansive resources for parents and classroom teachers as well as other learning tools and an array of children’s programming — all centered on sharing the African American experience and the ongoing impact of Black history with audiences everywhere.
The City of Baltimore: Definitely Earned It
Campaign Details
As diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face political and legal challenges, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott launched the clever “Definitely Earned It” campaign as a direct response to those questioning the legitimacy of Black excellence. Daily Instagram posts throughout February will uplift and celebrate Black people from Baltimore and beyond who have, in Scott’s words, “definitely earned their place in Black history.”
“We have to be bigger and Blacker and louder than ever.” — Mayor Brandon Scott
The initiative emphasizes the significance of Black contributions across industries — particularly in fields where Black professionals have historically faced systemic barriers. Why? To “show people what it truly means when you have to work 10 times as hard,” Scott says, “when you have to work through systems that were built up for you to fail, when you have to make sure that you leave the door open for other folks coming behind you.” Why? Because there’s always more to the story.
Why It’s Best-in-Class
While some institutions have shied away from conversations about race and DEI, Baltimore’s leadership is leaning in, making a strong and unapologetic statement in support of Black communities. “Definitely Earns It” goes beyond celebration to challenge the current political climate, making it one of the most standout Black History Month initiatives of 2025. And by directly addressing the false narratives that seek to undermine Black achievements, the city sets a precedent for how other institutions can defend DEI in meaningful and impactful ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment